Got the new snakes - help

[lars5277]

I got them today, they were named Donna and Pedro. They are four years old, I know the first owner of them. They are in bad shape though. I am probably a retard for paying $150 for them. The snakes were cold to the touch when I first handled them.

Donna had burns from a heat pad. She also has a red belly. I am thinking scale or belly rot there.

Pedro has retained eye-caps, a respritory infection (Ican hear him breathing), and red belly and some scarring.

I know I really have my work cut out for me with these babys. They are puppy dog tame. They just need a lot of work on them. I loaded pics onto my website since I am running out of space here, they are on the page labeled Donna & Pedro. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I probably shouldn't have bought them and know I stand a chance of losing them bbut you know me. Scar and Dynamite were in bad shape when I got them and they are doing great now. I like a challenge and will be real proud of myself if I can help these two babies. I am scheduling a vet visit as soon as I can for them. Again any help would be appreciated. I would laso like to get an estimate on meds if anyone would happen to know.

Here is the like to "Donna & Pedro".
http://min.midco.net/lars/lars.htm

[jglass38]

Well, considering what they have been through, they don't look terrible in the pics. A vet visit is the way to go. I would separate them immediately. Could be a lifetime of domination that has caused the difference in size. I got 3 last year that had been kept together and 2 of the 3 were skinny and small. Since being separated they have thrived. Regardless of what you paid, you should be commended for taking care of them!

[lars5277]

They are already separated. I set them up in new tubs as soon as I got them home. I am calling for a vet visit tomorrow morning and going to get them fixed up as best I can. I am just so freakin pissed that the lady I get them from works at a pet shop and teaches other people how to take care of snakes. I think with the help of a vet I can nurse them back to health, but they shouldn't be in this shape. I am going to try not to get too attached for now. Donna has really nice flaring (I think its called -- white around her edges) and a real light color. Pedros eyecaps are stuck, dry and cracked. I heard that can make them blind, but know if I get him into a good shed he will probably be ok.

[iceman25]

Good Job on taking them in! The best course of action would be to take them to the vet asap and then you know the rest of it when it comes to housing them Also, don't forget to quarantine them.

[JLC]

They're both beautiful, but Donna is gorgeous! I just love the light coloring and the clean, clear markings! I think they'll thrive in your care!

[cassandra]

They are very good looking - do let us know how the vets visit goes! Sending happy snake thoughts your way. =)

[lars5277]

I got a vet appointment scheduled for next Monday or was it Tuesday. That is the soonest that I could get. I really hate this place at times. I did call the people at the SEAVS site and they told me what meds to recommend to my vet. One of the vets doesn't even carry one of the meds it needs so it will have to be ordered. Any ideas what I can do to help in the mean time?

[JLC]

In the meantime, I would make sure they are on clean, dry newspaper with the proper temps and humidity. I would also get some neosporin (or equavelant) and apply that to the injured areas. Make sure they have hides and as stress-free an environment as you can manage.

[lars5277]

Well I got a vet to give me the meds I need for the respriatory infection. I have to give shots every other day for 3 weeks. He won't touch the snakes himself (go figure). I am going to pick up Neosporin and something else for a belly rub, Benadyne I think. It's written around here somewhere. I am going to try to give the shots with out being tagged I'll see how that goes.

Kudos to Adam who came through helping me with ways to get the right meds in the right doses. It's hard being up here at times and having someone like Adam to teach me when I need it is great!

[jglass38]

Did he instruct you exactly where to give the injections? I have done them a few times so let me know if you need help. You dont want to inject it into the spine accidentally. I'm sure Adam let you know the right way though...Best of luck!