New rescue snake - very sick

[snakemother]

My daughter brought home this week a ball python a friend of a friend "didn't want anymore". Poor thing was so sick with RI - blowing bubbles, head always up, labored breathing. After a culture at our reptile vet's office he's now getting injections of Baytril every day at the office (I was afraid I'd do more harm trying to do them myself, so we take him there). He's in a tank with higher heat as my vet wanted and we put him in a warm bath we we get him home every day. He's going in for his third shot today, two behind him, and He seems to be better, letting his mouth close most of the time while awake and even putting his head down occasionally. He does cough loudly once and awhile and hack some ick up, but seems to have a bit more energy. This morning when I just checked on him he's sleeping with his head up, mouth open and his breathing sounds like snoring, which concerns me. All the vet will tell me is that he's a very sick boy. I want to know what are his chances of surviving given we do everything the vet tells us. My daughter is getting very attached, and I'd like to prepare her if he doesn't have much of a chance, but I don't want to worry her if his chances are good of surviving now that he's on his medicine and under vet care. She's spending all her funds from her part- time job getting this poor guy proper care and I'm very proud of her, but hope it pays off in the end for her and she's rewarded with saving his life. Thanks for reading this, and any advice - I've never faced this with my snakes, and really only know to do what my vet says.

[bcr229]

I want to know what are his chances of surviving given we do everything the vet tells us.

I don't think anyone can answer that. It sounds like you're doing everything right, but sometimes we lose rescued critters despite our best efforts.

Good luck.

[BCS]

No one can really say if he will make it or not. Sometimes they do pull through, sometimes they don't. You may have to explain to your daughter that medicines do not always work and sometimes not life saving. I have seen snakes go through this and make great recoveries, but a friend of mine spent a lot of time with our vet and the snake had to be put down, it really depends on how the snake reacts to treatment and how far gone the snake already is. Good luck and I hope everything works out.

[snakemother]

thanks for your honest replies. He's now had 3 injections, and I think seems better. He spends less time with his mouth open, and is making a lot less noise and doesn't seem to have as much effort to breathe. He still has his head up on a hide most of the time, but it doesn't sound like mild snoring anymore when he's asleep. The only time he keeps his mouth open now is when he's sleeping or when he's been moving around (when he's been to the vet & bathed). I'm hoping these are good signs.

[Jhill001]

Just gotta be honest. Look kid, the snake might not make it. We're gonna do our best to help it and that's all we can do. Children are surprisingly understanding if you explain things to them.