Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My green tree python looks like it has an infected or swollen tear duct. The nearest reptile vet is almost two hours away. Is there anything I can do at home, before driving two hours to the vet? Thanks!

What is the appearance of the eye? Is the swelling just around the edge of the eye or is the swelling in the eye itself, and is there any cloudiness to the eye?

Kelly

The eye itself looks fine, it is just the tear duct that is swollen. I will try to upload a picture if i can get a decent one.

I can think of a few things that "might" benefit this, but they'd require the use of prescription drugs anyhow. You could wait a bit to see if it resolves on it's own (meanwhile troubleshooting your husbandry if necessary), but the longer you wait, obviously the more likely the problem will begin to involve the eye.
I'd be safe and take it to the vet. Bring a couple of good cd's for the drive

Good luck,
Ian

ps, send that picture to the vet prior to you leaving for your appointment so he has something to ponder before you arrive.

that is caused by an obstruction of the lacrimal canal at the lower front corner of the orbit of the eye. This canal drains excess fluid from the orbit of the eye down through the lacrimal duct and through the anterior portion of the roof of the mouth. If it becomes obstructed, swelling occurs and infection can set in.

This appears to be in the very early stages as one of the first symptoms is a slight clouding of the eye, which I do not see in this case. As it progresses, the eye itself will become swollen due to the inability of fluid to drain from under the spectacle. Sometimes slight pressure on this area below the eye will relief the obstruction and force it down into the mouth, however that is definitely something for an experienced vet to perform. Antibiotics could be in order as well. A vet visit is definitely advised, and I believe you have caught it very early and that is fortunate as well. I could be wrong on this, but that is my feeling from the photo you posted. Good luck with this and let us know how it turns out.

Kelly

Thanks so much for the help.