Vent Blockage

[Eddie]

Beautiful looking snake. The body does not look distended at all. That is a good sign. Did the vet do a fecal float? I would follow Steve's instructions as a precaution for sure.
Best of luck!!
Ed

[Albert Clark]

Wow, gorgeous looking reptile. Grats! I have a feeling it may be a foreign body that has gotten into the vent and started up some irritation. Maybe blocking the scent gland or cloaca region. Totally speculative and the exotic vet may have to look a little more closely. Good luck!

[Albert Clark]

Curious as to what substrate you were originally using prior to noticing the swelling ?

[BPGator]

Curious as to what substrate you were originally using prior to noticing the swelling ?

Zoomed Aspen Snake Bedding. I use the same stuff for my other garters and have never had an issue.

[BPGator]

I showed the pics to the vet and he no longer thinks it's stuck shed. But he recommended daily soaks and wiping with paper towels to remove material.

[Albert Clark]

I showed the pics to the vet and he no longer thinks it's stuck shed. But he recommended daily soaks and wiping with paper towels to remove material.

That's great! You may want to consider mixing in to your Aspen some Eco Earth or some cypress mulch to help with moisture. I just strategically place areas of Eco Earth in a couple of areas in my enclosures. It also helps with the microclimate within. Aspen, by itself, is dusty and drying with particulate matter. Think about it, in the wild these reptiles crawl over various ground material that can range from dry to semi dry and moist even wet. Eastern Blacknecks really thrive in rocky outcrops near streams and water.

[guidofatherof5]

Wondering how this snake is doing.

[BPGator]

Wondering how this snake is doing.

He's looking better but still not totally cleared up. He's got a good appetite and passes waste regularly, so that's good. He's currently in shed; hopefully that will help clear it out some.

I am using the method you suggested to soak it --- putting in a tub with a wet towel. I think this is a little less stressful than just putting it in water.

[BPGator]

He ended up shedding last night. Good shed. You can see here some of the stuff came off with the shed. Maybe it was just stuck shed? The vent still does not look completely clear but it's much better after the shed.

shed.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Retained shed in the vent area will collect feces. Glad to hear things are better. Might be good to give some warm water soaks to help clean that area up.