Hi all,
I purchased a male Olive Python Dec 2010 from a mate who had owned the animal for almost a year. Prior to my mate owning the animal it's previous owner mistreated and neglected the animal. I have know idea how the animal was physically handled but at the time of purchasing the animal from my mate I noticed a slight kink in the last third of the animal. It did not appear to cause the animal any problems and he had the usual ability to grasp with his tail so I didn't think much about it.
Now that he has grown a considerable amount, just over 8 foot in length, the kink is more pronounced and I have notice he does not use the last third of his body when moving along the ground. He can still grasp with his tail but unless essential to hang on with his doesn't use it to move.
Finally my question, I have been advised by a person who works in a well known reptile park and has studied snakes that the animals back is probably broken and should probably be put down. The animal is passive, even when suspended by his tail when it is wrapped around my arm, no obvious signs of distress or pain, there isn't even any sign of weakness, there is a lot of power in the tail. Has anyone owned a python with a broken lower back? he is growing and moving about ok so is there still quality of life. not looking at having him put down but interested in peoples thoughts.
Cheers Davo
I purchased a male Olive Python Dec 2010 from a mate who had owned the animal for almost a year. Prior to my mate owning the animal it's previous owner mistreated and neglected the animal. I have know idea how the animal was physically handled but at the time of purchasing the animal from my mate I noticed a slight kink in the last third of the animal. It did not appear to cause the animal any problems and he had the usual ability to grasp with his tail so I didn't think much about it.
Now that he has grown a considerable amount, just over 8 foot in length, the kink is more pronounced and I have notice he does not use the last third of his body when moving along the ground. He can still grasp with his tail but unless essential to hang on with his doesn't use it to move.
Finally my question, I have been advised by a person who works in a well known reptile park and has studied snakes that the animals back is probably broken and should probably be put down. The animal is passive, even when suspended by his tail when it is wrapped around my arm, no obvious signs of distress or pain, there isn't even any sign of weakness, there is a lot of power in the tail. Has anyone owned a python with a broken lower back? he is growing and moving about ok so is there still quality of life. not looking at having him put down but interested in peoples thoughts.
Cheers Davo