Weird bump

[Armiyana]

Hahah, It was a quickie as I'm surfing while waiting for an ultrasound myself. Lol.

I agree on a second opinion if you could afford it.
They should definitely be able to culture a sample from a needle draw to see what it is and what to treat it with.

[Bogertophis]

Hahah, It was a quickie as I'm surfing while waiting for an ultrasound myself. Lol.

I agree on a second opinion if you could afford it.
They should definitely be able to culture a sample from a needle draw to see what it is and what to treat it with.

That's what I was thinking too- it needs "culture & sensitivity" lab work for a better chance of an antibiotic working. And a needle draw would help ensure that this actually IS an infection.

[Bogertophis]

Ruby, I'm sorry that there isn't really an easy answer on this.

[Ruby]

Update: They already injected her with an antibiotic called ceftazidime.
I think I trust this vet, he seems to know a lot. He has multiple degrees surrounding herpetology and treated many reptiles, He was also president of a reptile group that I forgot the name of. He took a tissue sample today and sent it to a lab, I'll get results in a week.

His guess was an abscess or a cancer. He did an X-ray and her heart was normal, the growth/abscess is in front of her heart.

Because of where it is located, he won't do any surgeries if it is a tumor, I'm hoping it's just an abscess. He didn't drain it, so I assume it's still in the early stages? I'm going to the vet every 3 days for an antibiotic injection. Should I start the probiotics now? Or after the antibiotic treatment?

Thank you all for your help, I'm so happy I'm apart of this community. ❤️

[Bogertophis]

Update: They already injected her with an antibiotic called ceftazidime.
I think I trust this vet, he seems to know a lot. He has multiple degrees surrounding herpetology and treated many reptiles, He was also president of a reptile group that I forgot the name of. He took a tissue sample today and sent it to a lab, I'll get results in a week.

His guess was an abscess or a cancer. He did an X-ray and her heart was normal, the growth/abscess is in front of her heart.

Because of where it is located, he won't do any surgeries if it is a tumor, I'm hoping it's just an abscess. He didn't drain it, so I assume it's still in the early stages? I'm going to the vet every 3 days for an antibiotic injection. Should I start the probiotics now? Or after the antibiotic treatment?

Thank you all for your help, I'm so happy I'm apart of this community. ❤️

As Armiyana said, this extra info changes everything- Yes, listen to this vet! Also Never give probiotics to any animal (or person) while they're on any kind of antibiotic.

Probiotics are only appropriate AFTER all antibiotics are completed, as this vet will surely tell you. I would also ask your vet after you complete antibiotic therapy on this snake to make sure your vet is satisfied that no other antibiotics are needed.

We're glad you're here too- And we're all hoping the best for your beautiful snake.

[Ruby]

As Armiyana said, this extra info changes everything- Yes, listen to this vet! Also Never give probiotics to any animal (or person) while they're on any kind of antibiotic.

Probiotics are only appropriate AFTER all antibiotics are completed, as this vet will surely tell you. I would also ask your vet after you complete antibiotic therapy on this snake to make sure your vet is satisfied that no other antibiotics are needed.

We're glad you're here too- And we're all hoping the best for your beautiful snake.

Thanks for that info, Yeah I haven't asked the vet about probiotics yet, Ill ask after antibiotic therapy.
Thank you guys so much! 😊

[Bogertophis]

Thanks for that info, Yeah I haven't asked the vet about probiotics yet, Ill ask after antibiotic therapy.
Thank you guys so much! 😊

Both probiotics & antibiotics have their purposes, but they butt heads when used together. I'm so glad you asked about that, actually, because when one person asks, there's very likely a bunch of others that aren't posting, only reading along, that might be confused about the very same thing. We often talk about probiotics as being essentially harmless but if used improperly (at the same time as necessary antibiotic therapy) they can do bad things (like impair the needed medication).

[Ruby]

Update: Just got back from Poppy's vet appointment, the test results came back cancer-free!
She has an infection and the vet thinks its cellulitis or an infection caused by the mulch piece she ate a couple months ago.
We're going to continue the antibiotics every 3 days. Her bump has reduced A LOT, I cant tell where it is anymore.

Thank you guys so much ��

[Armiyana]

Oh... With all that extra info then, things look great.

The tissue sample will be more than enough for them to check what it is and if the antibiotic will work. (I worked at one of the labs they send samples like that too so I can guarantee if they check for one and see the other it will end up where it needs to be.)
The one shot given is pretty routine for general antibiotic in the meantime but if the results differ he can change it. So playing it safe in the meantime.

Fingers still crossed for you. I'm glad the heart isn't involved but that is still a scary area and a waiting game for you.