Ball python struggling to swallow

[SnakeMother22]

He's been at this small mouse for hours, and he's only managed to get it down to his throat. It's the normal size he usually takes but I think he's swallowed it wrong. It's too far gone for me too attempt to retrieve. He's been still for a couple hours now (still alive, I'm checking) but the mouse is still there. The shop owner we got him from doesn't open until another 4 1/2 hours. I don't know what to do.

[SnakeMother22]

He is also in shed.

[Bogertophis]

Can you post a photo? https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Post-Pictures

I've kept a great many snakes for literally decades & have never seen a snake that's unable to swallow a meal (unless it's too big), or one that has it stuck in the throat. Not sure what to tell you.

And if you need to find a vet nearest you, this can help: https://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661

[Bogertophis]

He is also in shed.

Being in shed doesn't make swallowing any more difficult. Though I highly recommend that you don't feed snakes when you know they're in shed- maybe he's trying to figure out how to upchuck it? And snakes don't regurgitate easily- in fact, they can aspirate into their lungs when they do that, which can be very bad for them, so it's best to avoid the situation.

When a snake is in shed, their body uses up extra water in their body in order to shed. Digestion also requires good hydration, & doing both at the same time sometimes makes the snake have a very bad shed (ie. shed in a zillion pieces or get stuck in the shed & need our help). So it's best to avoid putting them in that position- in the wild, they do not eat when in shed, & there's no "room service" as there is in captivity, so they're not tempted to eat. They instinctively lie low when in shed because of poor eyesight.

[SnakeMother22]

The mouse has gone down a bit and he has been a but more active but his mouth seems to be swollen.

[SnakeMother22]

The Images keep showing up black, sorry.

[SnakeMother22]

I will update soon, so far he's looking a bit blue and we're trying to get in contact with someone more professional.
There is more saliva and he keeps opening his mouth every so often.

[Homebody]

I will update soon, so far he's looking a bit blue and we're trying to get in contact with someone more professional.
There is more saliva and he keeps opening his mouth every so often.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Keeping you both in my thoughts. Hang in there.

[SnakeMother22]

We've been told by a previous zoo employee who has now opened his own practice that until the mouse moves further down, he won't be able to close his mouth. He says not to worry, snake is just eating it more slowly but if he's still like that in the morning and the mouse hasn't moved down at all, then to give him a call.
Snake will likely be OK he's just taking his time eating. He has been active and doesn't seem to be panicking or stressed at all.
Have just misted the terrarium I bit
Thank you both <3

[Homebody]

Snake will likely be OK he's just taking his time eating.

He's taking his time alright! 13+ hours! Good job keeping your head. I think I would have panicked and done something rash by now.