Hi! I have a question about a SWOLLEN SPUR in a ball python. I met this ball py

admin

Hi!

I have a question about a SWOLLEN SPUR in a ball python.

I met this ball python (male, 2 years old) three weeks ago. It had a swollen spur which owner had observed for 3 weeks. The cloacae showed no sign of infection and the hemipenises were not involved in the swelling. FNA of the swelling showed purulent secretion and I concluded with infection (abscess). I flushed the abscess with saline and treated with Stomodine LP. The owner was told to hold the abscess open an flush it daily and deposit stomodine.

This is now 3 weeks ago and there are no improvement. Not better and not worse. The snake is otherwise behaving normally.

My question;
Has anyone seen this before? Is it common with infection in this area? Is this a site where I should think of neoplasia?

And no, I didn’t send for bacteriology (same as always, money issues)

My plan is to take it back for cytology and bacteriology as a start if owner wants to pay for it and take it from there (antibiotics or surgery).

Anyone that has seen this before or wants to comment this?

Thank you!

admin

Sorry, was in a bit of a rush when i first wrote. Abscesses should be removed surgically, best not opened, was what I meant, removed in its entirety if at all possible inclucing the capsule. Draining and flushing usually doesn't lead to the desired long-term results.
Treat it like you would a tumor, excise it. Maybe x-ray before to see if the bone of the spur is alreadly lytic.
As for the rest, just like Cordelia Bracht said, except a clean surgical wound will need stitches, not flushing, unless you poke into the abscess (if it is one) during surgery (it happens...) I'd be tempted to also give systemic antibiotics, but bear in mind I am in Germany, not in Sweden, so we have different laws when it comes to giving ABx.