Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just received a "unhealthy" cornsnake from a breeder and I was going to try and take care of it, or let it die in my hands, whatever is necessary.

It seems to have a REALLY fatty spot near where a rat would digest in his stomach.

He is full size and bred last season. The guy told us the last time he ate was around June and he fed it a "Jumbo mouse". My gf heard him say that...I thought he said a jumbo rat...Could that possibly be the case?

I feel really bad for this snake. I'm hoping it'll at least try and eat something so we can see there is something wrong with his digestive system... Going to give him a few days to adapt to his new home.

Any ideas or suggestions welcome.

PS. RE: SAD DAY....
I'm very sorry for your loss...we just lost one today due to an infection from a tape accident. (Live and you learn...) It was our very first snake. :[ NEVER TAPE CAGES! EVERRRRR!

Also missing two babies...my mom likes to mess with our cages. Gf and I are outrageous...hopefully she placed them in another cage....:[

Well, are you sure it's a fatty spot? Could it be gas? Does it feel like air trapped in his stomach?
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King Snakes! Who can make a better mouse trap?
J Sierra

Many times snakes that have bad bacteria in their stomach/intestinal tract get swollen and "puffy" in their stomach area and slightly aft of that.

I would DEFINITELY take it to a knowledgeable reptile vet ASAP!!. I am betting a good regimen of "Flagyl" (metronidazole) administered at the rate of 50mg./per kg. of body weight just might be the cure if it is from bad bacteria in the gut, and not a growth of some kind.

And DO NOT feed the snake!, that is probably the worst thing you could possibly do at this point.

You had better do this NOW too if there is to be any hope at all!!

good luck!

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

Wow, sound like you've had it rough like me. I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. I'm still learnin a lot, hopefully enough to keep my next snake alive. I hope all goes well with your newest. Good luck.

Steve-O