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  1. #1
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    Exclamation Fluid build-up under snake's skin

    My bp is just over a year and Is having this issues. It started off with one fluid filled blister (date size), almost looks like blood . I took her to the vet and he is giving her antibiotic shots every 3 days but she is not improving . Her entire tail is now filled with fluid . I’ve increased her temp to 100 degrees using paper towel as substrate and misting through out the day to keep humidity at 70 (minimum) she ate yesterday but had refused for the last 3 weeks to eat so she is very thin. She’s in a 30 gal tank and we keep one side cooler for her . We only feed frozen never live and she’s not been hurt . I only use lamps over top on screen so no chance of burning . I regularly check the temp and humidity in her tank and adjust as needed . She had a pretty bad shed this last time so I’m also soaking her in water every 2-3 days in 86 degree water for 10 minutes . I’m not sure what else to do to help her but I feel awful �� any advice is greatly appreciated .
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 03-26-2023 at 11:44 PM. Reason: changed word "similar" to "this" for clarity

  2. #2
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    (insert- Copy pasta magic from the other thread~)

    As far as your snake. You should probably be looking for a reptile specialist nearby for a second opinion. immediately.

    The only advice I can give is that your animal should be in a smaller quarantine tank. Try to keep her from exerting herself as much as possible. You should be using a thermostat controlled under tank heater and 100 is too hot. Part of the reason is because ball pythons are more nocturnal and the light can stress them out. Second, There is still a chance of her trying to climb to either get away or towards the lamp depending on what is really going on. I've seen some injure themselves from wedging themselves in weird places to get away from light and heat or burn themselves on the screen from trying to get towards the heat.
    If 3 weeks without food has left her 'very thin' then there is something else going on as well. A parasite or in her case, probably a systemic infection of some sort. Maybe even an organ failure if there's an excess of fluid in the rear end. (can also happen if the vet isn't familiar with reptiles and may not be using the correct protocols)

    If your vet hasn't already, I would ask about blood testing or culture testing regarding the discharge. If the antibiotic is the wrong kind, it's not going to help at all.

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  4. #3
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    Simply_Lissa- If you need or want to find another qualified veterinary opinion, this site is helpful: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

    You mentioned keeping the heat at 100*- that's about 10* over what is recommended for safety for a BP- & keep in mind that excessive heat can cause permanent neurological damage & death in snakes. I hope you're using an accurate device for checking the temperatures.

    I'm sure you realize that your snake is very seriously ill, so every little thing you can do, for safety or her health, is critically important.
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 03-27-2023 at 12:01 AM.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
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    Re: Fluid build-up under snake's skin

    Pictures of your bp with the focus on the problem areas will help us give you the most accurate advice. This thread will show you how to post them: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Post-Pictures.
    1.0 Normal Children's Python (2022 - present)
    1.0 Normal Ball Python (2019 - 2021)

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    As already mentioned by Armiyana above, a year-old BP shouldn't be so thin after just missing a meal 3 weeks ago. We can suggest husbandry improvements on this forum, & share our extensive experience & knowledge, but with a snake that is so ill as yours, you should be concentrating on following your vet's instructions (or seeking a second opinion from another qualified exotic/herp. vet if you wish) but even with pictures, there isn't much we can do here to be of help. It sounds like a very serious infection that your snake has- keep in mind that a snake's circulation in their tail is rather poor, so medications however strong will have difficulty combatting this, I'm sorry to say. We're glad to have you join us here, but truly sorry that it's under such difficult circumstances.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

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    Re: Fluid build-up under snake's skin

    Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
    As already mentioned by Armiyana above, a year-old BP shouldn't be so thin after just missing a meal 3 weeks ago. We can suggest husbandry improvements on this forum, & share our extensive experience & knowledge, but with a snake that is so ill as yours, you should be concentrating on following your vet's instructions (or seeking a second opinion from another qualified exotic/herp. vet if you wish) but even with pictures, there isn't much we can do here to be of help. It sounds like a very serious infection that your snake has- keep in mind that a snake's circulation in their tail is rather poor, so medications however strong will have difficulty combatting this, I'm sorry to say. We're glad to have you join us here, but truly sorry that it's under such difficult circumstances.
    Thank you to everyone for the replies . We are currently following the vets instructions which is why the temperature is so high . She has another appointment this afternoon . Fingers crossed for our girl . I can say last night she was more active and alert for her bath . Again , thank you all !

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    Armiyana (03-27-2023),Bogertophis (03-27-2023),Homebody (03-27-2023)

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