ANY Idea what this is? (a little graphic)

If this were some sort of infection, 1) it would be too late for quarantine because the snake was shipped in the same container as her brother and 2) I would see some sort of progression, either better or worse, which I am not seeing. The condition is staying exactly the same. In addition, her brother, who was shipped in the same container as her, and resides in the tub next to hers (they are alone in the rack as I quarantine all new arrivals) and who has been subjected to exactly the same conditions as she has shows no signs of this condition whatsoever, so I highly doubt it is any sort of infection.

Not all infections are contagious. She could have a small cyst somewhere or an abscess that would only affect her. If that is the case, then the stress of being ill far outweighs any stress that a vet visit would produce.

I can see how being stuck with a vet bill for a snake that you just bought isn't fair. I just think the snake needs a diagnosis and any potential help that a vet might provide, but that is up to you and the breeder. I hope you work it out and I hope she gets better.

Originally Posted by rosebud945

Not all infections are contagious. She could have a small cyst somewhere or an abscess that would only affect her. If that is the case, then the stress of being ill far outweighs any stress that a vet visit would produce.

I can see how being stuck with a vet bill for a snake that you just bought isn't fair. I just think the snake needs a diagnosis and any potential help that a vet might provide, but that is up to you and the breeder. I hope you work it out and I hope she gets better.

I was only bringing up contagion because one of the points mentioned was that I needed to know if the snake was sick because it could make other snakes sick. I agree that being sick is generally more stressful than the vet visit, but she shows no signs of stress when left alone (another reason I do not think she is ill)

Since there are visible (albeit very faint) kinks in the spine, I think that is a much more likely cause than a cyst, thought I do think that it is possible. Even if it is a cyst, if it is near enough to the spine that it is causing these problems, there will be no way a vet could remove it on a snake this small without an extreme risk of irreparable damage.

I am not saying that vet visits are not a good idea. They are. I am saying that in this case, I do not think it would accomplish anything beyond possibly proving my case, which I am hoping I will not have to do, and since it will cause the snake a good deal of stress, I think it might be a good idea to avoid it for the time being.

there is an excellent reptile vet about 1.5 hours from you..
http://www.anicareanimalhospital.com/index.html

I finally took the snake to see my vet, who is not necessarily a reptile specialist, but who has some experience with reptiles. He says that it is his belief that the snake has either a congenital issue with kinks in the spine, and that the best that can be done is to minimize stress on the snake and hope for the best. He says that in all likelihood, the snake will survive to adulthood, though the issue my never truly go away. She does seem to be doing ok, and is feeding fine, so here's hoping for the best.

In addition, the breeder has agreed to send a replacement, though he and I still disagree as to the cause. I take this as a good sign, though, as he seems to clearly be willing to stand behind the quality of his animals, even when he has doubts as to whether or not it is his fault. As soon as he follows through (we are waiting on new hatchlings in a few weeks), I will be posting on his BOI thread in favor of his practices, as from my dealings he seems to be a stand up guy.

Thank you all for your contributions and support.

Originally Posted by cguarino30

He says that it is his belief that the snake has either a congenital issue with kinks in the spine

Sorry, that was supposed to say "he says that it is his belief that the snake has either a congenital NERVOUS issue OR kinks in the spine"

It's great that the breeder is sending a new snake, and props to you for being patient and seeing this through in terms of going to the BOI. Things happen, and everyone deserves a chance to make things right.

Noelle

Originally Posted by rcarichter

It's great that the breeder is sending a new snake, and props to you for being patient and seeing this through in terms of going to the BOI. Things happen, and everyone deserves a chance to make things right.

Noelle

Exactly my thought. I think I may have been a little short in dealing with him (he seemed a little offended) but I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt. When you're producing, selling, and shipping as many animals a year as I assume this breeder is, there are bound to be issues. In my opinion, it's what people do to handle these issues that makes them good or bad people to do business with.

Chris, does this mean that you will be keeping the snake you have as well? I really am glad the breeder is working with you. He does seem like a good guy, if that is the case.

Originally Posted by rosebud945

Chris, does this mean that you will be keeping the snake you have as well? I really am glad the breeder is working with you. He does seem like a good guy, if that is the case.

Yes, I'm going to do the best I can do give her a good home for as long as she continues to live as well as she currently is. As I said, there is little to no problem unless she gets stressed out. I'm hoping that she will be less prone to a tail rattle reaction as she gets older (as many bulls are) And she may even become a handleable pet, though I don't think I could ever breed her in good conscience. The risk of egg-binding alone is enough to prohibit it.

Cguarino30 i work for a reptile vet that is only about an hour away from you go here www.anicareanimalhospital.com give us a call and we can schedule you an appointment. Rosebud45 is absolutely right on the things a vet can do for you. X-rays can reveal any possible damage, bloodwork will reveal anything unbalanced in his system. And above all if there truly is nothing we can find out about whats wrong with your snake, we can help you with caring for him if he will be a special needs animal for the rest of his life.