What does damaged hemipenes look like?

[Albert Clark]

Yesterday I was teaching my husband how to probe snakes. After I showed him I let him try. My husband was having a hard time getting the probe in. I showed him once more and again my husband could not do it. I told him we would try again later on a smaller snake. But today, the snake I was demonstrating on, had his hemipenes somewhat erect out of his cloaca. I smoothed the area to see if he was swollen and he sucked the hemipenes back in. I watch him for a few more minutes and it happened again. I smoothed it out again and I haven't seen anything since.

Could my husband, having difficulties, hurt my ball python? Does this usually happen? I am very worried. If I have to I will take him to a vet but until that time, I would like to know now. I have never personally hurt a snake while probing and I have done it for about two years myself and I have never had a snake with damaged hemipenes.

Certainly damage to the hemipenes occurs from inexperienced people doing it. How else is someone going to become familiar with the procedure if it's not practiced? You are experienced and that you were assisting him with the procedure is good. Hopefully it's just irritated and not punctured or torn internally. Did you guys use enough lubricant, ky, or surgilube prior because that is important as well. Keep an eye out for any bleeding and or swelling the next few days. I would refrain from handling him unnecessarily and keep a watch on the vent and tail regions. Consider a vet if you see any abnormal swelling or bleeding. Stay in peace and not pieces.