Aussie Pythons and Snakes

gold&black... · #1 17-Jun-07, 11:40 AM

Hi all, I woke up this morning to a call from a friend who has just picked up a first snake.... A six month old Jungle and this fool has used sticky tape in the enclosure to keep the heat globe cage in place.... I had told him not to but he said it was temporary and he would get something a little more safe.... This morning he found his snake stuck to the tape and he called me to help him.... I got there as soon as I could and managed to get the snake off the tape minus a few scales from around it's throat.... The snake looked a sorry state but now a few hours later seem's to have improved in the seance that it doesn't look like there is any major damage to it..... It obviously is in pain cos for the first time he recon's it has coiled up in the water bowl but has managed to align it's jaw back into place and stuff.... I have asked him to get it to a vet as soon as possible but the quickest he can do that it tuesday.... I have attached a pic of the sticky tape to show the extent of the damage... The snake has lost scales on the sides of it's neck and the undeside too..... Didn't want to disturb the snake to take some pic's as it's obviously stressed and I didn't want to stress it more.... Do advice cos its the first time I'v seen something like this......

peterjohnson64 · #2 17-Jun-07, 11:46 AM

mmmmm. Pity you didn't post this thread first. But anyway, for future reference to other herpers.... Sticky tape uses a latex based type of sticky thing. This can be neutralised by vegetable oil. The best thing to do to a snake (especially a frail little one like this) is to cut away as much of the tap as possible and then put the snake into a tub with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Leave him overnight and the next morning you will have snake sans tape (and very shiny). There is no need to rip the tape off as it will do exactly what it did in this case and that is rip the skin off.

Is there bare flesh under those ripped of scales? It may need some sort of antiseptic cream is so. Keep the snake warm (which I am certain you are). And yes, get it to a vet ASAP.

gold&black... · #3 17-Jun-07, 11:59 AM

I wish I had know this....... Any way, yes it dose have a dot of flesh that can be seen....... What kind of antiseptic cream would u recommend he uses till he get's it to a vet??? I have Betadine at home and can get it over to his place.... Will that be any good???

gold&black... · #4 17-Jun-07, 12:00 PM

is it safe to use on a snake????

peterjohnson64 · #5 17-Jun-07, 12:03 PM

not being a vet and not having a great deal of experience with fleshy snakes I am loathe to say yes to betadine BUT I will say that I have seen it recommended to be used on snakes with burns. But as it isn't your snake be a bit careful

Aussie Python Lover · #6 17-Jun-07, 12:03 PM

Yes betadine ointment is good try that cause I have used it on my snake works wonders and will be good to use until he can get it to a vet.

gold&black... · #7 17-Jun-07, 12:11 PM

Thanks guys, lol my friend is really stressed more than the snake..... He is close to tears.... I'll get that ointment right away and apply it on the snake.... Will let u know how it goes.....

gold&black... · #8 17-Jun-07, 01:05 PM

back again..... managed to apply the ointment on the snake....... He went right back into the water bowl..... Should I remove the bowl???? Also, the damage is not much but he keeps rubbing his head again the objects in the cage...... Think he's washed off the ointment so should I apply it again and what pill can I give my friend to calm down

...

gold&black... · #9 17-Jun-07, 04:14 PM

also, do the scales that he has lost grow back with the next shed???? I have reapplied the ointment and will do so for the next few day's till I get the vet to check him up....... I have the snake at my place to moniter him...... Have him in an enclosure with 29dC at the hot end..... Please do let me know if there is anything else I should b doing.... cheers

G/B........

peterjohnson64 · #10 17-Jun-07, 04:39 PM

yeah, up it to 32 degrees at the hot end

grimbeny · #11 17-Jun-07, 04:44 PM

You probably should remove the water bowl as u suggested. Up the temps. The scales will grow back after a few shedds. The snake will probably shed more readily now to help with skin regeneration

gold&black... · #12 17-Jun-07, 05:01 PM

ok I will...... Is there anything else I should be doing???? He is due a feed today, so should I try feeding him??

peterjohnson64 · #13 17-Jun-07, 05:14 PM

no, dont feed him. Imagine yourself streching all that open skin. (not that I would imagine him taking it anyway)

peterjohnson64 · #14 17-Jun-07, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peterjohnson64

mmmmm. Pity you didn't post this thread first. But anyway, for future reference to other herpers.... Sticky tape uses a latex based type of sticky thing. This can be neutralised by vegetable oil. The best thing to do to a snake (especially a frail little one like this) is to cut away as much of the tap as possible and then put the snake into a tub with a thin layer of vegetable oil. Leave him overnight and the next morning you will have snake sans tape (and very shiny). There is no need to rip the tape off as it will do exactly what it did in this case and that is rip the skin off.

Is there bare flesh under those ripped of scales? It may need some sort of antiseptic cream is so. Keep the snake warm (which I am certain you are). And yes, get it to a vet ASAP.

The thin layer of vegetable oil I am refering to here is about 2mm of vegetable oil on the base of the tub. I dont mean a layer of oil over the snake. sorry for any confusion

gold&black... · #15 17-Jun-07, 05:20 PM

thanks mate........ I won't....... Will keep u posted on his development.... Hope all works out well for him......... He is brilliant with color and personality...... Too bad my mate didn't listen to me when I told him not too........

R there any signs that I should keep an eye out for???? Either good or bad........ and also how long do u recon should I keep track of him b4 I know he's completely alright???