Medical Mystery : Her Face Looks Like A Balloon (Time For The Vet?)

[hotelvoodoo]

So, a couple of months ago my husband and I noticed that the right eye of our pumpkin champagne angel, Valentina, looked slightly sunken. Knowing that it can be tough to keep up the humidity during the summer we soaked her and kept spritzing her enclosure hoping it would dissipate with a shed or two.

Problem is, things have gotten weird. In the last week or so her face has inflated, like someone who has had an allergic reaction to something awful. Her lip on one side is very swollen and very weird looking. Her face just looks busted up. I'm not sure at all what is going on. Other than that she looks great and has actually been eating very steadily despite all of this.

Any ideas would be great. I'm hoping it's not something that could spread to the rest of the collection.

Is it time to take her to a vet? I'm always reticent to go see a vet considering the lack of truly great reptile vets out there, but I don't want it to get any worse.

[hotelvoodoo]

Her face. Sorry. They didn't post in the initial thread.

[RedDevil]

Definitely vet time. From the outside pics, looks kind of like mouth rot to me.

[John1982]

Could be an infection caused from stuck bedding or a broken tooth. Whatever the case, I think it's time for a vet visit.

[John1982]

Here's a starting point for reptile vets in the NC area.

Quote pulled from link on bp.net just below.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...d-Exotics-Vets

NORTH CAROLINA

Kannapolis

Dr. Griffin, DVM
Griffin Exotics
Avian & Exotic Veterinary Hospital
2100 Lane Street, Kannapolis, NC 28083
(704)-932-8111
http://www.griffinexotics.com/

Works with birds, rabbits, and reptiles, was recommended by a herp friend. Awesome job explaining everything that was going on during and after the boa exam. About 1.5 hours away from me but the drive is worth it!~(Karma)~

The rest of these were google searches.
http://www.herpvetconnection.com/nocarol.shtml

http://www.veterinarians.com/service.../nc/charlotte/

http://www.carolinavet.com/veterinar...-pet-services/

Good luck!

[rlditmars]

Mine looked just like that. It turned out the last rat she had eaten had bitten her in the gum under her lip and broken off two teeth and part of the jaw bone. The bite wound was deep because rats have long incisors, so it became infected. Vet time for sure!

[PitOnTheProwl]

Yeah I would have a et look for a broken tooth.
Been there a couple times.

[Albert Clark]

Critical time for a vet! Anytime there is a problem with the mouth of a snake it can ultimately end up with breathing difficulties. Good luck and I hope it's not serious.

[Albert Clark]

Critical time for a vet! Anytime there is a problem with the mouth of a snake it can ultimately end up with breathing difficulties. Good luck and hope it's not serious. Sorry for the double post.

[hotelvoodoo]

Thanks for the advice, guys. She has a vet appointment with an avian and exotics clinic in huntersville for thursday. I'll update the post when we know what's going on.