Ball python swollen neck

[Bogertophis]

Is there any other missing decor that would explain the lump? Snakes have swallowed towels, light bulbs, & all sort of things, but it's not common, that's for sure. At least she's not a picky eater.

[Bogertophis]

I'd for sure get the vet's help on this, so you don't make things worse. (KMG, I don't think they had time to contact the vet yet-?)

And massaging waste out of a snake is different, because that's going the direction it's supposed to go. For that matter, I've helped an exhausted bull snake lay some huge eggs, one of which was extra-large & stuck. But this could do some real harm because it's going the "wrong way".

[KMG]

I'd for sure get the vet's help on this, so you don't make things worse. (KMG, I don't think they had time to contact the vet yet-?)

Maybe not. Maybe I'm misunderstanding this, "Ive never had this happen before and contacted a vet near me that deals with reptiles."

[Bogertophis]

Maybe not. Maybe I'm misunderstanding this, "Ive never had this happen before and contacted a vet near me that deals with reptiles."

I'm guessing maybe they left a message because it's the weekend- in the next sentence, they're asking for recommended vets, & to me that indicates they haven't seen a vet yet. Wasn't very clear though.

[KMG]

I'd for sure get the vet's help on this, so you don't make things worse. (KMG, I don't think they had time to contact the vet yet-?)

And massaging waste out of a snake is different, because that's going the direction it's supposed to go. For that matter, I've helped an exhausted bull snake lay some huge eggs, one of which was extra-large & stuck. But this could do some real harm because it's going the "wrong way".

Well that's the direction a vet will most likely take it out being so close to the mouth. YouTube has videos of things being pulled out of snakes.

[Bogertophis]

Well that's the direction a vet will most likely take it out being so close to the mouth. YouTube has videos of things being pulled out of snakes.

Yes, with the snake being properly restrained & anesthetized for safety, the only possible direction to remove this "object" is back up the throat & through the mouth.

However, we do not advocate "do-it-yourself" medical care here based on what you find on YouTube- it's unethical & dangerous. The OP should get help from a vet for this snake.

[KMG]

However, we do not advocate "do-it-yourself" medical care here based on what you find on YouTube- it's unethical & dangerous. The OP should get help from a vet for this snake.

We? You and who? I missed that memo if I'm included in "we." I checked the rules again and didn't see it mentioned.

Seems I remember suggestions back in the day of bleach treatments for RI..... Or something like that, among other things. That was probably before you joined though, so maybe it's stopped? I'm not sure as I took a fairly long break from really participating.

Maybe it's best if I do again if I'm going against "we" think. As for what I said I gave my opinion off of the little information the OP gave. I guess the proper response was "go to a vet." But as I said the OP should do what they are comfortable with. I didn't say my idea was THE way or demand it be tried. Just offered my suggestion of what I MAY do.

I'll step away and leave y'all to it.

Good luck OP.

[KMG]

We? You and who? I missed that memo if I'm included in "we." I checked the rules again and didn't see it mentioned.

Seems I remember suggestions back in the day of bleach treatments for RI..... Or something like that, among other things. That was probably before you joined though, so maybe it's stopped? I'm not sure as I took a fairly long break from really participating.

Maybe it's best if I do again if I'm going against "we" think. As for what I said I gave my opinion off of the little information the OP gave. I guess the proper response was "go to a vet." But as I said the OP should do what they are comfortable with. I didn't say my idea was THE way or demand it be tried. Just offered my suggestion of what I MAY do.

I'll step away and leave y'all to it.

Good luck OP.

I searched. It was F10..... Not bleach.

[Bogertophis]

I searched. It was F10..... Not bleach.

Yes, I was going to mention that last night, but it was rather late... I know some think that nebulizing F10 is a good treatment, but to the best of my knowledge this was started or promoted by someone who's commercially selling snakes (I'm not going to name him here); my point being that taking such risks with "one's inventory" is not the same as risking a pet you actually care more about, & personally, having read the fine print on the F10 label, I can tell you that I'd want to hear a qualified veterinarian say this was safe & a recommended effective treatment for an RI before I'd suggest anyone try it, much less try it on any of my animals. There's plenty of bad information online already...I don't think we need to make any such contributions here, do you?

In any event, while we offer husbandry & health care suggestions on this site, it is WIDELY considered unethical for any of us to appear to be giving medical advice when a situation clearly belongs in professional hands. (It has nothing to do with "we-think".) And since the OP cannot safely sedate & restrain his snake at home, this is clearly a veterinary medical issue.

I don't think you'd actually feel good if someone (maybe trying to save $ by avoiding a vet visit, for example) were to take your suggestion seriously & attempt to do something that "you yourself felt comfortable doing" only to cause further injury or death to their pet, when it could have been avoided. PLEASE...consider that some readers here are more suggestible than others- and I don't have to explain to you how much gets "lost in translation" when "iffy" advice gets passed along, do I? We want this to be a good reliable forum when it comes to giving advice, & posts remain a long time for countless others to read.

...I guess the proper response was "go to a vet."...

YES, Bingo!

[Quality balls]

No other decor besides her hide and a water bowl. Im seeing a vet tomorrow hopefully they can get whatever is in there out. I guess what im most concerned about is if going to the vet and trying to get it out would be doing more damage than good or if she gets it down and causes impaction.