Need help and advice!

[Valvaren]

So I just took my female brazilian out for a little handling time and notice something wrong, she has a lump on her head, I don't have pictures atm since my fiancee is not home to help me hold her and get some.

I just fed her sunday night and she ate no problem, she has never missed a meal not even while in shed. She is roughly 8 months old, Her humidity is 95-99% and her hot spot shifts between 79-82. Her temps are measure by a hydrofarm thermostat and a PE2 temp gun.

As stated shes never missed and meal and has shown no signs of having any issues. The lump is just between her eyes and has had no signs of pain when its bumped or anything. She has shown no aggression or defensiveness other the her normal behaviour which is just defensive before being picked up.

I'm not quite sure when is first formed since I fed her sunday I don't handle them a few days prior or after. She is fed F/T pinks and I watch her eat and she sustained no bumps or anything.

I don't have a vet around my area that I trust with these little gems, I want to get a feel of what I am looking at before I risk taking them to someone who will more then likely cause more harm then good. I say this because most of the vets in my area I have talked to do not know the difference between and iguana and a BD. I'll get calling around and looking for someone to take her to but I want to know what questions to ask and what information to go in with regarding what it could be before I just walk in somewhere.

I will try to get pictures tonight, is there anything in the husbandry I should change to possibly help?

[KORBIN5895]

I haven't two sweet clues but I hear there is a good one in Moncton.

[Valvaren]

I don't know how well I would be able to transport her to moncton. I've read up and it could be an absess, not sure how they come to be, i've read stress but as stated nothing has changed with her or around her and she ate fine sunday.

I'm looking around and asking other herps in my area if theres anyone they would recommend that I just haven't heard of.

Thanks for the reply Korbin.

[Valvaren]

So update, I found a vet who does laser surgery and has worked on a few reptiles with abscess. I'm going to email him with pictures as soon as I can get them to see what he thinks before I try taking Burn out for a long trip and visit.

[ReptiWoman]

Possible head rub? I had a rescue ball python that use to head rub and she developed a bump. I hope the sweet baby is ok! keep us posted!

[Valvaren]

There's nothing in her tub that she could rub on in such a way, nothing sharp she could catch on, I also thought it might have been a rub but the area it is in seems impossible to rub. Hoping to have pictures soon.

Thanks for your reply!

[ReptiWoman]

There's nothing in her tub that she could rub on in such a way, nothing sharp she could catch on, I also thought it might have been a rub but the area it is in seems impossible to rub. Hoping to have pictures soon.

Thanks for your reply!

aww ok, well good luck to you!

[Valvaren]

I got a really really crappy cell phone picture, I couldn't wait for my fiancee without trying

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/IMAG1149_zpse1cb8953.jpg

[Hurrok]

If i missed it in the post I am sorry in advance but...Is she in a tub or an enclosure?

[Valvaren]

I have her and her brother in tubs, they are on paper towel. I chose tubs to start with as they are easier to maintain humidity in and I felt it was the safest choice to use during their first year or so. They have four hides, moist and normal one on each side as well as water dishes they can submerge in. They also have vines and leaves for both cover and climbing.

[Mark Taylor]

Do you have a couple more angles of the lump? Is the lump under the scales?
Is it a hard lump or soft lump? Is it a different colour?

[Valvaren]

It's under the Scales, not a different color and for how small she is and how small the lump is I can't feel anything other the her head if I try poking it. I honestly don't know if it's hard or soft.

[Mark Taylor]

My boa had a lump on his back it was under his scales hard and same colour I never did find out what it was but it cleared up after he shed.
I would see what the vet says but until then just keep your eye on her to see if it gets bigger or shows other signs of health problems.
All the best to you and your snake.:)

[Valvaren]

Got some pictures with my macro lens and have noticed that there appears to be some scar tissue if they is what that is.

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump1_zpsa9715931.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Burn2-1_zps08fcd9e9.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/bump3_zps4d914a4c.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump4_zpscb69d37e.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump5_zps181ff315.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump6_zpsb02cac2f.jpg

[Mark Taylor]

That looks like a abscess to me not 100% though.

[Valvaren]

Yeah, i'm waiting on a reply from the vet to see how he feels about it and when he would like to see her, i'm worried he will be put off working on something so small.

[Valvaren]

I was in contact with the vet who wants to wait and see if it worsens which i'm not sure if i'm comfortable with.

[KORBIN5895]

I know several people remove abscesses themselves. They just use a sharp knife and a cotton swab. Snake puss gets really hard, not runny like a humans. I wonder if it got jabbed with something?

[Valvaren]

I've combed her tub there's nothing sharp or even slightly pointy, I could never do it myself. I'm on the cancellation list for tomorrow, should I wait like he says or get in asap?

[KORBIN5895]

I myself would wait but I also have never experienced an abscess personally in my collection.

I think you would feel at ease if you go and get it checked. As long as it won't hurt you financially then go and get some peace of mind. If it will financially hurt you then I would wait it out a couple of days.

[Valvaren]

I'm going, I have the money and its not an issue but even if it was I would find the money some how.

I'm only on the cancellation list so i'm really hoping I get in. I feel so destroyed that this has happened.

[KORBIN5895]

I'm going, I have the money and its not an issue but even if it was I would find the money some how.

I'm only on the cancellation list so i'm really hoping I get in. I feel so destroyed that this has happened.

Relax. It isn't anything you can control. You're a solid keeper and stuff just happens.

[Valvaren]

Thanks Korbin, that's means a lot coming from you. I've just tried so hard to keep everything perfect for these guys I just feel like I dropped the ball somehow. I just hope I get her in and get it helped for her.

[Starbuck]

Abscesses in reptiles are generally not an emergency, so you can take a deep breath :)
i am currently in the 3rd week of treating my rosy boa for an abscess caused by a burn from the previous owner. They are highly treatable, though your BRB is pretty tiny and the lump is in a tough spot to work on. If it is an abscess, they will probably do a needle aspirate to see what is inside the lump; they may do a culture if there is enough pus/material, and may send you home with some injectable antibiotics.
It doesnt look like a displaced scale or anything like that; she probably did just bump herself. It may be just that, a 'bump' that would either a) resolve itself in time or b) resolve with some help from anti-inflammatory meds.
Let us know what the vet says!

[Valvaren]

That's Starbuck! I've been watching your thread and glad treatment is going well for you and your rosy.

Burn's lump doesn't look any better or worse today, she's chilling on her moist hide atm. I couldn't get in today as there were no cancellations but I have an appointment for tomorrow morning at 1030. I've been double and triple checking everyone and everyone's temps since yesterday. My fiancee has decided we cannot have children since I would probably stress myself to dead over a cold.

[Mark Taylor]

You are doing everything you can try not to worry. I am sure what ever this lump is you did not cause it and you are doing more than enough to try and fix it. If I was you I would let her chill in her enclosure check on her now and then for piece of mind because the last thing you want is to stress her out. I await the vets diagnosis.

Children are much easier imop:)

[Valvaren]

Thanks Mark, today was the only time I bugged her since taking those pictures yesterday. I'll be updating as soon as I have word.

[Snakesitter]

^^ Agreed ^^

[Snakesitter]

It's probably just a bump (maybe she fell off some viv furniture late at night exploring?). At any rate, I salute your caution, and hope the visit turns out well.

[Valvaren]

Thank you Cliff.

So Burn just had her vet visit. The vet was fantastic first off, i'm surprised he isn't more well known we were able to have an actual reptile conversation and he really knew his stuff.

He says it doesn't look like anything skull related as the mass is moveable, he isn't quite sure yet that it is an abscess due to the location but that Burn doesn't seem bothered by it at all. My instructions are to monitor it and to take new photos every 5 days to judge growth or shrinkage. Tomorrow is her feeding day, he wants me to video it too see how the lump reacts to the pressure from her eating.

Basically if the lump worsen due to feeding I am to take her back in immediately, otherwise wait and monitor growth, if it shrinks good, if it grows steadily took make an appointment and if it balloon suddenly to take her in asap.

He explained the procedure and what he would like to do as well as how he planned to accomendate her humidity requirements.

Over all he isn't sure what the cause could be since he said she look in fantastic health (Which i'm still beaming over) Said I really known my stuff and was impressed with my knowledge of the species and of general reptile knowledge.

He further encouraged me to pursue my vet tech dream.

All in all i'm happy it doesn't seem to be extremely deadly yet and that their might be a chance it can go away on its own. If not I'm happy I have someone who knows there stuff to help my girl out.

Tomorrow we will she how she handles feeding, and I will upload the video here as well as well as the updated photos as we progress so I can get all of your opinions as well.

Thank you again everyone for being here for me, i've never had a reptile issue before in the 4 years i've been keeping and this really threw me off completely.

[Starbuck]

glad to hear that your vet seems like a smart cookie! And as torturous as it seems, sitting and waiting will ultimately be much more helpful than jumping into surgeries, biopsies, etc :) I'm glad Burn is still doing well and doesnt seem too mal-affected, and hopefully it will disappear on its own :)

Just as a reference point, my male King got bit by my female during transport to an outreach, and the inflamed swelling took about 2 weeks to subside, so that may be the approximate time table you are looking at if it is just a 'bump'. Best of luck!
Erin

[Mark Taylor]

That's good news glad to here.;)

Now I can't wait to see the video :D

[KORBIN5895]

First off pm me the vets name as I will travel for a solid vet.

Secondly it may not have been the answer you wanted but at least you got some peace of mind and encouragement.

[bcr229]

Any updates? Also I love the detail that macro lens gives you.

[Valvaren]

She ate, missed her first two strikes not sure if it was my fault, I was really nervous incase the lump exploded or something but she ate fine and nothing changed. Waiting on vet. I'm more nervous then ever.

[Snakesitter]

If she's eating, that's a great sign! :-)

Glad to hear the vet visit went well.

[Mark Taylor]

No video for us?

[Valvaren]

Cliff she's never missed a meal with me ever so I wasn't worried about her eating she's a pig, I'll have it uploaded soon, I had to do it on my D90 since my p500 was dead and the video was in 3 Mins sections so I gotta put it together.

[Valvaren]

Sorry guys for not updating sooner, I can't get the video to work as I cannot find a video editor that will work since we have a weird fake copy of windows :| On another note her bump has gotten noticeably worse the last two days, I didn't feed her sunday out of worry, i'm waiting on the vet to make a call, up till now he has stuck by the 'wait and see' point of view and i'm worried its just because he might be nervous working on such a small head.

I'm very worried about it to, but at this point i'm worried more about not taking the chance on doing something. Here are some shots from today, she is still acting normal. I I didn't feed her sunday due to being worried about stretching her head more. She is still acting normal and no head shy at all, no signs of it affecting her brain either which was something I've been watching closely.

I'm so worried for my little girl!

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump1_zps24cbdc80.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump2_zps91d5b53b.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump3_zps791985b8.jpg

http://i906.photobucket.com/albums/ac267/Deemac6/Bump4_zps0fcf7028.jpg

[Terranaut]

Well I am no expert with abscesses but here was my experience.
A few months ago I noticed my male BCI had a lump keeping his mouth open slightly. I looked into it being an abscess. It appeared to be a tooth.
I was worried but still looked up all the info on how to fix it. I got my needles and antibiotic solutions together as well as a all the other supplies I needed to lance and clean it. I planned to do while feeding. Can't bite me with a mouth full of bunny right. Feeding day came...and it was gone. Fixed itself. So either it was not an abcsess or he just healed it on his own. The point is if the snake is fine otherwise, it's probably no big deal. Let the vet drain it and your snake will be fine :)
Good luck.

[Snakesitter]

I agree with Terranaut -- no need to panic.

So long as she acts fine, I'd also be wary of skipping meals...if it does get worse, she'll need those calories to fight whatever it is.

Good luck!

[Valvaren]

Alright I've decided to wait it out a little while longer, I fed her tonight and she ate fine. If this kills her or messes her up somehow I will never forgive myself.

[KORBIN5895]

Alright I've decided to wait it out a little while longer, I fed her tonight and she ate fine. If this kills her or messes her up somehow I will never forgive myself.

Well don't blame yourself either. You've done nothing wrong.

[Mark Taylor]

Think positive and keep us posted. And what Korbin said you are not to blame.

[Snakesitter]

Fingers crossed for it resolving itself. In the meantime, glad to hear she is still eating and acting fine!

And BTW, you've been more proactive than most keepers by even posting this, so do not blame yourself.

[Valvaren]

Thanks guys, really you are the only thing helping to keep my sanity. I've just never been through something like this with any of my animals and i'm worried i'm going to make it worse one way or the other :| She was due to be upped to fuzzies after her next pinkie meal but I'm unsure if I should try it, I was hoping there wasn't going to be a huge size difference but the fuzzies I got are atleast 3 times the size of the pinkies she's been eating and now with the bump i'm not sure what to do. She eats the pinkies in seconds so I was thinking it was time for a size up but i'm worried the fuzzies will be to much not to mention things are different now with the bump :(

[Starbuck]

maybe pick through your fuzzys and see if you have any 'smaller' ones to offer her? I don't think you can make a 'wrong' choice here (pinks vs. fuzzes), think about how much snake skin and jaws and heads stretch when they eat a meal anyways. I think if it were a critical issue that was causing her pain, she would be off her food a bit. Maybe do you have any super large pinks you could try? Or buy a few live large pinkies/fuzzes so you have them in exactly the size you want, and kill them when you get home.
Any updates from the vet, or just wait and see?

With my rosy boa we treated empirically with antibiotics first. You can ask if he would be willing to do a needle aspirate to determine if it even is an abscess, and then treat with antibiotics if so?
She is a very small snake, and it is on the head, so its different from a rosy boa tail; but i wish you and Burn the best of luck!

[Valvaren]

We are on a wait and see, since she is still eating i'm hoping everyone is right in saying she is fighting it herself. If it keeps growing i'm getting some form of test done regardless.

As far as food I order in monthly supplies, I got my full order of pinks with two extra fuzzies so I can't pick between sizes unfortunately, I wont risk pet stores around here...I'll try and take a picture tomorrow of the pinks she has left compared to the fuzzy and you guys can tell me how you feel about trying her with it.

Quick Ben the male is probably getting a fuzzy for sure.

[Mark Taylor]

There is no rush to up the size of pray so I would just keep it as it is for now, if you do up the size and she can't manage then she may regurgitate it which is not what you want imop continue to feed the pinkies at least that way she still eats.

[Snakesitter]

Valvaren, you can always double up on the pinkie feedings by offering her two in sequence -- that way she gets more calories but with less size worries.

[Mark Taylor]

I don't see that as an issue 2 times everything, heart, kidneys, muscle, fat. Inop.