Vent Blockage

[BPGator]

Looking for input on what may be causing this crusty material at the vent. I had one snake that had something similar die several weeks ago, presumably to it not being able to properly defecate. I've taken this one to two vets; other than help clear out it's bowels, they really didn't address removal of the material. We speculate it's dried shed, but not sure.

I currently have the snake in a tub with paper towels. I can see that it is defecating daily. It also eats fine. It was on a diet of cut mouse pinkies, but I am trying to give it more nightcrawler to help hydrate it and make digestion easier. Any thoughts/advice you have is appreciated.

vent1.jpg

vent2.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Make up a high humidity shed box. A warm towel in a plastic shoe box works well. Make sure the towel is good an soaked, you can even add some warm water to the box. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then use a paper towel to see if retained she(if there is one) will come off the vent area. It looks like there might be a retained shed in that area. The warm water will also loosen up any crusties so you can wipe them away and clean the vent up.

[Eddie]

Unfortunately that is not a retained shed. It does not look good. I am not a vet but have been down this road. Keep this snake isolated from your collection.
Good luck my friend!

[BPGator]

Unfortunately that is not a retained shed. It does not look good. I am not a vet but have been down this road. Keep this snake isolated from your collection.
Good luck my friend!

Thanks, Eddie. Any clue what it is? You think it's safe to pull whatever that is off?

[Eddie]

Is the first third of the body of the snake slightly swollen?

[BPGator]

Is the first third of the body of the snake slightly swollen?

On the head side? No, it looks normal. The only swollen area is near the vent.

[BPGator]

Make up a high humidity shed box. A warm towel in a plastic shoe box works well. Make sure the towel is good an soaked, you can even add some warm water to the box. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then use a paper towel to see if retained she(if there is one) will come off the vent area. It looks like there might be a retained shed in that area. The warm water will also loosen up any crusties so you can wipe them away and clean the vent up.

Steve - I found this post from you about 10 years ago:

https://www.thamnophis.com/forum/hus...usty-vent.html

Do you recall if this is what your snake's vent looked like?

[Eddie]

Can you post an overhead pic of the whole snake?

[BPGator]

Can you post an overhead pic of the whole snake?

Yeah. I'll take a picture tomorrow.

[BPGator]

Can you post an overhead pic of the whole snake?

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