Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just fed my 2 year old Bullsnake a Large rat. I've been feeding her large for the last 6 months or so and she seems to have taken them fine, but this one seemed perhaps just a bit bigger. Anyway, I looked in her cage when she had about 1 inch of the hind end left to chow down then came back 3 min. later and she had regurged the whole thing. I immediately took the rat out but there are some things that I noted. The muzzle of the rat was covered with Blood (It was a F/T and clean when it went in) and there was a bit of blood about half way down it's body. 3 questions:
1) Should I wait a week to feed her something (very small next time of course) since I don't think the rat had managed to work it's way clear to her stomach? (Please note she just came out of shed and hasn't eaten in about 18 days already)
2) What could the blood be? (I'm hoping the rat "Popped" but I'm worried)
3) She seems to be acting fine right now (seeking food, trying to burrow, generally active), is there any reason to seek a vet?

Thanks in advance.

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Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for [bleep]. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

Well...that blood may be tricky. It could be the rat. Not to alarm you but it is possible that the claws of the rat may have punctured an organ or did some internal damage. I have heard of it happening. BUT....that is all speculative. I just wanted to bring up that thought.

I personally would wait at least 10 days to feed again. Heck..I have waited 2 weeks before..but I think 10 days may be fine. It may have had some stomach acid come up anyways so waiting is critical if you want to be sure that the snake has had enough time to regain stomach acid.

AND for its first meal, I would have it be very small...like a rat pink. Wait a few days..and see how she does. I would then up the size gradually.

For the future..I would consider the size of the rats you are feeding her. Ask yourself if you think they are too big. It may be wise to use the next smaller size for a while. If she does fine on that, then that may be something to stick with just to play it safe.

Take care and keep us posted!

Billy
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Genesis 1:1

Even though she hasn't eaten in about 20 days now?
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Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for [bleep]. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

I would probably go ahead and feed her if it's been as long as 18 days. The blood, I guess could have been from the snake if the rats teeth scratched or got stuck in the snakes throat somehow but who knows that's just my guess. Don

Ok... We've just discovered a lump/swelling 1/5th of the way down her body. It's on her underside and is about 2 inches long and protrudes about 1/2 inch. She's still acting normally but I'm starting to get concerned.
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Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for [bleep]. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

That does not sound good. Try to get that snake to a vet ASAP. That sounds like maybe the snake was cut inside by a claw or tooth from the food item. Please keep us posted!

Billy
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Genesis 1:1

I've got a vet appointment on Monday... She's not lethargic but I'm still concerned. Here's a pic.

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Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for [bleep]. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

Good deal on the vet appt! Keep us posted!

Billy
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Genesis 1:1

They put her on anti-biotics for two weeks and think/hope it is just damage to her esophagaus from the Rat going down. This serves as my lesson as far as pushing the larger prey items... Not only did I hurt my beautiful Ka but I also cost myself over a hundred in vet bills From now on I'll fork out the money for multiple smaller items.
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Amor et Lux,
Ron

"The gods tolerate the human race for no other reason than our talent for [bleep]. It's the only thing about us that doesn't bore them to tears" Tom Robbins "Villa Incognito"

Very glad to hear that the snake is on antibiotics. I do hope that she will do good and get better quick.

I have heard that it has happened a few times with feeding larger prey items. I guess that to keep it safe, smaller food items may be better. I am sure that the snake will do fine on those.

Please keep us posted about this!!! Thanks!

Billy
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Genesis 1:1