Last nights events - A friend in need

[mertle]

Thanks for that Glimmerman!

It's is so sad for the snake but it's great for us newbies to learn from these experiences!,

This place is the most wonderful source of information!

[ericreptiles]

Regardless of where you purchase your herps, get them to your Vet for a complete once over ASAP.For the sake of a few $ you have your piece of mind and more importantly can head off a condition before it becomes more serious.
It should be part of you purchase routine.

[pike1]

Don't want to be a spoil sport and am not saying Glimmerman is wrong,But it dosent sound like the seller is in the wrong here.If you read what is written he didn't notice the lumps for a couple of weeks after he purchased the snake.This sounds like body blisters, from being kept in sub-optimal conditions not some scale parasite.He should have taken it to the vet then.Who told him it was a scale parasite that come from the purchaser?Just my opinion, I dont know any of the parties.

[Lurk]

That poor snake and your poor mate...The things ppl do amazes me.
I had something similar happen to me once back then I was to caring to the point were ppl take advantige of it.I am still caring where the animals are concerned but more untrusting of some ppl and heavily inspect my animals before buying.

I hope all goes well and keep us posted about it I would like to know if the snake pulls through ok

[ashman07]

Do you think the seller new there was somthing wrong with it. If it took him a few weeks to notice anything maybe the seller didn't know either

[tempest]

The poor snake, I hope it heals quickly. Manuka honey is definitely good to have in the cupboard... my mum put me onto the stuff a while back.

Thank you for sharing Glimmerman, the story makes you all the more aware that you should always get a second opinion from someone else with experience. You're right, that's why this place is so great... it's an invaluable sorce of info.

[GARTHNFAY]

Pike 1
I think the problem here is the fact that the seller told the buyer to 'prick the lumps with a hot pin'. !

[Deano]

Not good at all, I had a situation like that where someone tried to swap me a dodgy python for one of my herps!! Wont mention any names as he might cry and lock this thread too, always double check what you are buying or if you are going to purchase in another state get as much pics as you can because I have been done over like that a few times….
And just like ericreptiles said take it to the vet for a complete once over, that’s what I do now….

[Glimmerman]

Originally Posted by pike1

This sounds like body blisters, from being kept in sub-optimal conditions not some scale parasite.He should have taken it to the vet then.Who told him it was a scale parasite that come from the purchaser?

Pike, you're not being a spoil sport, you raised some good questions.

When he found these lumps, he contacted the previous owner who said "It sounds like an irritation from a scale parasite. I've had this before. I just popped'em with a hot pin - No dramas"

He may not have got these from the previous owner. They may not have even been a parasite, however, When he stated to my friend that he has had them before (makes me think he sold them with early signs of this infection) and told him about his treatment options, ALL RESPECT FOR THAT PERSON as a keeper went out the window.

Maybe my judgement on this person is a little harsh, and YES my friend should have consulted a Vet as soon as this was discovered, I still believe that this treatment to newbies and long term keepers alike, is damaging to the reputation of our hobby. Plus to aid awareness to newbies that people like this do exist, unfortunately.

Cheers

Damian