New here, have lump problem with common garter

[stripe&houdini]

Hi, I am new here I have 4 garters 2 of which are common garters and 2 are western terrestrials. Lately one of the common garters has been getting a lump right above its cloaca that will not go away and has been getting bigger. The lump is somewhat soft. The snake has been eating regularly. It has been eating mice and fish. It only eats mice when they are rotting.

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard.

[guidofatherof5]

Hi, I am new here I have 4 garters 2 of which are common garters and 2 are western terrestrials. Lately one of the common garters has been getting a lump right above its cloaca that will not go away and has been getting bigger. The lump is somewhat soft. The snake has been eating regularly. It has been eating mice and fish. It only eats mice when they are rotting.

Welcome to the forum.
I have to ask, what do you mean by rotting?

Has the swollen area had any drainage? Is the snake still pooping? Does this area around the cloaca have a head/scab to it.
If you have access to a good reptile Vet this may need looked at.
It could be a minor subcutaneous infection or something more.
If possible a photo would be great.
Once again, Welcome and good luck with your sick snake.

[stripe&houdini]

The swollen area has not had any drainage. The snake has not been pooping. There is no scab. I cannot post a photo as my computer is very slow and will not upload photos.

[guidofatherof5]

If I may suggest. Get some kind of a container, put some warm water in and let the snake soak.
Most snakes will poop when in water and the warm water will help that along. This way you can make sure this part if its system is working.

[stripe&houdini]

I am doing that right now and I noticed that the lump has moved about 3 inches toward the snake's head

[brubru2]

Could it be that the snake is regurgitating something?
What did it eat last?

[stripe&houdini]

The snake probabaly is not regurgitating any thing, as the lump been there for about 2 weeks and is much closer to the tail than the head

[guidofatherof5]

I am doing that right now and I noticed that the lump has moved about 3 inches toward the snake's head

You've got my interest. Moving back towards the head doesn't sound like something to do with digestion. I think any mass/growth/tumor would stay in a location and maybe grow but not move. I'm leaning towards a parasitical problem. Some forum members have reported parasitical worms under the skin but never reported them changing locations. I hope you can get a photo posted soon.
Is this lump on the side, top or bottom? Is it a hard mass under the skin or does it feel more to be fluid filled?

[stripe&houdini]

The lump is like a food lump so it is centered. It does not bulge anywhere. It is more like a hard mass.