Older corn snake not eating and has a small lump

[safire6]

My corn is 16 years old, I've had him (I believe it's a male) for 11 years. He has alway eaten live mice. I have always fed him in a separate container, not in his terrarium. He almost always takes the mouse within 1 minute of me putting it the container. I usually feed him 2 adult mice every 10 to 14 days and he never has any problem eating them. However it has been over a month since he last ate. I've tried 3 times in the last month and he just ignores the mouse. I know this non-eating thing is typical in the spring months because they are more interested in mating, but he has eaten four separate times this year already before stopping a month ago. Any tricks on getting him to eat?

On a separate matter, I discovered this small lump on him. It's just below the anus. Any idea what it could be? Thanks in advance!

Steve

 

[crackerhead]

If nothing has changed in his care or environment I would start looking at that lump. Are you opposed to taking him to a vet? The lump could be pus filled, indicating an infection (I'm guessing this because I've seen similar looking lumps that turned out to be just that). The vet would be able to give you antibiotics that would help clear up any infection and possible lance and drain the abcess. If it's something other than infection, the vet could also offer suggestions as to care. Illness can easily be the underlying cause for going off feed.
Good Luck.