I have heard of the prolapsed hemipene and rectum many times before but unfortunately today it was my turn to experience this.
I work part time at a local Pet Store. We got 3 baby balls in on Friday which I sexed 2 males and a female. I checked them over when I worked on Saturday and everything was good.
Today I decided to feed them and noticed the smallest male (55 grams) had a huge fleshy organ hanging from his vent. I knew right away it was a prolapsed rectum. It was very dry and looked like it was 'peeling' (for lack of a better word) and was full of bedding.
(I was not able to get pictures as I did not have my camera with me today! Sorry.)
I made a separate enclosure for him with paper towels and cleaned up his rectum. I then proceeded to make a shallow sugar/water bath for him and soaked his rear in it for about 5 minutes while making a sugar/water paste. After I finished soaking him I put the paste onto the rectum which draws some fluid and causes minor shrinkage and also acts as a lubricant. Using a rubber glove I gently eased the prolapse back into the vent (very carefully) and massaged the area. It looked very sore. After the rectum was back into the vent I put some steroid-free neosporin on a band-aid and wrapped it around the vent to make sure it does not prolapse again.
I will check on him every day and remove the bandage in a couple of days. I will update you as he eats, heals, and passes urates and feces if anyone is interested.
I am pretty proud of myself for being able to act right away and saving this little guy. It has come a long way from knowing nothing about reptiles at all and it is thanks to you guys. Keep up the good work, your advice does not go unheard. A special thanks to this thread by Tim (http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=87612) for the pointers as well.
What a day!
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