my green anaconda has a bulge right under his head, what could this be? is he sick or somthing? he is about 4-5 ft long, eating great, and tame. i noticed the bulge when i first got him but it went away, but now that it is back again i am a little worried. should i take him to the vet? he has acsess to water all the time, the cool spot in the cage is about 75-78 and the hot spot is about 90, he also has heat at night. any suggestions of what this might be or how to get rid of it if i need to let me know!
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Anaconda with Neck Bulge?
Bobmcloughlin
Oct 19, 2004 02:57 PM
Replies (5)
Kelly_Haller
Oct 19, 2004 05:34 PM
All greens have an area of loose skin in the throat region under the posterior portion of their heads. It appears to be an adaptation for the swallowing of excessively large prey animals. It typically hangs rather loosely and is more prominent at some times than at others. If the area is hanging loosely I would not worry, but if it appears more expanded as if it were holding air, then I would suspect a problem. Sometimes a respiratory infection can cause this area to bulge out as if swollen with air. You might have a vet check it if this is the case. Is it showing any other symptoms of possible RI?
Kelly
bobmcloughlin
Oct 19, 2004 06:40 PM
hey Kelly,
it does not show any other signs of a Resperatory infection, its nostrals are clear, and i have never heard it weeze or whistle when breathing. but it does seem to be like it might have something in it, sort of swollen. is there any kind of home remedy that i can try? if not ill probly just take him to the vet.
Kelly_Haller
Oct 19, 2004 11:58 PM
If it is not just loose skin, but feels swollen or tight, I would have a vet look at it. Especially if it feels solid. Good luck and keep us posted.
Kelly
bobmcloughlin
Oct 20, 2004 01:43 PM
it has gone away now. i was just concerned because it was bigger than normal, im glad it was nothing. it must have been bigger than normal because i had given him a meal bigger than i usually do. thanks for the info!
dfr
Oct 19, 2004 08:19 PM
` All of my Anacondas have the 'pouch' of skin beneath their throat. I agree with Kelly, it helps them to swallow large prey. The size varies with each individual.
` It usually hangs loose, but sometimes appears distended. If your snake will allow it, you can very gently palpate the skin to feel for a mass or swelling beneath the skin. Don't pinch, but just roll the skin, in case there is a mass beneath.
` I have one large male Yellow whose pouch is so large I can pinch it into an Anaconda dewlap. It will stay that way until he stretches it out.
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` Stop the world! I want to get off.
