Sick ball python

[Asherah]

Hello all, it's been a while. I have a friend who just recently got into herp keeping with a hatchling ball python from a reputable local breeder. She sent me pictures today and called me very concerned. Her pet is lying upside down, has bumps on its body and is impacted. I advised her to see the vet in the morning, but frankly I'm afraid that's not going to help much. I just wanted to get a few other opinions. I'm afraid I need to prep her for the worst. Thoughts or ideas of what it might be? My fears are ibd.


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[Bogertophis]

Oh no...I'm so sorry! How long has she had the snake? Has it ever fed for her? (you mention "impaction"...is that based on appearance & assumption, or what?)

It could possibly be IBD or something else, but I agree it looks very serious, maybe fatal. The bumps are peculiar. Keep us posted, ok? Poor snake...

[tttaylorrr]

I'm super ignorant to health issues with BP (thankfully) but we're going to need a loooooot more info, as IBD is not a word to throw around lightly:

where did the snake come from?
what's the husbandry run-down?
when did the snake last eat and what?
are the bumps soft or hard to the touch?
what makes you suspect impaction?
what other symptoms are there?
is the snake even alive??

i can tell you now that this is likely not IBD, as most people throw that out there all the time when a snake is sick with 0 evidence of IBD. sometimes the first sign of IBD is an RI. i suspect an infection, likely a bad one. but again, i'm no expert.

that snake needs a vet like yesterday.

[Bogertophis]

Just guessing that "IBD" was mentioned because of the snake lying nearly upside down, but I agree you shouldn't jump to that conclusion at all.
The snake looks very uncomfortable & the bumps do suggest "major infection" to me as well. I hope your friend has a good herp vet nearby, this is
no time for a rookie. How suddenly did these symptoms occur?

[tttaylorrr]

this is no time for a rookie.

i felt stupid replying due to my own ignorance in these situations but i really want to help that poor snake and OP/the owner.

at least i can BAMP the thread since it's late.

[Asherah]

I'm super ignorant to health issues with BP (thankfully) but we're going to need a loooooot more info, as IBD is not a word to throw around lightly:

where did the snake come from?
what's the husbandry run-down?
when did the snake last eat and what?
are the bumps soft or hard to the touch?
what makes you suspect impaction?
what other symptoms are there?
is the snake even alive??

i can tell you now that this is likely not IBD, as most people throw that out there all the time when a snake is sick with 0 evidence of IBD. sometimes the first sign of IBD is an RI. i suspect an infection, likely a bad one. but again, i'm no expert.

that snake needs a vet like yesterday.

Given that it's not my animal, and i have not physically seen it, that's asking generally more information than I can give. It was, of last text with her, alive.
Impaction is suspected because 1. The appearance of her back end. 2. Info from the owner that she has not had a bm on the schedule that is normal for her. 3. Her last 3 movements per the owners words "were liquid with no feces."
I gave her guidance to set up the tank, from speaking with her temp and humidity should be correct - again I have not seen the animal.
She has had the snake a few months.
The bumps appear firm, but again, I haven't seen this animal in person.
She is displaying heavily neurological symptoms. She seems to be unable to right herself and will thrash/spin when trying to move.
I'm not saying that ibd is what this animal has, but that the symptoms generally fit and I am asking for other and/or corroborating opinions from people more knowledgeable than I.
So far as I know, a vet trip is pending in the morning.
My main intention with this post was to give the owner some information about potential issues that this could be and options for care until the animal could be seen by a vet.

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[Asherah]

Just guessing that "IBD" was mentioned because of the snake lying nearly upside down, but I agree you shouldn't jump to that conclusion at all.
The snake looks very uncomfortable & the bumps do suggest "major infection" to me as well. I hope your friend has a good herp vet nearby, this is
no time for a rookie. How suddenly did these symptoms occur?

The lying upside down happened today so far as I know. The bumps have been visible for a couple days.

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[tttaylorrr]

Given that it's not my animal, and i have not physically seen it, that's asking generally more information than I can give.

i apologize for the barrage of questions that you can't answer. any more info can help others help you and the owner/snake better.

is it possible to ask the owner to post here with more details?

a firm bump is alarming.

i'm wondering if a prey item has rotted in the stomach and caused a massive infection. this would be due to inadequate heat for digestion. this is why we need as much info as possible, as i can only speculate. i have 0 experience with this stuff and am just guessing.

i'm wondering aloud. again, i apologize for throwing a bunch of text at you; i just want to help.

[Asherah]

I should mention, I had her soak her in warm water to hopefully encourage a bm and relieve discomfort. She said that it appeared to help, but she had not passed anything as of last text.

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[Bogertophis]

We're all trying to help as best we can...I've never personally seen IBD (thankfully!), only on forums & some reading online. Can't blame anyone for at least
considering IBD with those neuro symptoms...but none of us are seeing the actual snake, & it's up to the vet to fully evaluate. I hope this is her only reptile?
About all she can do is keep the snake quiet for the time being, & get to the vet asap. (what rotten luck, for her AND the snake)