What would you do?

[Youkai]

I bought a Vegas/RW albino at the TARAS show last week. It was in good health when I picked it out and purchased it, and for the most part still is.

But since I bought it, it's been developing a large bump on the middle of its head. It's hard to the touch, and doesn't seem to hurt it at all, though it continues to grow.

Here is a picture:

<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/133rwabump.jpg">

Like I said, other than this he's healthy. He's grown like crazy since the show, and is in otherwise good condition. However, I didn't pay $125 for a flawed animal. And of course, I'm already horribly attached to it. :D

Should I contact the breeder to see what he'd do? Is it a large enough deal to warrant that?

Here's a picture of him - as you can see he's otherwise just fine.

<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/133rwa.jpg">

[Tinytim12333]

It could be a tumor, it could be a herniation. I have no idea. I would take it to the vet.

[Tim and Julie B]

Did you say it's a Rainwater/Vegas cross, 'cause as far as I know you can not breed different lines of albino together otherwise you end up with regulars or non viable eggs-I can't say for sure, but maybe you should email or pm Big Dan and see what he thinks, he's super relaible and can probably help you figure out what that bump is all about too. I would think it could be a parasite, worm, infection, or any of a million other things.

[Clownfishie]

Rainwater & Las Vegas line are the same thing... the name Las Vegas has just emerged because of people not wanting to use Rainwater's name since he ripped off so many people....

As for the bump Youkai -- I don't know. I've never seen anything like that... at the very least, I would let the breeder know about the problem... that way if it develops into anything serious, he knows about it from the start.....

[matt_winter]

I don't know what the bump is, srry. But i really like those pictures!

[Samba]

I agree, contact the breeder, and maybe send him/her the pics. Let them know that you will be taking it to the vet, and pre-arrange what's going to happen if this turns out to be something costly to treat... Will you give the reptile back for a refund? Will the breeder pitch in some dough for the vet costs? Would s/he be willing to replace the animal? etc. This is a pretty sensitive subject, but I do think no matter what, the breeder has a right to know as soon as possible. This could even be something genetic and you'd be doing a favor by informing him/her. Let us know what happens! Good luck and btw, s/he's a real cutie!

[The_Omen]

It could also be something such as calcium build up, an xray or even a syringe draw would tell that.
I am leaning two ways on it, calcium deposit or a hard cyst possibly from a tiny scratch.
How often are you dusting his food and is he on calcisand, reptisand or news print normally?
Does he have a calcium lick and do you see him there a lot?

Things to think about...