It's normal for Morelia viridis to have subocular fluid deposit under the eye in the lead up to sloughing, although there seems to be more than usual in this case. It's typically a tell-tale sign that a slough is due soon. My theory is that this particularly thinned species exhibits fluid build up that pools into the supralabial scales directly below the ocular scale in the lead-up to sloughing.View attachment 309173View attachment 309174
Kind of worried for my pet Persephone, Here are pictures, zoomed in and out.
There is swelling between the eye and vent, I plan to see the vet mid week.
Any ideas what it is ?
Thank you
It's normal for Morelia viridis to have subocular fluid deposit under the eye in the lead up to sloughing, although there seems to be more than usual in this case. It's typically a tell-tale sign that a slough is due soon. My theory is that this particularly thinned species exhibits fluid build up that pools into the supralabial scales directly below the ocular scale in the lead-up to sloughing.
I wouldn't be too concerned and certainly wouldn't be rushing this snake off to the vet.
Can you post pics of the other side of the head?
If this swelling is associated with an imminent slough, as I strongly suspect, then there will be a similar or smaller swelling under the eye on the other side.
could it be early signs of mouth rot causing the swelling? The brown colouring doesn't sound good, when did he shed last and does he have any rough branches he could bash his head against in his enclosure? does he try and push the glass of the enclosure open with the side of his head at all? Anything that could create a small open wound around his mouth at all?
Drazzy, I wouldn't let anyone to probe a juvenile of that size. I am surprised that the vet actually made such offer. Did you tell him/her that it's a yellow baby?
To me, it looks like a water blister but can't tell for sure from the pic.
My pleasure Drazzy. Happy to help.Thanks bushman =^.^=
The other side is not swollen, also the lip on said swollen side from looking below her head, it is overlapping slightly, the overlapping part is slight tinge of brown ? I have booked earliest app for vet which is Wednesday this week.
My pleasure Drazzy. Happy to help.
Is she due for a slough? Has she gone at all milky or dull in colour lately? It's harder to see this in yellow juveniles, that's why I use the subocular supralabial indicator.
The brown colouration is not necessarily a cause for concern either imo. I believe that as the fluid condenses or dries a little because of the quantity involved, it often discolours. Re: the overlap that you mention, is the top 'lip' overlapping the bottom lip?
The fact that it's not bilateral, suggests that there could be something abnormal on the swollen side, as this indicator is usually present on both sides. However, I still would not be overly concerned. These things usually clear themselves up if the animal is kept under ideal conditions. Perhaps it's better to err on the side of caution and follow Scott's advice and get it checked out by a vet.
Hmph. What vet are you using?
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