Just 10 minutes ago I discovered one of my 2 week old baby ball python has been attacked and chewed on by a mouse.
I constantly check on them when I leave them with a live rodent, but today, I fell asleep for maybe an hour.
I checked on them all, and started to panic once I realized.
I’m currently soaking the baby in Chlorxidine mixed with water. I have a nearly full tube of silver sulfazadine cream as well.
Here’s a picture of the injury, sorry in advance I don’t know how to blur it as it’s
graphic:
Considering it’s right over the spine and looks to be pretty close to bone, my personal opinion is that if you can it’d be a good idea to see a vet as it could require systemic antibiotics.
Sometimes it’s just better to be extra safe about it. It’s possible it may heal on its own, but it will definitely take a while with that much tissue missing.
As for blurring the photo, just highlight the photo info, then click the cog wheel in the editor. Should bring up a list that includes “blur spoiler” which is the option you want.
I agree.
It’s going to take a while to heal and if the vet is already aware of what the situation is and has a general idea of the snake’s weight it will be much easier to get this little one antibiotics if needed.
They’re probably going to go through a new shed cycle sooner than normal because of this. It’s going to take a while to heal over fully.
If the area starts to look funny or the baby starts dragging the tail instead of properly moving it definitely get him back to a vet asap
Poor baby! I saw the pic before you blurred it. It would make a great PSA on what can happen to your snake when the prey becomes the predator. I know you didn’t intend for this to happen of course. It just a very unfortunate incident.
If this was my baby I wouldn’t hesitate to take it to a reptile vet yesterday. I wouldn’t take the chance of an infection developing. But again, this is just what I would do.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery/heal for that sweet little one……
Dang im sorry id deffinitly take her to the vet that looks really deep i can see the vertebrae ridges under the skin maybe they can cover the wound with something to i dont know how that works
So sorry that this happened, for everybody’s sake. Yes, absolutely do get the snake in to a vet. Given that it looks like at least part of the spine is exposed, I’d try and get it in immediately. If there’s an emergency exotics vet in the area I would take it there. I wouldn’t wait any longer than I had to.
Oh man, I’m so sorry this happened. I remember drooling over this pretty baby in your other thread.
Definitely agree that a vet visit ASAP is best, this looks like a pretty nasty wound that’s likely to need antibiotics. But it’s good that you discovered it and cleaned it so quickly after it happened. Hopefully with the proper care, this little one will heal up well.
And try not to beat yourself up too much. happens. I feel like I usually hear about rats injuring snakes, I’m a little surprised a mouse inflicted such a severe wound (though maybe I shouldn’t be). I’m also curious what size/age mouse did this.
happens. I feel like I usually hear about rats injuring snakes, I’m a little surprised a mouse inflicted such a severe wound (though maybe I shouldn’t be). I’m also curious what size/age mouse did this.