Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, my Garter snake Mordecai has this small lump/bump, he's had them before (so has his brother), but they went away. This one has lasted about 2 days. From the books I've read, it says the lump/bump can either be from filthy cage (I cleaned their cage 1 week before this, and I rid of any fecal/uric acid everyday), low humidity, tumour, or parasite (if so, what kind of parasite would cause this?) My snake's humidity percent is 50-60%, which is what the guy from the pet shop told me to keep them at. Is this correct? Can you give me any suggestions on what to do? Does he need medical care urgently?

Hanukah, I'm no expert, but I've seen lumps on garters three times and they were parasitic worms. The worms lived under the skin and at some point borrowed out. They were red, about 1 inch long, and thinner than the lead of a mechanical pencil but thicker than a hair. One snake died, the other two survived but have tiny scars on their skin. I know there are worm medicines available, but thats all I can tell you. I asked about their life-cycle a couple days ago, I hope someone can tell us more. Good luck, Chai Latte

Thanks for the information, I'll keep an eye out for any worms creeping out.

np
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If the lumps are clear or whitish looking.It is a humidity problem.These usually protrude from inbetween the scales.You should keep your tank as dry as possible.No misting.They will get all the humidity they need from their water bowl.If it is a parasite it probally wont be life threatening if the snake is large and not stressed.These lumps are pretty large in some cases.
Tom

Thanks for the much needed information!! The lump isn't clear or white looking, just a plain bump with his regular colouration, so I'm guessing it's a parasite or some mysterious thing. My snakes aren't "large" but they are quite long, they shouldn't be stressed since their cage is covered, and I don't handle them enough for them to be stressed out. The lump isn't large, it's quite small, I've been putting hydrogine peroxide on it every day, I don't know if it's doing anything though.

Mordecai huh? You wouldn't happen to be a between the buried and me fan would you?

Nope, just intrested in Hebrew culture.

Right on, I'm Jewish by blood and also interested. Good to hear dude.