Weird bump

[Ruby]

Took Poppy to the vet today, they THINK its a possible infection or abscess. They want to start her on antibiotics but I read somewhere that antibiotics can screw up her body, Should I just listen to the vet and do it?

[Armiyana]

The downside with reptiles is that when they get an infection that forms and abscess, it tends to become a thick gunk that encapsulates and just kind of hangs around. To really get rid of it they may have to cut it open and clean it out.

There is a chance it was caught early enough that maybe it is still just some fluid and tissue irritation. In which case the antibiotics would help clear it up before it becomes more solid.

Sadly, I can't really give much advice other than some antibiotics can be more stressful or harmful than others...but I'm not a vet and can't really give any advice other than that.

[Bogertophis]

Took Poppy to the vet today, they THINK its a possible infection or abscess. They want to start her on antibiotics but I read somewhere that antibiotics can screw up her body, Should I just listen to the vet and do it?

You should listen to this vet unless you want to (& can afford) a second vet opinion. This vet's guess may be right, but it may not- I'm a very experienced snake keeper but not a vet, & I don't play one on here. None of us are seeing your snake in person either, so keep that in mind. This forum cannot take the place of a real vet, & should not be expected to do so.

But -IF there is no testing done to see what antibiotic WILL be effective against the issue at hand, it can totally miss the target (be ineffective) & yes, antibiotics have a bit of a downside too. They destroy both bad AND good bacteria- including the snake's good gut bacteria essential for digestion, which is why we recommend giving probiotics -only those made FOR snakes (& there's several on the market)- following antibiotic therapy.

It's not that unusual for vets to take an educated guess as to which antibiotic to use, in lieu of doing expensive lab work, & only you can make this decision- it's taking a chance, yes, as antibiotics are a bit hard on the snake's body (some drugs more than others) & they are best used when knowledgeably targeting the actual pathogen at hand.

Did they say WHICH antibiotic they suggest be used, & how it will be administered? (I'm asking for a reason...)

You might ask this vet more questions before deciding whether to proceed- they should answer them.

Another thing is that snakes generally have solid pus, & abscesses generally require surgical removal, so antibiotics might do very little, unless you left something out? Is this vet experienced with snakes? Are they listed with ARAV? https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 I ask because medical care for snakes is very different from other animals, as are which medications are safe to use. This is just my thoughts- you might wait for a Armiyana or Caitlin to weigh in on this also. I wouldn't make a snap decision just yet.

I see that Armiyana already replied while I was typing...

[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.

[Homebody]

Took Poppy to the vet today, they THINK its a possible infection or abscess. They want to start her on antibiotics but I read somewhere that antibiotics can screw up her body, Should I just listen to the vet and do it?

What tests did they do? X-ray? Sonogram?

[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. ❤️

[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.

[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.