Doesn't pay to brag I guess. I've always been proud of the health of my nine various snakes. Well, so much for the run of luck. While cleaning my 6-foot argentines cage this evening I noticed something didn't look right. His lower gum on the right side is swollen and pinkish red. No mucus or excess saliva, no wheezing, just dry, swollen, and pinkish red. What was noticeable was his lip pushed slightly out. I'm going to take him to the vet after work tomorrow. Question for the experts or those who have had this happen. Is this fairly treatable in the early stages, as I would have to think it is since I check mine constantly? He just recently shed, might have started then, or maybe rubbing the cage too much. I know vets are not always herp specialist so is there anything I should push for such as a culture, or antibiotics? Are there things I should question if he recommends certain procedures? I think this has been caught early and I want the correct procedures enacted from the start if possible. Any suggestions? I will check back here sporadically through the day on Wednesday before taking him after work around 4:30 central time. Guess I'd like to have some idea of what to expect. Any replies greatly appreciated. 
Chuck
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Question for regs or experienced
Replies (2)
It could either be an infected tooth or an ulceration in the mouth. I am sure that either would not be too hard to treat. (I don't really know since it hasn't happened to me.) The REAL key is having a good vet that has a lot of experience with snakes. Hopefully yours is. Sorry I couldn't help more.
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."
Thanks for the come back John. I've made a couple calls today and have been told by credible sources how to deal with this. Still, I am going to go have him looked at first and most likely have the treatment performed by the vet first, so I will know what I am doing and know what to watch for. From what I was told, they believe it to be in the very early stage and easily treatable. Going to be a hoot working on him, he is loaded with attitude! Oh well, gotta be done. He's not much for biting, but can roar with the best of them. At a little over 6 foot and fairly girthy, he is a loud one! Later John.. Chuck
