Protruding vent?

[Apiedrabuena]

[INDENT]Hey guys. So at my job we have a pastel ball python who's vent protrudes like crazy when he is going to the bathroom. I have no idea what is causing it and it is really upsetting me. I've tried googling different possibilities but I can't put an answer to it. Maybe you guys can help

[PitOnTheProwl]

Could be starting a prolaps.
Does it go back in on its own?
Cant see the photo, my phone wont open it.

[Albert Clark]

Hey guys. So at my job we have a pastel ball python who's vent protrudes like crazy when he is going to the bathroom. I have no idea what is causing it and it is really upsetting me. I've tried googling different possibilities but I can't put an answer to it. Maybe you guys can help http://s79.photobucket.com/user/Aman...k0fz5.jpg.html

Wow! That looks pretty serious! Imo, it looks like a cloacal prolapse. Contact your local reptile vet for a definitive diagnosis.

[PitOnTheProwl]

That is a bad prolapse for sure.

[Apiedrabuena]

It does go back in on its own. Since I started working there I've noticed it happen and it does seem to be getting worse. This makes me so mad. I've been having a rough time because they kind of suck at taking our animals to the vet and I know this poor baby is going to be in the same situation.

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It does go back in on its own. Since I started working there I've noticed it happen and it does seem to be getting worse. This makes me so mad. I've been having a rough time because they kind of suck at taking our animals to the vet and I know this poor baby is going to be in the same situation.

[bcr229]

Wow, most of the time when they get that bad it requires a vet visit. If it's all back in now I'd suggest the following:
- Keep him well hydrated, it's thought that hard, dry urates and feces is one cause of a prolapse.
- Keep him on paper not substrate, and make sure his enclosure is kept scrupulously clean to reduce the chance of infection.
- Don't feed for a few weeks, if there's little or no "output" then that will help give it time to heal up.
- When you do feed offer much smaller meals than normal. Again, you want minimal feces. If he takes f/t then offer the feeders wet to keep his water intake up.
- If it happens again apply a thick paste of sugar with a little water to the area to keep it moist and encourage it to reduce faster.
- Also, not sure what your store policy is, but the customer that buys him will need full disclosure of his medical issues.

[Apiedrabuena]

Absolutely. He's on paper towel substrate and eating smal mice. He's a shy eater so if you leave the mouse in the tank he will go for it as soon as you leave the room. So if he skips his next couple of meals there is a chance he will heal up? He's actually in our back room so no one would be able to purchase him. My heart breaks for him. He's been through so much and it's a shame our policies suck so bad.

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Absolutely. He's on paper towel substrate and eating smal mice. He's a shy eater so if you leave the mouse in the tank he will go for it as soon as you leave the room. So if he skips his next couple of meals there is a chance he will heal up? He's actually in our back room so no one would be able to purchase him. My heart breaks for him. He's been through so much and it's a shame our policies suck so bad.

[JoshSloane]

In my opinion this animal needs to be seen by a vet. You can mention to your boss at the store that there are laws in each state that require people who sell animals to provide basic veterinary care to sick or injured animals they have in the store. You can also contact a local reptile rescue, often they have vets that will work with sick herps for free. Obviously at that point the animal would no longer be able to be sold. At some point the issue will need to be addressed. I would NOT sell this animal until it is seen.