Can you tell how old a snake is. IMPORTANT

[lb1985]

Hello Everyone! I have a few questions about my garter snake that I am hoping someone might be able to answer. My first question is: is there anyway to tell how old a snake might be. I have had my snake for about 5 years. When I found him in my friends back yard he was pretty big, but has deffiently grown over the years, so I am guessing that maybe he is between 8-10 years old. Secondly, I am asking this question because when I went to feed him today I found on the lower section of his tale a large bump in side of him, it looks like he is swollen. I really don't know what it is and I have been looking online all day for an answer, but have not come up with much. I was reading one site and it said it is very unlikely for a snake to have a tumor, but that is the only thing I can think of. And I really hope thats not what it is. (by the way i forgot to add that he did not want to eat the worm, and I tried to feed him later in the day and he still would not eat.) I had read on another site saying a snake can be constipated, but it never discussed symptoms.

Thank you and I hope someone can help!

[drache]

it's not that unlikely for a snake to have a tumor
and it's fairly common for them to get abscesses
my recommendation:
take the snake to a vet
and why does it matter how old he is?

[infernalis]

it's not that unlikely for a snake to have a tumor
and it's fairly common for them to get abscesses
my recommendation:
take the snake to a vet
and why does it matter how old he is?

I could not have said this better myself...

PLEASE go see the vet.

[ssssnakeluvr]

I agree!! needs to see a vet!!! tumors are rare in snakes, however abscesses aren't. there's no way to age a snake unless you raise it from birth. they grow at various rates depending on food supply...might grow a lot when food is plentiful, but then if it isn't, the snake won't grow much that summer.

[adamanteus]

As Don says, it's practically impossible to accurately determine the age of a wild caught snake... just too many variables.
I agree with the others, Jane, best to take your snake to the vet.

[Stefan-A]

http://oregonstate.edu/~wayeh/Selected%20publications_files/Waye%20and%20Gregory%20pub.pdf

[adamanteus]

So, cut it half and count the rings?
I doubt many of us care about the age of our snakes, enough to cut the tail off.

[Snake lover 3-25]

ick!!!! not me!!!!!!!

[Lori P]

{Pondering it....} Oh, ok, I guess not me either. LOLOL

[anji1971]

Abcesses are common, and a pain in the arse to try to treat yourself. Often the results are not good. And if it is an internal abscess, there is nothing you can do at home for it. Please take it to a vet if you possibly can.