Hi Mark,

Yes, I've seen that frequently in the past, normally in wild-caught snakes though (not just Garters). I've heard many explanations; cysts, fatty deposits, mites, poor diet, too damp conditions, but I never really found a definitive answer. In snakes I've had for longer periods of time, which arrived with these lumps, I've found they can gradually reduce in size with each successive slough until they disappear completely. There isn't any discolouration to the ventral scales is there Mark?

James.