Abused snake advice.?

Question

I work at a pet store and someone recently brought in a severely abused ball python. It has serious open burns and several layers of shed on its body. It also has mouth rot, a mild case but still a problem. We have a vet injecting anti-biotic for the mouth rot and nutrients for the skin. Aside from soaking with warm water and keeping a high humidity is there anything else we can do for him? I do not want to have to put him down.

Answer 1

Maybe try some shed assist. I hear that works good.

Answer 2

It made me sick to read this.  You just have to stop and let your jaw gape open, as you wonder what kind of a person could do that sort of thing.  He might be a customer you see every day.  You just never know..

It sounds like you're keeping him hydrated, and the antibiotics should do their job, too.  Unfortunately, snakes heal very slowly.  Kuddos for the rescue and all you're doing.  At least he's no longer having new wounds inflicted, and added stress won't be a factor.

Did the vet recommend an ointment for the burns?  Even with soaks, they will be painful, and irritating as they heal.  Next time he gets an injection, ask what they'd recommend.

Or (I have not treated a snake for burns for years [other than one burned by battery acid purposely], and am not up on current products) load my page, and look in my contacts.  Shoot an email to "madsnakeman" or "jason h" -or to both of them!  They are excellent with snakes, and can most likely help you out to ease the poor thing's misery.

Keep up the good work, and thanks for having a heart for the poor critter.  It's nice to see there are still some good people out there.

Good luck, and I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.

Answer 3

awwww... it sounds like you are doing all you really can. just keep an eye on the little guy and he should be okay ( i hope)

thanks for being an animal lover :)

Answer 4

ew...it's a snake! let it die!!