Dave's Recovery : Image Heavy

[Nixon]

Hi, all.

I know it's been a while. For those of you who don't know, there was a hot topic thread [ https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...les-Just-Split ] about my snake, Dave and his fight with what was believed to be slipped skin disease. This disease is next to rare and not well known, but it's caused by a vitamin deficiency. Obviously, he was malnourished by his previous owner and I was too late to keep him from paying the price. I've gotten lots of support during that time and I'm happy to say that he's pulled through. Since I didn't want to necro and old thread, I decided to make a new one as an official update on this little fighter.

Here he is, being the active little munchkin he always has been, even when sick:



Dave measures about three feet long. I really feel like he grew, even if it seems like he's too old to.



He's had these eye caps since I've gotten him and they don't seem to come off. He doesn't rub his face on anything, so I assume they aren't bothering him. He's still the best hunter of all three ball pythons I own, so it's not affecting his eating habits, either.



The scars still remain from the tears. His first was along his neck which was the hardest to heal.



Just because he has some bad scales, doesn't mean he can't be cute.



Here's a closer look. It's healed over well from what it was, especially having to be stitched shut.



He had another big one on his side that's healed over rather nicely.



Still, he's got very shiny and healthy scales asides from the few hiccups. And no, he isn't biting me. He's just resting his chin on my finger.



He's too nice to nip anybody he knows isn't food.



I don't think I know of a time where this fella isn't flicking his tongue.



He's pretty shy, but he'll allow pets if your slow and steady with it. He's breathing a bit heavy but that's because he wasn't too happy with being pulled out of his hut for pictures.




That's all for now. I'm sorry it took a long time to get back to all of you as I'm sure some were waiting and wondering how he was doing. I'm lucky to still have him today, and perhaps I wouldn't without the help of all of you. It was this forum that lead me to finding slipped skin disease, which then helped the vets figure out what needed to be done. Snakes are hardy animals, but infection would've been easy to take over a malnourished body. Dave persisted, and he's a blessing to have around... even if he sleeps all day.

[the_rotten1]

He's looking great! I'm so glad he's doing well for you.

[Bogertophis]

What a nice update, thank you! He's looking great, who cares about a few imperfect scales anyway...it's a great outcome & he's adorable.

And btw, some years back I took in a boa, rescued from starvation by owners who didn't know or care...same thing, multiple skin splits- it's
a huge challenge to deal with and not as rare an issue as we'd all hope, or as it should be. Good job!

[Bodie]

Well done! That noodle was/is lucky that you entered his life!

[fadingdaylight]

This is a heart-warming story. So many people out there would have given up on their pets, but you stayed the course and saw him through it. Nice work!