Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i just found a small bump on my balls neck...any ideas as to what it could be? i hava an appointment with the vet on the 7th, ealiest i could get one...think this could be why he's been so mean and not eating? thanks

...Sounds like an import based on his behavior, so look and see if a TICK is attached under a scale. These need to be removed very carefully with a forcep so you don't leave the ticks mouth-parts in the snake. Work a little Neosporin or Polysporin or Betadine ointment under the scale after removal.
...Second choice would be a small abscess resulting from the improper removal of a tick...
...third it could be a subcutaneous encysted parasite. A fecal exam may elucidate further parasitization.
Hope this helps. Scott J. Michaels DVM

thanks...i was to take him to the vet today but my check didn't come in the mail and vet won't take a post dated check...so have to reschedual once my check comes...he hasn't eaten since i got him almost 7 months ago...i was told as long as he was active i wasn't to worry but now he's noticably lost weight...and still doesn't want to eat at all...