Vets find sinister cause behind mass obstructing tree snake’s stomach

A Brisbane vet clinic had a nasty surprise when they discovered the reason a green tree snake had a huge lump in its stomach.

A vet clinic had a nasty surprise when they discovered the stomach-churning reason a green tree snake had a huge lump in its stomach.

Ascarid the tree snake was taken to Jindalee’s Unusual Pet Vets (UPV) clinic, southwest of Brisbane, after a large round mass was found in its stomach region.

The 24-gram snake underwent an ultrasound and radiography in an attempt to diagnose the cause of the mass, however vets were unable to determine what was lodged inside it.

A tree snake attended Jindalee's Unusual Pet Vets clinic with some unwanted guests. Picture: Facebook / The Unusual Pet Vets

The snake underwent an ultrasound and radiography in an attempt to diagnose the cause of the mass. Picture: Facebook / The Unusual Pet Vets

“It was elected to take this little snake to surgery to diagnose and attempt a repair if possible,” UPV posted to their Facebook account.

The clinic’s Dr Josh performed a gastrotomy on the snake, and to his surprise found a sinister cause for the mass.

A large abscess of roundworms had obstructed Ascarid’s stomach, with the snake required to undergo a partial gastrectomy to evict the uninvited guests.

The cause for Ascarid's stomach issues was a mass filled with worms which vets removed. Picture: Facebook / The Unusual Pet Vets

Vets removed the worms and then stitched the snake’s stomach back together. Picture: Facebook / The Unusual Pet Vets

“The abscess and worms were removed along with a small portion of the stomach,” UPV said.

“Feeding tubes were placed into the stomach in both directions while Dr Josh repaired the damage (stomach) organ.”

As Ascarid is a wild snake, doctors predict it contracted worms due to its diet. The snake has since recovered and is believed to be doing well.

“Ascarid is eating well and passing faeces normally. The surgery site has healed and the duress has now been removed (and) has been released,” UPV said.