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I was just about to probe one of my russians and I noticed there was a SMALL drop of blood near her cloaca. She is 2 years old. I continued to gently probe her and it is a female. Why would she be bleeding? I have not brumated them. Anyone have ideas?

Erik

Erik,
Internal bleeding can be caused by a few things: trauma, parasitic infestation, internal digestive abrasion, etc. Probably best to have a stool smeared to rule out parasites. Also a good idea to monitor feces for a while to watch for more blood. Had you begun the probing process when you noticed the blood? If so, you may have caused a tear. Also, is this a wild caught or CB animal? WC has a much greater chance of parsitic problems. Or, is there a possiblilty of her getting partially crushed under any cage furniture or squeezed between a cage and it's cover? These are some possiblities. Anyway, I'd definitely have at least a stool sample run, and a full exam if you have a qualified vet close. Good luck.

Bryan

>>I was just about to probe one of my russians and I noticed there was a SMALL drop of blood near her cloaca. She is 2 years old. I continued to gently probe her and it is a female. Why would she be bleeding? I have not brumated them. Anyone have ideas?
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>>Erik
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