Medical Mystery- Diamond python

[Iguana]

Hey everyone, long time no post...

I'm hoping to see if anyone else has experienced what I currently am with my 3-4y.o diamond python.
Yes, this is also the same one with the burns, but that has been sorted and his scales are mending nicely .

New problem though unfortunately,
He has these very symmetrical lumps on either side of his jaw underneath his heat pits, they appear about 2 months ago, and are pretty hard. They have grown to this size but haven't gotten much bigger over the last few weeks. No discharge, fluid or discolouration.

Took him to the vets about 3 weeks ago, they have no idea what it is. The blood test came back all clear, so I'm clueless. The next stage is for a sedated examination, where they will have a good feel and take Xrays, also possibly take biopsies.

Has ANYONE seen this before? Or have any experience with this?
I'd really like to have sort of clue of what it could be before rushing into this procedure, as it's gonna be quite intense on the poor guy.

Also, I have just ended brumation for him. He is now on 4-hour heat per morning, 30-32 degree hotspot. Has had UVB/UVA for last 7-8 months. He is yet to take a meal, no interest whatsoever.

If anyone has any suggestion on what this would be that would be great so I can research more, it would be greatly appreciated.
(disclaimer: I am not using this in place of the veterinary care, he will be returning to the vets ASAP once he takes a meal)
Thanks!

(Pics below)

 

[Pauls_Pythons]

Not going to be presumptuous as to what the problem is but just want to say that we have 7 DP's in our care and all are feeding ravenously having come out of their winter 'slumber'.
I think the lack of interest in food is an indication that there is a problem that needs to be resolved so waiting till he has fed could be detrimental.

 

[Iguana]

Not going to be presumptuous as to what the problem is but just want to say that we have 7 DP's in our care and all are feeding ravenously having come out of their winter 'slumber'.
I think the lack of interest in food is an indication that there is a problem that needs to be resolved so waiting till he has fed could be detrimental.

hmmm good point, i'll give the vet a ring tomorrow and see what they think. However, he's not losing weight at this point so I'm not too worried, but will definitely give vet a call.

 

[Pauls_Pythons]

Mate any type of swelling that hangs around that long would worry me. Waiting just gives whatever it is time to spread.

 

[Iguana]

Mate any type of swelling that hangs around that long would worry me. Waiting just gives whatever it is time to spread.

Of course I'm worried, but the only reason I'm waiting is because the vet assured me that there wasn't a huge rush. Just trying to do some research in the meantime, he will be seeing the vets again very soon

 

[Fall guys]

How can they say they’ve never seen something before, and then not to worry about it/ not a huge rush

 

[Pauls_Pythons]

Not sure which vet you have seen but being in Victoria, and having a need for clarity on an animals condition such as you do, there is only one vet I would be heading too and for me its a 3hr round trip but I would have no hesitation.

Only you can determine if you need a specialist vet or if your animal is 'at risk'.

 

[Stompsy]

^this, except now there’s two speciallists in the same area, both run by the same vet. I’d trust either equally.

 

[Iguana]

How can they say they’ve never seen something before, and then not to worry about it/ not a huge rush

to quote the vets, "everything with reptiles happens very slowly, so we have time"
trust me, I'm doubtful as well, but its been the same for weeks now
[doublepost=1538296585,1538296499][/doublepost]

Not sure which vet you have seen but being in Victoria, and having a need for clarity on an animals condition such as you do, there is only one vet I would be heading too and for me its a 3hr round trip but I would have no hesitation.

Only you can determine if you need a specialist vet or if your animal is 'at risk'.

I would definitely be interested in contacting the specialist, the more opinions I can gather the better. The drive is no worry.
What's the clinic/vet called?
[doublepost=1538296649][/doublepost]If anyone could recommend their specialists that would be greatly appreciated And i'll contact them.
Thanks!

 

[Pauls_Pythons]

Shane Simpson at Karingal

http://www.karingalvet.com.au/

 

[Fall guys]

I’ve heard that “herpvet” on Facebook is amazing, and fast to respond

He does a lot of diagnosis stuff, I assume he has a physical location somewhere

He may be able to tell you what you’re looking at, in the meantime of looking at something more physical

 

[Iguana]

Thank you so much @Pauls_Pythons and @Bl69aze will contact those people right away!

 

[Stompsy]

Also, The Unusual Pet Vets, also in Karingal and run by Shane Simpson and other trusted reptile specialists.