Protruding bone?

[DjBorx]

Hello everybody, my first post here. I purchased my first Ball Python last week, she is around 50 cms long, 88 gr and around six months. I've done all the research prior hand and she (not sure of the sex but let's stick to she for now) has settled in just fine. Had the first feeding already.
Unfortunately couple of days ago I realised she was sold to me with mites and it's been very difficult and stressful, all the research I did was based on basic care and nothing mites related. Anyway, she is undergoing the treatment right now (ivermectin spray 1 ml per 100 ml of water, as advised by the pet, we don't get that prevent a mite thing here in Europe).
As I was handling her this morning, I noticed something that looks like a protruding bone or something similar, it's very small, and might be normal, but I thought I'd ask to more experience people just in case it might be something dangerous. I have added some pics so you can see what I mean.
Does any of you know what that could be and if it might be dangerous for the snake?
Thanks a lot!

[Kaorte]

Might be a small spinal kink. If so, it shouldn't be detrimental to her overall quality of life. If it grows in size then I would advise a vet visit. Until then keep an eye on it. If she is eating, pooping, and shedding okay, chances are everything is fine.

[DVirginiana]

I have a really old snake with what I guess must be arthritis that has little spinal kinks like that. It doesn't seem to bother him much if at all.

[DjBorx]

Perfect! Thank you!

[bcr229]

Looks like a tiny spinal kink. It just means you have a pet-quality rather than breeder-quality critter IMO.

As for the mites, look for a farm and livestock supply store that sells 10% permethrin insecticide. You can dilute it 3 milliliters in 2 liters of water, and use that the same way as you would use PAM.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Yep. Minor kink

[DjBorx]

Ok, as long as it doesn't affect the snake's quality of life... Do you think that it might grow bigger as the snake gets older?
Thanks for the advice bcr229, I've already started with ivermectin so might as well finish the treatment, I will definitely have a look at permethrin next time (which I hope it never comes!). From what you mention (pet-quality vs breeder-quality), I guess that this kink is not something that the snake is born with? She might have taken a fall or something was dropped on her. Is this the case usually with these kind of kinks?

[bcr229]

Usually they are born with it. One that small shouldn't affect her quality of life - she should still be able to eat, shed, poop, etc. I would just keep an eye on it over the years.

I wouldn't breed this animal in case it's genetic. Sure it's a low probability but given the number of BP's available, why take the risk?

My female Brazilian Rainbow boa produced two babies with kinks smaller than that - you can't see them, but you can feel them. I'm not selling those babies, they'll go to local, trusted pet-only homes, with the stipulation that they come back to me if the new owner can't keep them any more.