Ball Python Constipated?

[hollycadle]

Hi!
I think my ball python is constipated as when I bathe him he strains to go, plus he hasn't gone for a poo like he usually does in a while. Also, when he strains to go there is a noticeable bulge just before his vent, which has made me come to the conclusion he is constipated. It's also quite red when you bend his tail back a little to look just under the vent, and I know it's not the normal colour as it's never been like that.

I've searched online to find ways to help him poo properly again, but before I try that I was looking for help from people whose actually been through this with their snakes, or some experts who can give me information that I trust.

All help welcome though!

[franks]

Hello holly. Pictures would help alot here, of both the snake and the enclosure. Also can you give a rundown of your husbandry? What are the measurements of your temps and humidity, how are you taking them?

[hollycadle]

Hello holly. Pictures would help alot here, of both the snake and the enclosure. Also can you give a rundown of your husbandry? What are the measurements of your temps and humidity, how are you taking them?

I'm not sure how to get pictures up on here, but what I can tell you now though is that it all looks normal at the moment, it only becomes red when it looks like he needs to go. Also the enclosure is 3 ft by 1 1/2 ft by 1 1/2 ft, with a heatmat taking up just over a third on one side, keeping it at a constant 30-33 degrees, and the cool side is at a around 26 degrees, plus he prefers the cooler side and is 98% of the time on there from what we see which I'm kind of worried about. He has aspen for the substrate and has hides on both sides with a bit of wood in the middle that doesn't get heat though, and that's his favourite spot. Around every 7 days he gets fed a medium/large mouse and his water gets changed every other day.The humidity is at 30 and I know that is a bit low so I'm in the midst of fixing that. To measure the temp and humidity, we use a thermometer and I got the hygrometer out of my rainbow boa's enclosure as we didn't really think to use one for his, and put it in his enclosure to see how his humidity is. My guess is that he is constipated, and he hasn't been getting enough water as I've read that could be a factor, but I'm not an expert and have no clue really.

[Lankyrob]

Our ambient humidity is around 50%, how do you manage to get humidity of 30%?

[Teal]

What I've read from others is that a warm soak and a bit of massage can help with constipation. Is his water bowl big enough that he could curl up in it if he desired? When was the last time he ate, and has he pooed since then?

[hollycadle]

Our ambient humidity is around 50%, how do you manage to get humidity of 30%?

Not sure, we had a problem with him before caused by too high humidity as he had a wheezing problem until we lowered it, so I was always a tad worried about upping the humidity again, I think that's what it was as I always kept it low from then on. It's around 50% now though.

[hollycadle]

What I've read from others is that a warm soak and a bit of massage can help with constipation. Is his water bowl big enough that he could curl up in it if he desired? When was the last time he ate, and has he pooed since then?

Yeah we've been bathing him in warmer water and have been giving him small massages after or during his bath. And his bowl is big enough for him to curl up into it, he also ate last saturday, I don't really want to feed him until he's done a decent poo as I don't want it to compact up more, but if he hasn't I was thinking of waiting till wednesday to feed him maybe, and the last time he pooed was about a week ago, and I know that's fine but he's been straining every time I see him try to go and it becomes red just inside his vent and something popped out once from him straining so bad, plus the area before his vent bulges like he has something to pass through so it's obvious he needs to go but can't. I'm thinking of taking him to the vets if it carries on much longer, but I just don't like the thought of him being roughed about too much and prefer trying more natural ways to get him to go that him being given something.

[Aaron_S]

Yeah we've been bathing him in warmer water and have been giving him small massages after or during his bath. And his bowl is big enough for him to curl up into it, he also ate last saturday, I don't really want to feed him until he's done a decent poo as I don't want it to compact up more, but if he hasn't I was thinking of waiting till wednesday to feed him maybe, and the last time he pooed was about a week ago, and I know that's fine but he's been straining every time I see him try to go and it becomes red just inside his vent and something popped out once from him straining so bad, plus the area before his vent bulges like he has something to pass through so it's obvious he needs to go but can't. I'm thinking of taking him to the vets if it carries on much longer, but I just don't like the thought of him being roughed about too much and prefer trying more natural ways to get him to go that him being given something.

You should take him to the vet if it's as red as you say it is and he's "straining".

Pics would help.

To be honest, I have many ball pythons and most don't go on a weekly basis so I would normally say not to worry and he will go when he needs to.

[hollycadle]

You should take him to the vet if it's as red as you say it is and he's "straining".

Pics would help.

To be honest, I have many ball pythons and most don't go on a weekly basis so I would normally say not to worry and he will go when he needs to.

It doesn't seem too serious yet, and I'm going to wait until he sheds next to see if he's gotten better and been able to go as I'm going to do the warm baths and massage until then. I know they don't go all the time and I wouldn't be concerned that he went only a week ago if I knew that he wasn't needing to go again. I know when he tries to go to because he does this certain movement, and having been watching him more closely lately he's been doing the same movement only nothing coming from it. He should be coming into shed soon so hopefully he'll go then like he usually does as he does one massive one then as well, but if he doesn't go by then, then I'm going to worry I think and take him to the vets.

Also, I don't know how to post photos on this, I'm kinda new on here and don't really know how to do things other than post and reply.

[Aaron_S]

It doesn't seem too serious yet, and I'm going to wait until he sheds next to see if he's gotten better and been able to go as I'm going to do the warm baths and massage until then. I know they don't go all the time and I wouldn't be concerned that he went only a week ago if I knew that he wasn't needing to go again. I know when he tries to go to because he does this certain movement, and having been watching him more closely lately he's been doing the same movement only nothing coming from it. He should be coming into shed soon so hopefully he'll go then like he usually does as he does one massive one then as well, but if he doesn't go by then, then I'm going to worry I think and take him to the vets.

Also, I don't know how to post photos on this, I'm kinda new on here and don't really know how to do things other than post and reply.

I wouldn't wait for the vet. How do you know it's not internally serious? If it's as bad as you describe it, I would certainly consider taking him to a vet. It could be a serious blockage that may lead to some serious damage or possibly death.

[hollycadle]

I wouldn't wait for the vet. How do you know it's not internally serious? If it's as bad as you describe it, I would certainly consider taking him to a vet. It could be a serious blockage that may lead to some serious damage or possibly death.

Well he's only gone just a week ago, and plus he's not got much blocking him up right this moment, I'm going to try a few home theories first considering I'm just a 17 with no money as well (Yes I know this crap about why buy a pet if you can't afford to take it to the vets, but the thing is I didn't buy the little guy-birthday money being used here- thinking he'd have to go to the vets so soon). Plus why take him to the vets straight away and unnecessarily stress him out when home remedies can actually work? Many professional sites with people with their own experiences that I've found, have said how their snakes have faired better being treated at home, than going through the stress of vets and that, and still achieving the same outcome. I know it may sound bad not taking him to the vets straight away, and believe me if I had to money the spare I would, but when a simple free way of doing it at home can work just as well as a vet pumping him full of stuff then I'm going to try that first.

[Cmwells90]

Well he's only gone just a week ago, and plus he's not got much blocking him up right this moment, I'm going to try a few home theories first considering I'm just a 17 with no money as well (Yes I know this crap about why buy a pet if you can't afford to take it to the vets, but the thing is I didn't buy the little guy-birthday money being used here- thinking he'd have to go to the vets so soon). Plus why take him to the vets straight away and unnecessarily stress him out when home remedies can actually work? Many professional sites with people with their own experiences that I've found, have said how their snakes have faired better being treated at home, than going through the stress of vets and that, and still achieving the same outcome. I know it may sound bad not taking him to the vets straight away, and believe me if I had to money the spare I would, but when a simple free way of doing it at home can work just as well as a vet pumping him full of stuff then I'm going to try that first.

I don't disagree with your decision, however think about this. Are you actually qualified to provide a correct diagnosis? It could be a simple constipation, it could be nothing and you're worried about something normal, it could be a parasite causing obstructed bowels, it could be a lot of things. Also these "Home remedies", have they been tested by actual professionals who have degrees or just some person at home who tried something crazy and it fixed their issue (which they may have also thought there was an issue when there really wasn't.) Is it worth risking your snake's life? The "remedy" could do more harm than good, or it could be something life threatening and while you're trying to fix it, it could get worse and you'll lose your snake. These are the options I run in my head whenever I make a health decision for anything, pets or children. Just think about the long run, not the right now, is all I'm saying.

Edit: Also remember, you came here with an idea, not a determined issue, looking for advice from people with more expirence. That was a great step, but don't get upset if we think the final decision is a little lacking in a resolution, we're just telling you what's worked best for us.

[Aaron_S]

Well he's only gone just a week ago, and plus he's not got much blocking him up right this moment, I'm going to try a few home theories first considering I'm just a 17 with no money as well (Yes I know this crap about why buy a pet if you can't afford to take it to the vets, but the thing is I didn't buy the little guy-birthday money being used here- thinking he'd have to go to the vets so soon). Plus why take him to the vets straight away and unnecessarily stress him out when home remedies can actually work? Many professional sites with people with their own experiences that I've found, have said how their snakes have faired better being treated at home, than going through the stress of vets and that, and still achieving the same outcome. I know it may sound bad not taking him to the vets straight away, and believe me if I had to money the spare I would, but when a simple free way of doing it at home can work just as well as a vet pumping him full of stuff then I'm going to try that first.

CMWells90 outlined it well the thoughts that go into some responses.

I wanted to add to it though. It's great that you're thinking about it and want to use a simple home remedy to save your snake the stress but CM made a good point. What experience do you possess that it's nothing?

Would it not concern you that if it's "not got much blocking him up" but yet he's blocked up (your diagnosis) to take him to the vet sooner rather than later? If it's a small amount doing the damage as you say I would suspect there's more at play and it could be serious.

I understand the financial situation and it's your animal to do as you see best for him/her. You state "professional sites" would these be forums or "breeders"?

You mention home remedies could work. You've stated that you've used a couple methods (soaks and massage) to no avail. What makes you think they all of a sudden will if, again, it's as bad as you state?

I'm not trying to be rude or harsh with you. I would hope you see the point of view of others who merely want the best for the animal. I'm sure you do as well.

I make my statements not for you alone but for those who may encounter similar problems and to avoid the vet because they read something worked online.

[carpets4life]

a combo of a long warm water bathe a gental massaging near the vent should work. did for all my constipated bp's

[hollycadle]

I don't disagree with your decision, however think about this. Are you actually qualified to provide a correct diagnosis? It could be a simple constipation, it could be nothing and you're worried about something normal, it could be a parasite causing obstructed bowels, it could be a lot of things. Also these "Home remedies", have they been tested by actual professionals who have degrees or just some person at home who tried something crazy and it fixed their issue (which they may have also thought there was an issue when there really wasn't.) Is it worth risking your snake's life? The "remedy" could do more harm than good, or it could be something life threatening and while you're trying to fix it, it could get worse and you'll lose your snake. These are the options I run in my head whenever I make a health decision for anything, pets or children. Just think about the long run, not the right now, is all I'm saying.

Edit: Also remember, you came here with an idea, not a determined issue, looking for advice from people with more expirence. That was a great step, but don't get upset if we think the final decision is a little lacking in a resolution, we're just telling you what's worked best for us.

Turns out it was constipation as after a warm soak every day and a massage he finally went after we gave him a longer massage and soak. I know I should have taken him to the vets and what you're saying is correct, but all the signs pointed to constipation online, and these were sites where people who bred ball pythons as a profession, plus the ways they described seemed like they'd work, and I'm lucky they did. I'm quite stubborn when I put my mind to something, and I know I came across as quite defensive, and I was, sorry, it's just I can't afford vets right now, in the future I will be as I'm going to put a pot aside his tank and fill it every now and then for a vet bill if it were to come along in the future. Thanks for your input though, again, sorry if I seemed to be getting rude!

[hollycadle]

a combo of a long warm water bathe a gental massaging near the vent should work. did for all my constipated bp's

It's worked for me too as well, he finally went last night thankfully!

[Cmwells90]

Turns out it was constipation as after a warm soak every day and a massage he finally went after we gave him a longer massage and soak. I know I should have taken him to the vets and what you're saying is correct, but all the signs pointed to constipation online, and these were sites where people who bred ball pythons as a profession, plus the ways they described seemed like they'd work, and I'm lucky they did. I'm quite stubborn when I put my mind to something, and I know I came across as quite defensive, and I was, sorry, it's just I can't afford vets right now, in the future I will be as I'm going to put a pot aside his tank and fill it every now and then for a vet bill if it were to come along in the future. Thanks for your input though, again, sorry if I seemed to be getting rude!

Never rude, we all love our animals and we all love the safety of these animals, as long as they're safe that's all that matters, I hope you don't see the issue return!