Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My brother's spider seems to have a distended abdomen. I'm not sure how well you can see it in the pictures, but it's obvious in person. It feels like it's full of fluid. He did just eat yesterday, but it doesn't seem like a rat, and no one else that ate is that swollen. Unfortunately haven't handled him in the past 2 weeks or so except to feed, give him water, and clean his cage. I actually held him for a while this evening and that's when I noticed it.

Am I overreacting to a full bladder or something, or could it be something else? He's eating, and he had a poo in his cage when I got him out. The only other thing I noticed was that his breathing seemed a little fast, although that could have been because I was holding him. He's kept on paper towels so I don't think it could be an impaction. Any ideas? I think I'm going to take him to the vet, although I'm not sure if they'll be open tomorrow because of the holidays.

Sorry this was so long, but I really appreciate the input. My brother is only 12, and he would be devestated if anything happened to his snake.

Shelly

looks like a rat to me... and a 12 year old has a spider?!... wish i was that lucky at 12... I had a mean corn snake...

If you're worried- take it to the vet. My clinic is open on xmas eve and on-call xmas....
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

I really hope that's all it is...I'll see how he looks in the morning. If there was something really wrong with him I wouldn't think he would eat. I've never had a sick snake before, though, so I'm not sure what to look for. I just wish I was home more last week so I would've noticed if he was like that before he ate.

Btw, my brother bought the spider with his own money. It took him almost a year of saving, but he was so proud of himself. That's why I really don't want anything to happen to it.

Thanks for the response. I'll let you know what happens.

Shelly

That's some impressive saving for a 12 year old!

As far as the lump, look like a rat to me too. Definately keep an eye on the snake, and if it acts unusual (as in listless, limp, or obviously unhealthy), call the vet.

Tell your brother he has huge congrats from me on that saving thing. I can hardly even save up for a new car... but then, I pay bills, too.

~Jenny
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"Polysyllabism in no way insures that what you're saying is actually worth being heard." - Blake (an e-friend of mine)

"I have never made but one prayer to god, a very short one: "O lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And he granted it." - Voltaire

It looks like you guys were right. The lump is much smaller than it was last night. I feel silly now, but I guess it's better to worry over nothing than to miss a problem. It just surprised me since all my 07 babies ate the same thing and he was the only one with that much of a bulge after 24 hrs. Who knows, maybe he's got a slower metabolism. Thanks for the help (and yes, I'm this paranoid with all my animals. I keep my vet in business, lol).

Shelly