T O P I C R E V I E W |
Thorne Walker |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 00:03:58 So I've finally gotten around to processing the post escape photos of Monster, which is good because he's gone blue in the shortest interval he ever has with me.
That tells me clearly he's on the mend.
His appetite is good and so is his mobility so I'm not worried about the injury being deep. When he fed there was still a lot of 'pushing power' where he's cut which I'm taking as another good indication that the wound is shallow. Ive searched but have found little to nothing on wound healing in snakes.
The cut is about 2-3 cm long and tore through 2 columns of scales. I'm not sure how he got it, it was scabbed over when he was found so aside from cleaning it I've not done anything else.
He's still on aspen in a decorated viv but has mostly been hiding on the hot side (on an upturned marble tile).
Anything specific I should look out for?
What does infection look like in snakes?
Anything I can do to make his life easier?



Thanks  |
12 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
Ell |
Posted - 30/08/2012 : 09:30:34 Looking good! Keep an eye out for retained shed around that area :) |
Thorne Walker |
Posted - 29/08/2012 : 20:36:41 He hasn't shed yet but he was roaming around today so I pulled him out...
Did a little cleaning of the wound to remove the old crusties and lo and behold:

No holes!
Gave the area a good wipe down with the betadine I have by wetting a cloth with water and applying a drop or 2 to the damp area.
I'm guessing from the scale damage that he'll likely get a scar but all in all I'm thrilled with how he's healed in the 2 weeks since those last shots were taken.
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Blackcat |
Posted - 29/08/2012 : 15:04:51 I asked a question regards a 'small' area of scale damage to my baby CRB on the Rainbow Boa Forum - I had a couple of people suggest Neosporin antibiotic to apply to the area daily. I was informed it must be the one without added painkiller. I believe this to be readily available at the chemist/drug store. Hope this is of help |
Thorne Walker |
Posted - 29/08/2012 : 02:39:13 He's hiding out like he usually does when he's shedding.
He went blue within days of being found and about a week or 2 ahead of schedule. The blue phase lasted a little longer then usual but he should shed by the end of the week.
I'm waiting for that to finish then I might take him in depending on how he looks/acts...
The Betadine I have is the OTC 10% stuff. The bottle suggests a straight application for wounds (in ppl)
What about things like Vitamin E/Hemp Oil? I use that stuff whenever I get cut and it works wonders. |
Isoldael |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 23:06:55 quote: Originally posted by Thorne Walker
Would betadine work as a 'reptile wound cleaner'? I've got some of that on hand.
I remember reading somewhere that betadine is safe to use in a 50/50 mix with water :) |
Isoldael |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 23:05:27 -nods- as the person above me said, good indicators are:
- unusual redness in the skin surrounding the wound / the wound itself - swelling - pus - changes in the snake's behaviour
Him laying on the hot side of the viv could be an indicator that he's not feeling well - as snakes are cold blooded, they can't get a fever to fight infection so they will often curl up in a hot place to simulate a fever. I'd definitely take the snake to a vet. If there are none near your place, there are vets that do online sessions - it's not ideal, but you might get some advice out of it anyway. |
Thorne Walker |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 22:59:00 Thanks Ell
Would betadine work as a 'reptile wound cleaner'? I've got some of that on hand. |
Ell |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 21:38:31 The wound looks clean and healing well to me but then Im no vet. Keep a look out for oozing fluid, lumps under the wound and pus. I find with most wounds that giving them a good sniff is a good indicator.....you will look a little weird but if it smells funky then you know somethings wrong.
If you cant find a reptile wound cleaner then hibiscrub works fine (you can get this from any vets). Give the wound a soak in some warm water and then clean it with hibiscrub but only if it isn't healing well or you will open the wound again and risk infection.
Let us know how you get along. |
Thorne Walker |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 20:24:22 quote: Originally posted by a33272
Personnally I'd of had him to a vet to get it cleaned an then let them advice on what action is needed. I'd deffo get rid of the aspen an change it to kitchin paper, last thing u need is that healing an unbeknown a bit of aspen get in it.. there are some wound cleaners sold for reptiles.
If only that was the simple option.. all the vets 'round here do horses and cows.. It would be a major (think several hours by car) adventure to get him to anyone who's opinion I'd trust...
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ScalySituation |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 10:18:12 ooh poor little fella, that looks sore |
Lozzy |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 10:15:32 Exactly as a33272 Says ^^ 
Good luck hope it heals soon. |
a33272 |
Posted - 28/08/2012 : 08:37:40 Personnally I'd of had him to a vet to get it cleaned an then let them advice on what action is needed. I'd deffo get rid of the aspen an change it to kitchin paper, last thing u need is that healing an unbeknown a bit of aspen get in it.. there are some wound cleaners sold for reptiles. |