T.s.sirtalis (Florida Blue) on the Ranch

[chris-uk]

Chimera was my best guess, which is one of the ways you end up with two-headed snakes. As I mentioned on Skype actually proving that she's a chimera is difficult, would require genetic tests on samples from the body and each of the odd growths. There are other explanations, it's possible it was caused by a failure in the mechanism that controls growth as an embryo. I'm sure there could be other causes as well. It would be worth taking regular photos of the defect so that you can pick up any changes, I'd be interested to know whether there is any growth of the extra tails, or whether they become relatively smaller as she grows.
Whatever the cause, I'm sure that most of the time this sort of defect would lead to a stillborn.

She's a beautiful snake Steve.

[guidofatherof5]

As soon as I have some extra money I'm getting a x-ray of the area.
Will be neat to see what's going on. I feel a definite bony structure that isn't normal.
I will post photos of the x-ray once I get them.

[Selkielass]

What a beauty!
I agree that that deformity looks like part of a partial siamese twin, but others have already said it much better than I could.
I rather like her extra coils.

[EasternGirl]

Those are awesome pics Steve! Beautiful girl!

[RedSidedSPR]

Awesome photos!!!!!

[guidofatherof5]

Lucky 2 continues to do well and is now preparing to shed again.
She's a strong eater and is a welcome addition to the Ranch.

[aquamentus_11]

awesome, i was going to ask if you would think of getting some x-rays taken. can't wait to see what's going on in there. how does that segment move with the rest of her body?

[mikem]

good to hear she's doing well! is there bone in the defect or is it just tissue, like a growth or something? i'm assuming she has no apparent discomfort or any kind of troubles with it, yes? very odd... never seen anything like that. lucky girl!

[EasternGirl]

Glad to hear she is doing well!

[Eddie]

Hi Steve
Glad to here she is doing so well. I knew the Ranch was the right place for her!
Eddie