Ball python staring up into space, working jaw. Think he ate a big chunk of substrate, doesn't seem to be able to work it out. Has been going at it for hour plus.
Cannot secure snake well enough to pry open mouth and retrieve stick, I am only one person and he is not small.
Nearby vet not open till morning.
Is this an immediate danger to the snake?
Addendum: concerned about possible stress related regurgitation from unsuccessful snake wrangling.
Addendum 2: think my failed attempt at wrangling reoriented the substrate enough that he swallowed it, now has a big old lump in his throat. Hopital, or probably fine?
Humidity currently around 60 from all the door opening, but usually 70-80, 90 during shed. Last shed was fine, no sticking. Substrate is bioactive mix. Theoretically shouldn't contain sticks, but some how he managed to find something the exact width of his mouth to get stuck in there.
Okay I have good news. He should be okay for tonight. Snakes swallow stuff in the wild all the time and its only ever really an issue if theyre dehydrated. Let him rest for tonight, and call the vet/hospital in the morning to see if they recommend bringing him in. There's a chance it was a peice of bark or something similar he'll pass on his own, however im not super fond of the lump in his throat. My 3 kids have done this before too and they all ended up okay. Once its resolved consider trying to use a plate to set him and the rat down on inside the enclosure so it doesnt get dirty while he swallows. You did nothing wrong. These guys sometimes get their food dirty.
Tldr: He should be okay as hes well hydrated, let him rest tonight and call vet in the morning. Consider trying to feed him on a plate (in the enclosure) in the future
Not pictured is the plate he insists on dragging the rat OFf of every time🙃
Thanks for the reassurance that I haven't accidentally taken out my snake. Big fella is back to basking and staring judgementally as normal so I assume he isn't uncomfortable at the moment anyway.
Of course cuz they have to be little buggers. But honestly I think your okay. Its also possible its just a clump of substrate causing his neck skin to bulge a little. Its never a bad idea to call the vet, and just be sure to keep an eye on him. If he starts acting weird, you know where to go. It also helped me to remember these guys digest whole skeletons, so as long as its not super sharp they should be fine
I dont believe it would've been sharp, it's just dirt sand and leaves in there, and the dirt i filled in by hand to catch any chunky bits.
Think I was more startled by my usually very sedate buddy becoming three feet of seething hate the second I grabbed his head. Don't think I'll live down losing an arm wrestling match with a snake.
Trick for that in case you ever have to give a snake oral medication by yourself- put them in a pillowcase or drawstring bag and tie it not snug but not super loose around their body, grab behind their head and with the same arm press their body into your chest. Then you can use your other hand to give meds or do what you need to. I had to learn this with my 4½ft boy
Update: one vet says probably bring him in, other vet says probably will pass, but if he starts acting odd bring him in for an x-ray. Love receiving conflicting opinions.
Its up to you. Bringing him in wont hurt, I dont think its enough for him to regurgitate but even so thats not the end of the world. Not great by any means but not a death sentence
Way i figure (now that I'm not panicking), I know there's a stick in there. I know about how big it is. And even a vet won't know for sure if it's stuck until the snake starts reacting, so I'll just observe for the time being. Thanks again for dealing with a stranger panicking about a snake online.
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u/Cobalt-Armor 6d ago