GTP - Question

[andynic07]

So I'm sightly confused now..

I think Michael is suggesting that it cannot be peristalsis because it is lower than the cloaca.

 

[Skitzmixer]

I think Michael is suggesting that it cannot be peristalsis because it is lower than the cloaca.

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

[Waterrat]

Go with Jamie and Bushman, they know what they're talking about .... in simple words that everybody understands.

 

[Pythoninfinite]

Definition of peristalsis: the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine or another canal, creating wave-like movements which push the contents of the canal forward.

This snake would have to have a cloaca at the tip of its tail.

Isn't that where the cloaca is Michael? Slow peristalsis always causes the tail-tip to drop off doesn't it??? NOT!

J

 

[Bushman]

Go with Jamie and Bushman, they know what they're talking about .... in simple words that everybody understands.

Thanks Michael.

Thanks for giving me a better understanding on what's going on. I wanted to have a close look but by the time I got home last night it was looking for a feed and I wasn't going anywhere near it. I'll leave work early today and have a closer look. I feel horrible, like I let the snake down. I checked everything else but the tip of the tail. I was always careful when I handled it. Read through Greg Maxwells book like it was my bible.

Will this effect it at all? Other than running my fingers gently over the tip of the tail is there anything else I can do?

You're welcome Skitzmixer. Don't feel too bad about this. It happens occasionally and the best thing you can do is learn from this experience in order to prevent it happening again.
There's no need to rush the snake off to the vet. Your snake will be fine, although it may lose the tip of its tail. I'll send you a PM and talk you through it.

 

[onimocnhoj]

The tip could have easily been accidentally damaged some time ago without you realising it. If the snake had ever been pried off it's perch (gently or otherwise) the tip could have been dislocated or twisted.

It may have injured it's tail itself during a fall as well. A young GTP's tail is particularly delicate, especially compared to other pythons. Now that the snake is older and bigger, it may be the reason you've been able to notice it.

I wouldn't consider it vet time.

 

[solar 17]

l "sincerely" hope it is a shedding issue but l doubt it and will stick to my original post....solar 17

 

[zulu]

Good question, I've only noticed it the dark tip looking like that recently. Before the very tip of the tail is usually always nice and straight, but that little tip is a bit strange.

I just realised there's a huge kink up in the top left hand corner, that's just it laying awkwardly, that's not usually there at all.. when I handle it, its nice and straight

No on the top left corner, look about an inch down from its cloaca looks like a few spinal bumps in the pic,in a spot where they often appear.

 

[Trimeresurus]

l "sincerely" hope it is a shedding issue but l doubt it and will stick to my original post....solar 17

Without elaboration your original post makes no sense.

 

[solar 17]

Isn't that where the cloaca is Michael? Slow peristalsis always causes the tail-tip to drop off doesn't it??? NOT!

J

lf you two guys have a "GOOD" look at the pic that was posted "BEFORE" you commented the REAL problem is right near the cloaca, the tip of the tail is a secondary problem. solar 17

 

[Waterrat]

I managed to read the paper today, so I can't be completely blind but I can't see any kinks or "problems" other than on the tip of the tail. Besides, the OP stated clearly that there are no other kinks and he would have better idea than any of us looking at (not the best) photo of a snake covered in water droplets. Even if there was a kink near the cloaca, what would it have to do with the tip of the tail? The more I look at it, the more I am inclined to think it's a retained shed constricting the tip of the tail.

Skitzmixer, have you had a go at soaking it and puling it off yesterday? Please let us know.

 

[Skitzmixer]

I managed to read the paper today, so I can't be completely blind but I can't see any kinks or "problems" other than on the tip of the tail. Besides, the OP stated clearly that there are no other kinks and he would have better idea than any of us looking at (not the best) photo of a snake covered in water droplets. Even if there was a kink near the cloaca, what would it have to do with the tip of the tail? The more I look at it, the more I am inclined to think it's a retained shed constricting the tip of the tail.

Skitzmixer, have you had a go at soaking it and puling it off yesterday? Please let us know.

Sorry about the delayed response, I've been without phone / internet for the weekend.
Its a horrible photo I agree, however its the best one I've been able to get with the limited resources I have.
I haven't been able to get the retained shin off, using the saline method. Rather than stressing it out anymore I'm going to take it to a VET and have them look at it, booked in for 5pm tonight.

For those of you who have helped me a lot over the past few days, I really do appreciate all the input and suggestions. I'll update the thread once it's been looked at tonight.

Thanks again.

 

[Skitzmixer]

Just a quick update, i went to see my vet and it turns out its a slight tail kink, but only at the very tip of the tail, the rest of the python was fine, he also said the python is very healthy which is a great relief. There was a bit of retained shed and i was told to keep persisting with the saline method.

Glad thats finally out of the way.
Thank you to everyone for your help.

 

[Bushman]

You're welcome mate. Happy to help.

 

[Darlyn]

Interesting thread, interesting points give yourselves a pat on the back

 

[Waterrat]

It's good to hear that's it's nothing serious.
In the meantime, solar17 posted this on face book along with your photo:
[h=5]The photo of this GTP is off another forum and unfortunately has some severe spinal damage from approx. the cloaca to the tip of the tail and just my opinion but this hasn't happened overnight and unfortunately now has one huge problem......B[/h]
Cheers mate.

 

[Wild~Touch]

Personally I'd go with Badens' opinion ... afterall he's the Specialist
It would be interesting to see what happens with this animal down the track
Cheers
Sandee

 

[Waterrat]

Against the verdict from a qualified vet who saw end examined the snake, rather than looking at a picture?

 

[Skitzmixer]

It's good to hear that's it's nothing serious.
In the meantime, solar17 posted this on face book along with your photo:
[h=5]The photo of this GTP is off another forum and unfortunately has some severe spinal damage from approx. the cloaca to the tip of the tail and just my opinion but this hasn't happened overnight and unfortunately now has one huge problem......B[/h]
Cheers mate.

Well that's the risk of asking for peoples advice on a public forum, everyone has the right to have there own opinion. Saying that I trust my reptile VET 210%, and if he says that there's nothing to worry about then I trust him whole heartedly. He had a very thorough look at her. As I mentioned in my above post, he said that there's only the kink in the very tip of the tail, the rest is perfect and she's otherwise very healthy.

 

[Pythoninfinite]

It's good to hear that's it's nothing serious.
In the meantime, solar17 posted this on face book along with your photo:
[h=5]The photo of this GTP is off another forum and unfortunately has some severe spinal damage from approx. the cloaca to the tip of the tail and just my opinion but this hasn't happened overnight and unfortunately now has one huge problem......B[/h]
Cheers mate.

Unfortunately this guy is becoming the laughing stock of the GTP keeping community. It's a pity that he dispenses this misleading crap to big-note himself, and it's quite possible that inexperienced keepers might take him seriously...

Good news though skitzy!

Jamie