White sided Bull needs help

[Lasher]

Okay guys, I need your help. My White-sided Bull has developed a hard mass about 10 ventral scales from his anal duct. It seems to be about .75” in length and it is sold, not liquid or gel. My first thoughts are a fecal stone, although pressure seems not to affect it or break it up. He has had a history of vomiting, but has kept down his last 2 meals of appropriately sized rats. Husbandry should be fine, about 80 to 85 degrees ambient W/ a hot spot of around 90 to 93 degrees. Water is provided 24/7. Humidity is 70 to 80%. He is aprox 1.5 years old and around 4.5’. I am currently thinking that it is one of three things: Abscess, Fecal Stone, or Tumor. Thoughts?
My plan of action is:
1. 2 days of soaking in warm water (30 min per) supplemented W/ mineral oil as a laxative.
2. Attempt feeding and wait 3 days to see if he can pass the blockage.
3. Call vet. I am on vacation next week and will be able to take him to the vet.

Anyone else ever dealt with this or something like it? Please advise.

[Vanan]

Those 5 days of waiting til you see a vet could kill your snake. If you have no clue, see a vet. If it's a noticeable lump, I doubt it's an impaction, unless it's got to the point where it's so bad. Impacted food is usually palpitated to be noticed.

The ambient temps seem sufficient for a bull. No need for such a high temp hot spot. I've noticed my pits to be very sensitive to prolonged high temps, usually resulting in regurgitation.

Edit: Also, I would't recommend feeding it (unless he's weak and emaciated), until his condition is cleared up.

[dave68]

A friend of mine had similar lump in a kingsnake, the vet turned up cryptosporidium, but wasn't 100% positive that that was what caused the lump. This snake also had regurge history and didn't survive. I'd say go to the vet ASAP. Good luck!

Dave

[snakehunter]

DEFINATLY DONT FEED, that blockage may hold back fecal meterial from a meal, and your snake could get a severe infection from his own stool sitting in there so long. Vet def. seems in order in a case like this. Could it also be a stubborn urate?

[Lasher]

Good news folks! It appears that it was a simple fecal blockage. I came home yesterday and he had passed it on through. That scared the heck out of me. I was sure that he had cancer or something awful! Note to self: Massaging snakes anal area will occasionally cause poo!