| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Drexel |
Posted - 19/11/2013 : 19:00:33
Hi all, haven't posted here for a while.
Through you tips and know how, in the past I noticed basil had a bad shed on his tail tip and used a damp piece of kitchen roll. Worked fine. This time(just) I did the same and the tip of his tail came of it also. I'm gonna take him to vets tomorrow but I would like your expert comments please. Do me and Basil have anything to worry about?
Cheers in advance. |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Kellog |
Posted - 22/11/2013 : 08:16:32
Point taken Thorne Walker  . It is the downfall of communicating in this manner, different people read different things into what's been said. The 'how' is in your wording and 'tone', with words like 'failure' and 'complacency' being used without full knowledge of the facts. As it is Drexel has admitted responsibility, which is more than other owners would, and I'm glad that he is here asking questions and wanting to do what's best for Basil. The worry is always that the person involved will react negatively to what's said, or how it's said  , and no longer want the advice and support of the forum. That does not mean that we shouldn't attempt the ounce of prevention, that is always preferable to the pound of cure, but we need to be aware of how we do it.
It's interesting that you are a behaviourist and how that effects what you see and how you respond. You picked up on something and reacted a lot stronger than I did, because of your experience and knowledge. You are right about the amount of snakes that are rehomed because of lack of interest and also cases of people coming to us asking for advice when it's too little too late. Too often if they had taken on board the responsibility and care that should be a necessity with owning snakes these issues would have been prevented.
Drexel, it's obvious how much you care for Basil and I applaud you for admitting your part in what's happened. Please keep asking questions because you know that we are here to support you and help you give him the best care possible. Thorne Walker has put it so much better than I ever could - 'Much as declining vigilance points to the potential of future neglect the outright taking of personal responsibility points directly to the opposite. You are doing the right thing in asking your questions and seeking to benefit from the collective wisdom of this community.'  .
Xxx
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| Thorne Walker |
Posted - 21/11/2013 : 17:54:33
quote:
Originally posted by Kellog
It's not so much what you said Thorne Walker but how you said it.
Given that this is a text only exchange and my statements were made without tonality, body language or any other ques as to 'how' you seem to be projecting(assuming) somewhat.
We all have the same obligations regarding our pets (prisoners). We must provide a healthy environment and all the necessities for their life and well being.
There are several volumes of 'x lost interest in keeping x after n(weeks/months/years)' documented here and on other pet forums and as a behaviourist, what I'm seeing here is the potential emergence of a set of linked actions that start with something small and (mostly) harmless like not being attentive to minor issues that can escalate in time to outright neglect/abuse.
I'm not saying it will happen but it could and I'd rather be direct with the ounce of prevention than have to read one day about the pound of cure.
Drexel, it makes me really happy to see you take responsibility for this, you're not minimizing or externalizing and I'm proud of you for that. Much as declining vigilance points to the potential of future neglect the outright taking of personal responsibility points directly to the opposite. You are doing the right thing in asking your questions and seeking to benefit from the collective wisdom of this community.
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| Murphy123 |
Posted - 21/11/2013 : 15:56:06
I would also question the uv light going by what I have read on here I am no expert but it looks like you could be paying good money for something that will have no real benefit for your snake. |
| scottishbluebird |
Posted - 21/11/2013 : 15:36:36
As was asked, is the vet a reptile specialist? i couldnt comment about the infection bit, but again as was mentioned the uv light does sound very iffy for someone who should know what they are talking about |
| Drexel |
Posted - 21/11/2013 : 12:31:27
My husbandry is maybe in question regards to Basil's shed, and i stated before when I noticed a part on his tail I sorted this no probs. But for the tip to fall off I must be held responsible for that as the owner and carer of the little fella. That's why I'm here asking expert, snake owners and lovers advice past experience etc..... So thanks for sticking up for me Kellog. As for the injections(antibiotics) I will question the vet again about this before I let them stab me little lad.
Cheers again and I'll keep yer posted. |
| Kellog |
Posted - 21/11/2013 : 09:46:26
It's not so much what you said Thorne Walker but how you said it. It's obvious Drexel has done research and, you're right, dealt with a retained tail tip before. You are also right in saying that retained shed, particularly eye caps, is a serious matter and owners need to be observant with every shed.
It's too easy to jump to conclusions about someone's 'husbandry and obligations' and make a statement like you did, regarding complacency setting in. Personally I would think that if a snake had retained a tail tip before then the owner would be more vigilant, rather than less. But we are both making assumptions and only Drexel can know the true picture.
I also agree with you about the advice regarding the UV light and, if the vet has recommended this, then how qualified she is to be diagnosing a supposed infection. It would be good to know the name of the infection she says Basil has Drexel, to be able to do more research into it.
Xxx
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| Thorne Walker |
Posted - 21/11/2013 : 06:30:53
quote:
Originally posted by Drexel
Hi, back from vets. Had a bit craic about my husbandry, Viv etc..... and she seemed fine about the set up apart from my lighting. (I'll get back to that)
She seems to think it is caused be the shed but also about an infection that could start at the top of his body and finish at his tail then find know where else to go (if that make sense) and I have to take him back tomorrow and then three days after that for a course of injections. I forgot what it called?
As for the lighting I was recommended a UV light?
I'll keep yers posted
IMO.. get a second opinion. This vet of yours doesn't seem to know a ton if she's talking about UV for Cornsnakes.
Have any tests been done to confirm the presence of an infection or did she just check your credit limit before suggesting that you undergo a round of treatment for what is likely nothing more then not enough humidity during Basil's shed cycle... |
| Thorne Walker |
Posted - 21/11/2013 : 06:25:38
quote:
Originally posted by Kellog
quote:
Originally posted by Thorne Walker
quote:
Originally posted by scottishbluebird
This is why so important to check it comes off in all sheds, including eye caps
........Not to be nasty about it but you should look at this as a failure in your husbandry and your obligations to Basil.......
I do feel this is a bit strong Thorne Walker. As a33272 has said this isn't uncommon and to put it down to a failure in husbandry and obligations is taking it a bit far.
I suppose that really that depends on how you view it.. Failing to notice that your snake hasn't shed completely could have serious consequences.. we're talking about retained shed causing the loss of a tail tip in this case but it could just as easily been retained eyecaps and the loss of an eye
Drexel even goes so far as to admit:
quote:
in the past I noticed Basil had a bad shed on his tail tip
To notice that something common has occurred (retained shed on a tail tip) and take corrective action in one iteration yet fail to notice in subsequent ones suggests that complacency could be setting in. How large is the jump from 'failing to check sheds for eyes and tail' to 'failing to remove poop and refill water dishes'?
That's why I stressed that this is a learning experience and that a review was in order.
Personally I take a Black/White view on the matter and since having a part of your pet die and fall off is most certainly not 'White' that leaves only Black.
While it may be a small failure with limited after effects it is a failure none the less.
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| Kellog |
Posted - 20/11/2013 : 21:02:04
Sounds like its a good thing that you took him to the vet. I've never heard of an infection like the one she's talking about. I'm assuming she is a reptile vet?
Corn snakes dont need UV light or any other form of light. Lights are for our benefit, to lighten their vivs and make them look more appealing. I've got IKEA strip lights in mine, which work brilliantly.
Xxx
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| Drexel |
Posted - 20/11/2013 : 18:44:32
Hi, back from vets. Had a bit craic about my husbandry, Viv etc..... and she seemed fine about the set up apart from my lighting. (I'll get back to that)
She seems to think it is caused be the shed but also about an infection that could start at the top of his body and finish at his tail then find know where else to go (if that make sense) and I have to take him back tomorrow and then three days after that for a course of injections. I forgot what it called?
As for the lighting I was recommended a UV light?
I'll keep yers posted
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| Kellog |
Posted - 20/11/2013 : 08:54:32
What has been said is right Aidan, it does sound as though there has been a build up of retained shed on the tail tip, causing lack of blood flow and for it to die. This isn't a big issue and as Basil grows you probably won't even be able to notice it.
I also echo the others about the fact there isn't much the vet will do, although I praise you on your care and willingness to get him checked over. What's important is to keep the tip infection free and the best way to do that is to take out his substrate and put him on kitchen roll. He'll probably shed earlier than usual as he'll do a 'healing shed' and I'd advise you to keep him on the kitchen roll until you are sure his tip is completely sealed, dry and he's done a full clean shed.
You might find this thread interesting, someone in a very similar situation to you - http://www.thecornsnake.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7503
quote:
Originally posted by Thorne Walker
quote:
Originally posted by scottishbluebird
This is why so important to check it comes off in all sheds, including eye caps
........Not to be nasty about it but you should look at this as a failure in your husbandry and your obligations to Basil.......
I do feel this is a bit strong Thorne Walker. As a33272 has said this isn't uncommon and to put it down to a failure in husbandry and obligations is taking it a bit far. I have known it happen after only one or two dodgy sheds with young snakes so it doesn't take much.
I know it's a bit shocking Aiden and worrying but it isn't a major issue and as long as you keep a close eye on it Basil should be fine .
Xxx
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| Thorne Walker |
Posted - 20/11/2013 : 02:35:30
quote:
Originally posted by scottishbluebird
This is why so important to check it comes off in all sheds, including eye caps
+1
Not to be nasty about it but you should look at this as a failure in your husbandry and your obligations to Basil.
It's a small thing and as A33272(Chris) pointed out it's not an uncommon thing... Unless infection sets in it should heal fine with no real intervention required.
Take it as an opportunity to review what you do and how you keep Basil and I'm sure you'll be fine.
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| scottishbluebird |
Posted - 19/11/2013 : 21:59:27
This is why so important to check it comes off in all sheds, including eye caps |
| a33272 |
Posted - 19/11/2013 : 21:09:06
unless theres exposed done or bleeding not much there gunna do |
| Drexel |
Posted - 19/11/2013 : 21:08:13
Phew. Still a trip to The Docs for him. I'll let you know what happens and said to help other users.
Cheers. |
| a33272 |
Posted - 19/11/2013 : 21:04:04
sounds like most likey had more retain she on it that hasnt come off an over time its constricted the tail of blood an an its died an dropped off. not un common |
