Can anyone help?

[ScimitarX]

My 18 month old Male San Francisco has lost a lot of weight in the last couple of weeks, hes been eating fine and pooping normally, as well as being active at his usual times. I cant figure out why hes lost weight, he has 1 or 2 pinkies every week usually and sometimes garter grub. He has a hide and a water bowl and i keep him on tissue paper as substrate because he doesnt seem to like other kinds of bedding. Ive noticed a soft lump appear just before his vent, he hasnt eaten this week though he was bluff striking like he did maybe want to eat. So i think im gonna take him to the vet this week. Just wondered if you guys had any ideas.

[adamanteus]

I couldn't really comment on the lump, Claire, without seeing a picture. I think you're wise to consult with a vet at the earliest opportunity.

You don't say how big the snake is, but at 18 months old, 2 pinkies per week doesn't sounds like much food. Good luck, and keep us informed of his progress.

[zooplan]

I agree to James.
Every possible cause for the lump would be an urgent cause to vistit a vet.
Your snake is ill!
Length and weight would be helpful information further to those about age, caging and feeding that you gave.

[ScimitarX]

hes not that big, pinkies is all he can manage, ive often thought hes a bit small for how old hes supposed to be, must be about 18-20 inches, dont think hes grown much since i got him in november from Alan Francis, he doesnt shed very often either.

[adamanteus]

Claire, it's got to be a vet visit I think. Pretty quick too.

[Lulu Bennett]

hes not that big, pinkies is all he can manage, ive often thought hes a bit small for how old hes supposed to be, must be about 18-20 inches, dont think hes grown much since i got him in november from Alan Francis, he doesnt shed very often either.

i have been feeding both of mine 2 pinkies or even 3 if the pinkies are really small and thats twice a week on saturdays and wednesday

[CrazyHedgehog]

Ive noticed a soft lump appear just before his vent, .

Just a thought... you have probably thought of the following but just incase....

is the soft lump on the skin or within the body?
If on the skin, its not a blister is it?
How dry is the cage? you mentioned using tissue paper, which can get overly wet which could cause blisters..

Hope all is ok,

[CrazyHedgehog]

Also on the feeding thing..
Have you checked the temp in the tank? mine will eat less if the temp drops, just a prolonged draught is enough to put mine off food for a while...and also how much do you offer it? and how often (is it more than he is eating?

[ScimitarX]

yeah im definitely taking him to the vet on tues or thurs, the vet we use is very good so hopefully he'll know whats wrong. The lump is internal. I make sure to keep his tissue dry, i replace it gets wet and and generally once or twice a week when hes pooped. Hes in a plastic tub on a shelf above our leopard geckos light starter which does get fairly warm, and the room hes in does get quite warm, though i could try moving him somewhere warmer, maybe next to where we keep hatchlings in our conservatory.

[ScimitarX]

oopss!! missed the bit about feeding. 1 pinky is usually enough for him as it does leave a rather large bulge in his belly, as his body isnt much thicker than a pinky, i offer him seconds if he still looks hungry, but doesnt always have it. hes always been a bit of a reluctant feeder and i do have to move his food around alot before he takes it.