Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Help! After feeding our balls today we noticed a lump on our male. It's about an inch down from his head and roughly the size of a pea. It felt soft and didn't appear to bother him when we "examined it "(poked at it). It did not appear to hinder his appetite either, although not much does. I don't know if the lump was present before feeding. A while back the same snake had a lump further down his body but it was not as defined as this one. It seemed more swollen and vanished soon after (possible meal at a strange angle?). Can anyone offer some opinions or advice? Can I offer any more info that might clarify the situation?
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Thanks..... Caine53

1.1 rosy boas
0.1 dumerils boa
0.3 ball pythons- normasl
1.0 ball python- het for pie
1.0 ball python- pastel (brand new!!!)
1.0 corn snake
0.1 cat named POX

Could be fat deposits. Only way to know for sure what these lumps are, is to have them examined by a vet.
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PHLdyPayne

Are fat deposits common? Dangerous? If not a fat deposit what else might it be? Thanks for your help.
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Thanks..... Caine53

1.1 rosy boas
0.1 dumerils boa
0.3 ball pythons- normasl
1.0 ball python- het for pie
1.0 ball python- pastel (brand new!!!)
1.0 corn snake
0.1 cat named POX

>>Are fat deposits common?

An inch behind the head of a python? No.

>>If not a fat deposit what else might it be?

You didn't specify where on the neck this lump is. An abscess is always a likely suspect. Perhaps a fractured rib if on one of the sides.

Of course, if it immediately disappears like the other lump you mentioned, then that is the best kind of lump, so no need to worry.

The lump is more off to the side of the snake's neck. Whether it's still there or not, I think it's time for a check up. Thanks for your help and advice.
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Thanks..... Caine53

1.1 rosy boas
0.1 dumerils boa
0.3 ball pythons- normasl
1.0 ball python- het for pie
1.0 ball python- pastel (brand new!!!)
1.0 corn snake
0.1 cat named POX

If so it might have gotten bitten while it was wrapping it's pray up. I had this happen a few times. I don't know just a thought to throw out there. Anyways, hope it goes away for ya.
Casey

We do feed live and have dealt with that problem once or twice, as well as today with a different snake. I've never seen a lump form from it like this one. Plus, normally, with a bite there's some bleeding and the lump was "clean." Thanks for your thoughts.
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Thanks..... Caine53

1.1 rosy boas
0.1 dumerils boa
0.3 ball pythons- normasl
1.0 ball python- het for pie
1.0 ball python- pastel (brand new!!!)
1.0 corn snake
0.1 cat named POX

IF your snake were bitten and it didn't bleed, it seems to me it would be more likely to create an abscess than almost any other situation.

Taking your snake to a vet sound like the best option either way...

Good luck

~Rebecca
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0.1 Dumeril's Boa '04 (Courtney)
1.2 Ball Pythons
[1.0 '05 Orange Hypo (Specter)]
[0.1 '05 Het Orange Hypo (Sylvia)]
[0.1 '03 Normal (Sue)]
0.2 American Pit Bull Terriers (40lb darling lap dogs:Brandy&Mara)

.

The lump appears to be gone and the snake, in good shape but it's off to the vet just the same. Thanks to everyone for their help & advice.
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Thanks..... Caine53

1.1 rosy boas
0.1 dumerils boa
0.3 ball pythons- normasl
1.0 ball python- het for pie
1.0 ball python- pastel (brand new!!!)
1.0 corn snake
0.1 cat named POX