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Pictures of Throat Swelling Pre-Shedding

H

Hurley

Registered
I'm not sure how many of you have noticed this phenomenon in your snakes...I know I missed it for years, lol. Between being blue and right before they shed, I've got several adult snakes that get edematous at the back of their throats. I'm assuming this is due to congestion from a "too-tight" skin leading to mild backup of lymphatic drainage and hence, edema of the head. At any rate, it scared me the first time I saw it, now it just intrigues me. :D

Here's the appearance from a profile, swollen corn on top (notice the swelling under her jaw), and a normal corn on bottom.

EdemaProfile.jpg

NormalProfile.jpg


Now for an inside the mouth look...

Edema1.jpg
Edema2.jpg









And here's a normal mouth (right) for comparison next to the swollen throat (left):

Edema1.jpg
NormalThroat1.jpg
 
Hmm...very interesting! I, myself have never noticed that in my collection. I guess I'll have to start paying closer attention and taking more notes!

Great pics too!

Quigs
 
I have a couple that happens to. Freaked me out the first time I saw it, and took them to the vet. Some of my Bci do that as well. The vet checked them over and assured me it was just fluid build up. Went away after they shed. Sure scared me, though!
 
I also have a couple of snakes that sometimes do that before shedding. I freaked out the first time or two that I saw it. I noticed that it went away after shedding, as well.
 
Wow. That is interesting. I have never noticed it and now if I do, I won't get concerned. Thanks for sharing that info. And, I have to say, AWESOME shots!!!! Good job!
 
Many of my corns do that as well, although some never do. In some severe cases I thought it was lung worm, it looks very similar from the outside, but different from the "inside of mouth" view. Now we just refer to it as "shed neck". :)
 
Wow, I have never heard of this before! I've never noticed it in my corns myself, now if it does happen though at least I'm forwarned and I won't freak out!
 
Hi Connie,

I have noticed the swollen throath many times in shedding snakes in my collection. I also notice that after feeding too large prey just before shed the swollen area is much bigger. Pretty cool pictures I must say. There is no better way to show this like you did.
 
Thanks Hurley, that is one of the many odd/interesting things that I have noticed in many of my snakes, but unbelievably, had not attributed to the shedding cycle. I will definitely keep a watchful eye out now. I also have not noticed any bad affects from this, though it caused me to pause and think about feedings during shed with the inernal swelling, around the throat, that is taking place. I only have a small handful of snakes that refuse food prior to shedding, but will definitely be more cautious with all the rest as well.

Great pics.
D80
 
Connie.... ditto what drizzit80 said. Had noticed, but never attributed it to shedding. You are just full of interesting information. I learn so much, yet post so little.........LOL :sidestep:
 
That’s interesting, I had just noticed that last month before my adult corn shed. I thought it might have been a problem but it went away after the shed.
 
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