jaw problems....

[python.princess]

so, we fed our bp's last nite... no bigger rat than usual, maybe a little smaller even. but afterwards it looked like floyd was smiling at us. the right bottom jaw segment (not sure the tech. term) didn't pop back into place after he ate. i watched him for a while and he tried yawning a few times and started pushing his chin down on his tree. he eventually did get it right but i was pretty worried tho. we've had them over 2 years and have never seen this happen. i'm just wondering if it does happen again, what should i do? what if they don't fix it themselves? should i intervene? take them to a vet? i guess im just paranoid now, but i'd like to be prepared. any advice would be helpful

[MATT FISHER REPTILES]

i think you will be ok i would give him about 2 days and see if it still looks normal.

i had a boa once that would get his bottom lip stuck under top jaw. but after a few feedings it never happend again.

[JLC]

Sounds like everything is OK now, but I'd keep an eye on it for the next several days. I would consider a trip to the vet if the jaw stayed wonky for more than a day. OR...if in the days after an episode like that, I saw any signs of an oncoming infection...such as opened-mouth breathing, drooling, scabbing, swelling, etc around the mouth.