Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Help!! I have him in warm sugar water and I just noticed it this morning. it looks huge, should I self treat or take to the vet!

Chris Behof

If the prolapse has not receeded on its own by now, you need to get the animal to a vet ASAP. Keep it moist, clean and warm until then. The vet will make a small incision and put the prolapsed portion back in place. It will require a couple stitches and a month or two without feeding. In most cases, if the first meal is passed without another prolapse, the snake should be OK. Unfortunately, if the next defication causes another prolapse, it would be considered a chronic condition and the most humane thing is to put the animal down.

I lost my first burmese do to chronic prolapse, when he was still under 30 inches, and still one of the most beautiful burms I have ever seen. I sincerely hope this is not the case with your pet. Best of luck. - Brian

there are a couple of reasons for rectal prolapse, the major reason is because some people feel the need to over feed their snakes to get them to grow quicker and it is a lot of stress on their body. Another reason is stress itself. I have a female retic that prolapsed just because she got nervous and strained so hard to relieve herself figuring it would help her get out of where she was . a couple of stitches later and she was fine and should never have the problem again.so if it do to to much food to pass just cut the food down after the vet visit and you should be OK.
hope this helps