Odd lumps

[KITKAT]

I have been away from the forum for a while, but now I have a problem that needs an answer.

my yearling garters have been doing well, gaining weight growing and eating well. About a month ago, I was not feeling well and moved my little snakes and their viv to a bedroom. They were in that room about 2 weeks, and their water became soiled. When I felt better I brought them back into my own bedroom, only to find they have developed odd lumps along there spine area. I do not think the lumps are in the spine, but they are deep under the skin and run along the dorsal area. Of course I have cleaned their environment thoroughly. These are not mites nor blisters... I know what they are.

Two of my babies have one lump, one has two, and one has many multiple lumps. The one with multiple lumps seems crippled by them and doesn't crawl normally.

Not sure I can post a pic... the skin looks normal over the lumps. Eyes are bright and clear. None are eating.

Thanks for any ideas.

[KITKAT]

[BLUESIRTALIS]

What have they been eating? Almost looks like flukes which is a type of parasite most common in live fish.

[KITKAT]

They have eaten salmon, lake perch (from grocery) and ocean perch, as well as small nightcrawlers, pinkie parts. A LONG TIME AGO they had frog legs from grocery.

I have not found a herp vet I like... live near Columbus, Ohio, but cannot see vet during day hours... need weekends.

[KITKAT]

The lumps are palpable and soft under the skin... feel like they are in the muscle.

[KITKAT]

All foods have been f/t except lake perch.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

It really sounds like flukes which are parasitic worms under the skin. If it is flukes they will need to be removed and the snake will need to be treated with praziquantal. If you can get the dosing right on the praziquantal this can be done yourself, but I recommend a vet.

The lumps are palpable and soft under the skin... feel like they are in the muscle.

[d_virginiana]

If more than one developed them after eating the same thing, it's almost definitely parasites. Hope they get better

[KITKAT]

Thanks to those who replied. Getting a vet has some unique problems, but that's what sounds best. I hope I can get it done in time to save them.

[guidofatherof5]

Obviously, a Vet. is best but removing the subcutaneous worms is very simple. A small incision and they pop out. The times I did the job the incisions didn't bleed. Treated them with betadine and let the Vet prescribe the meds. The snakes recovered and were fine.