Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, this is really wierd. Flax's vent has been slightly open lately. I noticed it the other day, but he peed & pooped shortly after so I though it was just him getting ready for the stuff. I have heard of prolapse in lizards, is it possible in snakes?

I havent seen anything stick out any further than what the picture shows. Nothing seems to be drying out either, so that is good. Possibly because he loves his moist moss box so much.

I've never seen nor even heard of this happening in snakes, so I don't know if it will just take care of itself or not.

If I need to take him to the vet, what can they do? Is it an infection and this is just swelling tissues?

Any help appreciated... thanks!!

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Aubrey Ross

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www.SlipstreamSerpents.com

I also have heard of soaking lizards in sugar water to try to get the parts to expel any fluids and go back in.

I'm afraid I'm a bit un-learned in this department, and if this is a prolapse, don't know the correct procedure to get him better.

Does sugar water really work?
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Aubrey Ross

©
www.SlipstreamSerpents.com

It looks like very mild prolapse. I don't have any experience treating this condition but I have heard that the sugar water method doesn't work very well. Since this isn't extreme though, you might try it.

Most people reinsert the tissue themselves or have a vet do it. Your case is so mild that I would think it would go back in on its own in a few days.

In the meantime, you're right, watch out to make sure the tissue doesn't dry or become infected.
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Mike Lockwood
www.tooscaley.com

Thank you Mike, I'll definetely keep an eye on it and make sure it remains moist. I hope it doesn't get any worse because I have big plans for this stud!
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Aubrey Ross

©
www.SlipstreamSerpents.com

Sorry to see your animal like this. I have no experience with this, so I can not help. If you need a reptile vet and are willing to take him into the Chicago burbs - let me know. There is a vet that does the 2 times a month reptile show in Wheaton. He said that he sexes about 10,000 snakes a year, and a lot of people take snakes to him during the show to get looked at. He also breeds snakes, so he has a passio for snakes.

I also have a good friend that is a vet that does take care of reptiles that is in the Rockford area. She specialized in reptiles in vet school, but does not get to use that as much as she would like to.
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Mike

6.7 BRB
1.2 Spotted Python
1.0 Cal. King

Thanks Mike, but I do have a reptile vet in my area. I'm sure they aren't as good as yours that has a passion for snakes, but they seem to know what they are talking about. If I ever need any real serious care that my vet can't handle, I'll definetely make the trip down there.
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Aubrey Ross

©
www.SlipstreamSerpents.com

gentle palpation? See if a small amount of preasure would get it back in and closed. Be wary though, if it's tender you could trigger a strike (or twelve) if you disturb the affected area.
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
24.36 BRB
19.19 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

I would suggest that if you try this to put most of the snake in a pillow case and just have the last foot or so sticking out. This may save you from some bites - as Dave stated this maybe a real sesitive area.
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Mike

6.7 BRB
1.2 Spotted Python
1.0 Cal. King

I tried your suggestion this morning, Dave. It already looked a bit better when I lifted his tail, but I tried anyway with no luck. Perhaps I don't know how to palpatate it back in. I know how to palpatate for eggs.... but this is a bit different. Today is feeding day and he ate a medium rat without a problem. I'll keep an eye on his bum and try again in a few days if it is still there.

Mike, the bag idea is a good one. I'll be sure to try it if I need to mess with his bottom some more.

Thanks everyone!!!!
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Aubrey Ross

©
www.SlipstreamSerpents.com

IMHO, I'd hold off on feeding him any more until this issue is resolved. No sense adding more to his digestive system if in fact he does have issues. They can go weeks/months without food no problem so this would be a good time for a fast. Again, IMHO.
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Thanks,

Dave Colling

www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com

0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)

LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
24.36 BRB
19.19 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

Thanks Dave... I'll keep that in mind.
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Aubrey Ross

©
www.SlipstreamSerpents.com

>>Ok, this is really wierd. Flax's vent has been slightly open lately. I noticed it the other day, but he peed & pooped shortly after so I though it was just him getting ready for the stuff. I have heard of prolapse in lizards, is it possible in snakes?
>>
>>I havent seen anything stick out any further than what the picture shows. Nothing seems to be drying out either, so that is good. Possibly because he loves his moist moss box so much.
>>
>>I've never seen nor even heard of this happening in snakes, so I don't know if it will just take care of itself or not.
>>
>>If I need to take him to the vet, what can they do? Is it an infection and this is just swelling tissues?
>>
>>Any help appreciated... thanks!!
>>
>>
>>
>>-----
>>Aubrey Ross
>>
>>©
>>www.SlipstreamSerpents.com

Aubrey,

Reptiles "magazine" has a great article on prolapse and recommended treatments.

Check out the November 2007 issue, has a huge blood python on the cover.
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Jason A.
"Long time Herper, first year Breeder `07."

Thanks Jason, I'll keep my eye out for that issue. So far my local petstore only has the Sept or Oct issue.... I can't remember which.
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Aubrey Ross

©
www.SlipstreamSerpents.com