juvenile ball python

Question
QUESTION: My python hasn't eaten in about 3 to 4 weeks and today I discovered a very hard lump about an inch long three quarters of the way down his stomach. My question is whether or not this could be the cause of his not eating as well as what it might be. I really look forward to hearing from you as I am very concerned. Thanks a ton.

ANSWER: OK, I have a question first: Has the snake EVER eaten for you?  Not did the pet store say it eats, but YOU actually saw it eat something.

If that answer is a "no" and this is a newly hatched baby ball then you might have one that was born with a blockage of hardened yolk (or at least that's how it's always been described to me).  Not sure if that is a proper diagnosis or not, but they rarely live.  

No matter what, it sounds like your snake has a blockage and will need veterinary care in order to survive.  If you bought it recently and it never ate I'd attempt to return it.  The store probably won't take it back, but you never know.

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QUESTION: Yes he has eaten plenty of times for me this Elie something that I just found recently I have had him for about 8 months

ANSWER: OK, then the lump needs to come out.  Give him a soak in warm water, say 20 minutes.  If he doesn't poop by the next day you need to call the vet (unless he is already pooping normally).  3-4 weeks isn't a long time for an adult ball to go w/o food but the not eating and the lump worry me a bit.  They do sometimes go off feed and save up poop right before a shed, any chance that's what you're seeing?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i soaked him and then while i was holding him he started to poop then i felt an unnerving pop before a large lump of what i assume was the equivalent of a colon popped out of his cloaca, i do believe that snakes are capable of extruding such a thing of their own will? anyway, the blockage ended up being an almost rock hard lump of poo about an inch and a half long and well larger around than i believe he could comfortably expel, i noticed a small amount of dark red that im not sure was blood but at this point i assume he will live or die and there is little to be done about it as we have no veterinarians here willing to deal with exotic animals. i very much appreciate your help on the matter and i thank you for the time.

Answer
Did his rectum actually prolapse?  Is it still on the outside?  If not, he might be ok.  It's strange though that he would have this problem at this point in his life.  Right out of the egg sure, but months later seems strange to me.  Sorry, I can't be of more help.  Please keep me posted if you do find a vet to look at him.  I would love to know what they say.  Call the closest zoo or college and ask them who they'd recommend.