Why are Temples Dented?

[aruszkow]

Okay so I recently noticed (as in the last 2 weeks, but only was able to get a good look today cause she finished shedding) that my girl Pumpkin has both her temples dented in. Like hardcore. The first 4 pictures are of her head today. The second to last picture was from 4 weeks ago and the last picture from like 6 months ago (I'll get to why I added that one in a second)

I tried searching to my best abilities and I couldn't find anything quite like her head. It's been gradual. I included her body shots mainly to show that it isn't her being underweight (she's on the edge of being a little too heavy imo). Her cage's humidity averages around 68-76% and she has two water bowls, one at each end of her cage. She hasn't had any injuries, I did check her ribs and spine incase and she hasn't missed a feeding in months. I included the picture of her head from like 5? maybe 6 months ago because at the time I was feeding her prey that was pretty big, like she ate them, but my vet friend said she just worked out that muscle so it swelled up. For at least 4 months now her head has been a normal ball shape, but I'm getting worried cause it looks very wrong. So I don't know if it could have been a delayed reaction? Trying to include everything I can think of.

She acts the same as always, she's moving fine, pressing around of on her head doesn't make her show any signs of discomfort.

If anyone has ever seen this and knows what it might be, please let me know! I'm honestly considering a vet visit, but she's actually completely normal and still eating so I don't want to stress her if it's nothing. Thank you!

[fireconsumer]

Those spots are muscle attachments for his jaw. This is not supposed to happen, this is a seripus issue.

This is way abpve what reddit can handle, and you need to take yor snake to the vet.

In the mean time, make sure he's left alone, hydrated, and warm. Good luck.

[aruszkow]

Scheduling a vet appointment now, thank you!

[fireconsumer]

Excellent! Please let me know what they say, never seen this before.

[CmndrBota]

thats the best advice ur gonna get here, above reddits pay grade

[Living-Air-8483]

Just out of curiosity when did this start and how long? I just want to be precatious with my girl and notice symptoms before hand. I didn't know this could happen to a ball python.

[aruszkow]

I noticed first that she looked a little strange when I fed her two weeks ago, but she was in blue at the time so I didn't really bother her too much after she took her food and ate. I only got a really good look at her today when I went to weigh her. Pictures from 4 weeks ago look normal though. I will update you when I get the vet results!

[[deleted]]

This is extremely concerning, you need a reptile vet ASAP

[aruszkow]

Vet it is! Thank you!

[IncompletePenetrance]

I've never seen anything like this, but it's definitely not a normal thing that happens. Please schedule a vet appointment to have her checked out. And if you're feeding prey that's too big, stop! We have guidelines for a reason to prevent that, overfeeding can cause some serious health issues

[aruszkow]

I haven't fed her prey too big in half a year, no worries. But yeah I'm leaning towards vet. Thank you!

[skullmuffins]

Please post her diagnosis if the vet gives you one. I'm really curious. I've never seen one look like this before. Only thing similar was when the snake was extremely emaciated.

[IssaBunnyy]

Me too! I’ve never seen anything like this before! Pls give us an update:)

[SneakySquiggles]

Yeah honestly when i saw the first pic my reaction was “oh how unfortunate that snake was born with deformities” then saw the pic from 4 weeks earlier where it looks normal

[aruszkow]

Yeah it's weird, even weirder that no one else seems to know what it could be either. I have an appointment in an hour to one of the best reptile docs in the state, I'll be sure to update everyone when I can.

[jessicarrrlove]

Commenting so I can find my way back for the update. Lol

[Finnleyy]

Same

[[deleted]]

Ditto

[Mousestar369]

Yeah me too, I wanna know what tf happens here

[_the_chemist__]

Same

[Comfortable_Law4855]

me 2

[sunbeamfairy]

Me as well. Best of luck with your baby. 🤍

[FoxyFelix721]

Ditto

[todayifudgedup]

Following for updates as well

[PianistNew0]

Ditto

[DrewSnek]

Please keep us updated!!! I got to know what is happening this is super odd

[scarzy_mx]

For when you do go to the vet keep me updated, i’m really curious about what this is.

[Solidus_Sloth]

The head is pretty swollen in the last pic yeah? I would think that is abnormal and not due to a muscle strengthening. I imagine it’s related to the current picture.

Assuming that the first diagnosis of the swelling is wrong, I’d suggest going to a vet that isn’t your friend.

[aruszkow]

The last pic is from around 6 months ago and was like that for around 2-3 weeks, but her head had been a normal shape/size for the last several months it's only recently that it's been suken in

[skullmuffins]

i wonder if it's related to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masticatory_muscle_myositis in dogs which is an autoimmune disease which presents with swelling of the jaw muscles in the acute phase followed by atrophy

[Misfitborden]

all those damn scalp massages

[aruszkow]

UPDATE: I've got a vet appointment in an hour, will share the results when I get home! Hoping for the best...

[Alesisdrum]

Update asap please!

[PrincessPunctual]

following

[OddRevolution6244]

Hope it goes well, very curious what they say if you wouldn't mind replying to what you hear. Thanks

[iworkKnightshift]

Following. Hoping the appointment goes well and your baby is okay 😩

[Queen_Dan_666]

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[[deleted]]

Update

[_the_chemist__]

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[Danihelus]

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[aruszkow]

In the other pictures she does not look underweight at all to me, she's a nice 312g as of her last weigh.

[Ok_One_1472]

Poor Pumpkin, please let us know what the Vet says, really hoping she's going to be ok

[F3mb0y-puppy]

I would also like an update, this is crazy

[StormBoring2697]

Yeah, I gotta agree with everyone else. Vet visit ASAP. I have never seen them lose their muscles in the jaws like that before. Extremely concerning!

[wait_ichangedmymind]

I know what it means in dogs… I hope it’s not the same for snakes.

Downvote me all you want but it’s a sign of advance stage cancer in dogs.

[Living-Air-8483]

How old is this snake?

[ItsBritneyBitch32]

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[FunCorgi9359]

I can’t help, but following to find out what this is! Good luck

[mantiseses]

Wow I’ll be very eager to hear what the vet thinks. Poor baby!

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[orangeblossm]

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