Abscesses. An abscess is a pocket of bacterial infection, which in snakes may appear as a firm lump. Pus formed by snakes is solid, unlike the liquid pus formed by mammals. Because the pus cannot be drained, an abscess may require surgical, as well as medical therapy. Abscesses can be just a millimeter or two in diameter, or can grow very large. They may have a scab on the top. These bacterial infections can form at the site of a bite from live prey, cage mates or parasites. In these cases the bite mark may be obvious.

It is also common for snakes to develop many small abscesses within or just under unbroken skin. These are more easily felt than seen. If the infection did not arrive through external trauma, such as a bite, scratch or burn wound, it must have arrived internally. Frequently, skin infection is the outward manifestation of a more serious internal problem, septicemia, or blood poisoning. In these cases, the bacterium that causes the abscesses has been disseminated throughout the body, although we may only see the effects on the skin.

The source of bacteria is usually the snake himself or the prey. Most bacteria, given the right conditions and a host with a weakened immune system, are capable of causing some sort of disease. Some of the bacteria found on and in the body of a healthy, normal snake have the potential to be particularly dangerous. One of the best known is Salmonella. Potentially dangerous bacteria are also found in the snake's mouth, his digestive tract and waste. Some are found in the blood stream. When the environment is clean and well suited to the species, a snake in good health will not usually become ill; his immune system keeps the bacteria in check. Usually as a secondary invader, fungi can also become involved, complicating an already serious condition. Bacterial and fungal skin infections are generally related to a husbandry problem and should be treated by a veterinarian.

Blister disease is a life-threatening condition in which fluid-filled pockets form under the scales, lifting the scales. The surrounding skin may be abnormally pink, red or moist. These blisters are painful and are prime entry points for bacteria and fungus. Blister disease is largely due to improper husbandry. Usually the environment is inadequately heated, too moist or too dirty. Some bacterial or viral infections cause inflammation of blood vessels, interfering with normal circulation. The resulting fluid build-up can appear similar to blister disease. It is important to inspect the underside of your snake for irregularities in the color and normally smooth, dry contour of the large belly scales.
I really liked her.

What would be a fair way to go about it if I did decide to buy her? Ask him to take her to the vet first? Ask him for money back guarantee if she gets sick from it?