Leonardo is sick, swelling/bleeding...

[Tannerrrtx]

my god thats crazy.

[Lesserlove]

I am anxious to hear what is wrong with him positive energy sent y'all's way!

[jbean7916]

The difference in those two pictures is the craziest thing ever! Hopefully you figure out what is wrong with the little guy.. That looks so miserable!

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[rabernet]

Oh bless his heart! I I know you have to be worried sick!

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[jbean7916]

Update?

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[majorleaguereptiles]

Now this is something I haven't seen. I'll call my vet and see if he's seen anything like this. Hopefully, he comes around. Wishing you the best.

[RoseyReps]

Appreciated Brant.

As for an update, there isn't much to report. He is still swelling randomly, eating, defecating, etc. The swelling continues to go down/respond with exercise. Sometimes it's a full day with no swelling, sometimes he swells 2-3x a day.

[majorleaguereptiles]

Appreciated Brant.

As for an update, there isn't much to report. He is still swelling randomly, eating, defecating, etc. The swelling continues to go down/respond with exercise. Sometimes it's a full day with no swelling, sometimes he swells 2-3x a day.

Any strange actions or behavior during swelling? After? Is he active? Inactive?

How do you thaw your rodents?

Do you notice it swell after feeding?

[majorleaguereptiles]

It seems like a freak injury to me. Maybe during breeding or something. Maybe a rupture of some sort of vessel. If blood gets trapped it would obviously have a tough time returning. But it needs blood to recover. I'd definitely try and keep inflammation down as much as possible and continue what you've been doing. Very strange!

[RoseyReps]

Any strange actions or behavior during swelling? After? Is he active? Inactive?

How do you thaw your rodents?

Do you notice it swell after feeding?

No strange behavior before/during/after. He has remained the same as prior to this issue. He eats religiously and is defecating/urinating regularly.

The rats were being thawed in tepid - warm water until fully thawed, then heated with hot water/heat lamp for about 30 seconds to bring them up to temp. He has since been switched to live large pups or weans from my own rat colony (per vet recommendation). The first feeding after switching, he did swell after feeding. Though his next feeding he did not, so I'm not sure if the first time was a result of feeding or a result of the seemingly random swelling.

Edit: As far as activity level, he is doing normal ball python style behavior. Hiding most of the day but switching hides from hot to cool normally, more active at night, and very active/tub cruising come feeding day. When handling him for his swelling exercise he is exploring/climbing without issue. Not flailing or staying balled. I can touch the swollen area without much reaction. If I go for it directly, he pulls his head, but if I slowly come from behind he doesn't pull back from pain etc. So I would say that's rather normal BP reaction.