Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone. I noticed today my leucistic texas rat has a little red bump on the top of his nose. Ive had him for almost 2 years and this is the first time ive noticed anything wrong. I have some herp experience from working in an exotic shop but its been a while. It doenst appear to be any kind of mouth rot because its the top of his head. I have him in a glass/screen cage for about 4 months now but the only thing i can think of is maybe he is rubbing the top of his head on the mesh?

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Nick

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d144/NickWicked/2009-07-1120-16-14493.jpg

The photo isn't the greatest but trauma from nose rubbing is quite possible. It's on the prefrontal scales and not the rostral where abrasions are normally made which makes me think it might also be something else. A wound from live prey if that's what you feed? A cyst? Complications from retained skin?

If you feel comfortable doing so, I would open the mouth and look thoroughly at the roof/choana to see if the anomally extends that far. If so, take your snake to a vet. If not, a vet is never a bad idea, but I'd feel safe suggesting you to be patient, keep it clean (perhaps with an initial cleansing with betadine or similiar), and watch to see if it progresses. Ideally, it should largely reduce in size with the next shed. Again, if it doesn't, or at any time gets worse, then I would take it to the vet for a proper examination.

Ian