Snake Vent Stuck/Sealed Shut

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Karley S

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Hey,
I noticed the other day that my children’s python’s vent seemed to be stuck shut.
I thought that maybe he had a bit of stuck shed over/in there and figured that next time he pooped it would come off with it.
I checked him again today as he still hasn’t pooped, and it’s still completely shut. The vent does not open as if it is a flap, it is sealed closed completely. It looks almost as if there was an injury and it’s healed itself together?
I’m quite worried and can’t get into any vets today as it’s a Sunday.

I’m not sure how long it’s been since he’s pooped, as i only noticed this about a week ago but not sure how long it’s actually been. It literally just looks like there’s never been a hole there.

I soaked him in warm water for about 20 minutes, sanitised some tweezers and tried to gently open the vent but it was completely healed closed.
What could have happened and what can i do?
 
Very small so difficult to get a photo
The middle picture is me pulling back against it quite hard to try and open it. you can see where the opening starts, but the top flap part of the vent is stuck in it kind of?


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Looks fine to me. Can see the hole/ cloacal opening in the second pic on the tail side of the vent
 
Looks fine to me. Can see the hole/ cloacal opening in the second pic on the tail side of the vent
yes, but that hole is literally only as big as in the pic, and that’s with me trying my hardest to open it. is that normal?
 
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Hi Karley S
I wouldn't try to force it open , just wait , I have a large coastal x diamond python who will actually hold onto it, until I take him outside and put him on the lawn. It seems to take him about a week to 10 days to digest an average meal, so I try to take him outside around then for a poo, and he dose it every time like clockwork. If for some reason I can't take him out then, he will hold onto it until I do. I always keep a record of what and when my snakes eat, or refuse to eat , so its easier to tell if there could be a problem in that respect. Good luck.
 
I would not be concerned unless the vent area appeared raised or swollen when viewed from the side, or the anal plate is not overlapping the first ventral scale, leaving part of the cloaca visible. If this is the case, then you have done the right thing thus far. The cloaca may have prolapsed and not fully retracted. The important thing is keep any exposed cloacal tissue moist so that the cells do not dry out and die, which would require surgical removal. Add exactly half a teaspoon of salt for each cup (250 mL) of tepid water when bathing it. Gently swab/ massage the area while bathing the vent. After bathing try applying some external pressure with the swab for a minute or so to encourage the cloaca to fully retract. If this does not fix the problem after a couple of attempts, then do go and see the vet.
 
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