See this link for descriptions of strange lumps and bumps Andrea.. don't know if this is a description of what Talyn has, but may be of some use???

On the wrong thread, but there are also some bits of advice about mites, however some of the info is a little outdated, where strips are advised as a treatment,, these should no longer been used as recent research has discovered they are very harmful to reptiles.

care info for snakes

I don't think this sounds like what you are experiencing?? It looks more like a dent to me, but I don't know what you are feeling?

Also, bear in mind normal activity etc for the snake - good feeding and high levels of activity, a nice temperament etc, are all good signs that the snake is healthy and well.

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

Thanks everyone
I think it looks more like a dent (like a rib or something is missing there), when she breathes, it fills up almost to the level of the rest of her body and then goes in again. Just to the front of the dent (towards her head) the muscle seems hard. Martin thinks it's a lump, but I think it just looks more pronounced because of the dent.
Since I'm taking little Monty to the vet on Monday, I'll print out these photos and take them with me. Then I can make an appointment for Talyn if the vet thinks it should be looked at.
I'll keep you informed on both fronts!

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Andrea

Good luck with the vet visit Andrea,. I'm sure both snakes will be fine, and in a couple of months all this cause for concern will seem a distant memory!

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

The fact that the dent fills up and then returns seems to support the idea of a missing rib section. The lung inflating has nothing but skin to contain it so it fills up the dent
The lump in front of the dent seems to support this idea as well. It may be the missing rib section that has fused in the wrong spot.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

heres a few pics of kanes lumps, bumps and dents, they go right down to the tip of his tail the bumps.

Wow, thanks for posting those pics, Donna! Did you ever find out what they are?
Maybe I'm just a worry-wort... something like that would have me really concerned! Looks like a beautiful snake, though!

Talyn's just got the one dent... I guess I just really like to know so I can shut off my worry button. In Switzerland a 4 year old Brazilian Rainbow Boa costs a small fortune... I don't even dare post here what I paid for her! (I've seen snake prices in the US) So the price of a few X-rays might be worth it just to find out what it is.

I'll let you know if I find out.

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Andrea

Joe and I have had a look at Kane, and we are certain that the lumps and dents he has are birth defects. I agree with Merlin, Talyn's does sound like a missing rib or something alike.

How much did you pay for her??? I'm intrigued now!

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"If you know everything you may as well blow your brains out because the reason for existence is to learn more everyday." - Mark O'Shea, 2004

I hope all goes well at the vets for you, I haven't found out what kanes lumps and bump are, they dont seem to cause him any discomfort, when I got him I was told to only feed him fuzzies, but hes doing great on mice, he would never grow on fuzzies, Bitis and I think its a birth defect, I dont think its an injury there are to many bumps for an injury, he is very active and alert. if I thought they where a cause for concern or I seen them causing him distress, then I wouldn't hesitate to take him to the vets, but he is seems fine

OK, OK, I'll tell!!! : I paid CHF 750.00 which corresponds to US$ 640.00 or GB£ 345.10

When I was in California in September, I went to a reptile store and nearly gave the owner a heart-attack when I told him how much I'd paid for my girl.

Monty was "only" CHF 190.00 -- US$ 162 or GB£ 87.43

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Andrea

Your hypothesis was right, Merlin! At the necropsy we were finally able to check out this unusual area. Talyn had a whole section of ribs missing on that side. The vet said they probably never formed there. Just a freak birth-defect.
Just thought I'd go back and let you know.