ball python bleeds somtimes from the cloaca after shed

[coitussnakes]

Sometimes after a HEALTHY shed my ball python will bleed a little from her cloaca. any idea what this is or what causes it? is it normal or is it a big deal? shes 100% healthy as well so im stumped.

[Rick247]

Yes this happens from time to time. It is normal and I wouldn't worry about it at all.

[coitussnakes]

Its weird.

[Dean]

never happened to me so i dont think its ''normal'' to blead of your ass... maybe a vet check or something should be considered ?

[Southern_Boa_Gurl]

Depends on how much blood is noticeable.  Sometimes when Patsy sheds, there is small dots of blood in her tub on the papertowels as well.

[coitussnakes]

Its just a very very small drop. but she always streaks it across the news print.

[Bree]

This type of bleeding is not uncommon at all, and doesn't require a vet trip.  Some snakes can be a little rough on themselves during shed.    If you think about the fact that the skin inside the vent is sensitive and tender, some tearing can and does occur during shedding.
There is nothing to be concerned about UNLESS the bleeding doesn't stop or it  becomes severe...if that's the case then head out to the vet.

[coitussnakes]

The skin actualy goes into the vent? and its just caused by small tears from the shed

[Bree]

The skin actualy goes into the vent? and its just caused by small tears from the shed

Think of your skin as a protective layer.... all made up of cells that are joined with the mucosa (cell lining) of the inner area of the vent as well as the outer lining of our body.    You can't really call them two separate things, since they join together to keep the body protected from  invading microorganisms.    The bleeding is because the skin 'stuck' and pulled off during the shed,  or pulled a bit too hard,  and disruptied the integrity of the skin's protective layer

[coitussnakes]

Oh. ok thank you.