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Help ID this digestive tract object

Ryan Hoyer Sep 04, 2008 09:01 PM

Patient is an adult albino Lampropeltis ruthveni. Recent meals have been regurgitated, and "lumps" can be felt approx 3 inches up from the vent. All indications were an intestinal blockage.

After an enema this evening, this small object was palpated out.

It is slightly pliable, but firm. Quite solid and slightly resistant to cutting open with a razor blade. It does not have the feel of fat - too firm. The texture is almost like a cow's tongue - firm and not slippery at all.

A final close photo of another side of the "object".

Other "objects" can be felt, but they are not free to be palpated out. They seem to be anchored in some manner.

Any info out there as to what this might be? Guesses?
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Ophidiarium Charieis

Replies (3)

HappyHillbilly Sep 05, 2008 12:23 PM

Let me begin with saying that I probably have no business replying to your post because I'm far from a Vet or Vet assistant. However, it's been awhile since you posted your question and nobody has responded as of yet so maybe I can at least help get the ball rolling, and hopefully in the right direction.

Can you cut or break up the mass and show what the inside of it looks like?

I may be way off base but I'm wondering if it's not hardened urates that the animal is unable to pass. If so, it could be due to dehydration. Have you tried soaking the snake for periods at a time?

It may very well be something other than urates. If so, please, don't anyone hesitate to correct me.

Regardless of what the substance is, if it can't be broken down to a passable size within the animal, by way of soaking or enemas, they will most likely have to be surgically removed.

I wish you all the best!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


www.natures-signature.com

Amazonreptile Sep 06, 2008 01:37 PM

Same disclaimer. I am not a vet.

Looks like it could be what some folks call a "mummified egg". It may be an egg or some other body, but in the past it was call "mummified egg".
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AMAZON REPTILE CENTER

NAMED BEST REPTILE STORE IN LOS ANGELES

joeysgreen Sep 13, 2008 12:43 AM

While the first two posts are excellent, I'm inclined to think it's a bigger problem than a foreign body or retained egg. I had a mass surgically removed from a female corn snake that was retired due to a complicated laying in the previous year. To say the least, they look identical. Histology was rather inconclusive, calling it a cystic tophii. After the surgery, the snake recouperated for a while, before regrowing the mass. I've only dealt with such a case this once, but my opinion is that it's an exaggerated response to an internal injury; in my snake's case, from being egg bound and double clutching, and then the surgery itself.

Either way, I think the best course of action for you to pursue this is to send the mass to a veterinary pathologist to see exactly what it is. Assuming a similiar diagnosis, if the snake is doing well with them, then perhaps leave it be and just monitor for regression. At this point, quality of life might be a better goal than quantity.

Ian

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