in need of some help & opinions...

[comparatively]

i recently bought a blood python off a guy my boyfriend met through his job. i use the term "bought" loosely; it was more like a rescue considering how extremely underweight and unhealthy this beautiful girl is...

anyway, she is prolapsed and blind, dehydrated and underweight. one of her eyes is completely trashed and has gotten to the point where (to be completely graphic) it is hanging out of its socket, resembling a raisin more than an eyeball. the other is glazed over, and otherwise looks fairly normal... comparatively. this is all thanks to the genius i bought her off of, who tried removing her eyecaps (with no knowledge of how to do so) after she had retained them for what he considered to be too long. (the really damaged one swelled up and "popped" not long after i brought her home, leaving it the way it is now.)

i have taken her to the vet on one occasion, only to be disappointed. he gave me artificial tears ointment and told me she was blind, which i already knew. he's the same vet the previous owner had taken her to before, and he remembered stitching her up after she prolapsed. basically he told me i may have to admit to myself that she was suffering and put her down if she didn't show any signs of improvement.

i was finally successful in getting her to eat after a few weeks, things seemed to be going beautifully, until last night when i came home and her head was swollen to twice its normal size on one side. the swelling has gone down considerably, but it's still not back to normal. i wish i would have taken some pictures, but i was too upset about it...

i'm having trouble making a decision. i've never faced euthanasia before -- i almost feel like it's not my place to play god and decide an animal's life should end. so i'm asking you guys... would i be doing her a favor? is she suffering, and should i put an end to it? should i go back to the vet and hope he has something more to say this time around?

i just don't know what to do, it's breaking my heart. here are some photos for reference...




the "good eye"...


the bad eye...


what's left of the swelling i was talking about, this is where it's most visible.


from above.


her size relative to my hand.

thanks in advance if you read all this and took the time to respond... i appreciate any input or advice. (oh, and this is my first post by the way... so hello to you all!)

[blackcrystal22]

Is there any way you can get larger pictures? It's kind of hard to tell with the smaller ones.

First of all, the important thing to do is set up a very good husbandry setup for her. This will be her first step towards healing and recovery.

Secondly, try to see if you can get to a second vet. A second opinion may be a good idea for this snake. Make sure to tell the vet that this is a rescue and that it's not your fault she's like this!

Heres a caresheet thats trustworthy. http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=11

What are you currently feeding her? Tank temperatures? Substrate?

She may have to be euthanized. Unfortunately it's very sad, but if an animal is in extreme pain beyond any type of repair then it is necessary. I love animals too, and understand it's difficulties. I also want to be a vet and understand that it is sometimes a need rather than a want. That is why I want you to get a second opinion, so that you won't get repetitive 'theres no chance' by one vet and get 'heres what we can do' from another.

Good luck!

[comparatively]

Is there any way you can get larger pictures? It's kind of hard to tell with the smaller ones.

oops! i accidentally posted thumbnails... here you go:




the "good eye"...


the bad eye...


what's left of the swelling i was talking about, this is where it's most visible.


from above.


her size relative to my hand.

she's in a large breeding box, on newspaper. her warm side stays at about 83.4, the cool side is usually around 76-79. the humidity is at 67% as of right now. i know my husbandry could use a little tweaking, which will come with tomorrow's paycheck! :]

as for the second vet, i'm in the process of researching right now... it looks like i'm going to have to travel a little, but i'm okay with that. once i find what seems like the best option, i'm going to make an appointment asap!

thanks for all your help and encouragement, i need all i can get!

[onebreitgirl]

That poor thing Those pictures made me tear up a bit. This is why I cringe when people say they use tweezers, tape, etc. to remove eye caps. I hope that you are able to find a competent vet that can help with your decision.

I'm sending lots of good vibes your way!!! At least she is now with someone who cares.

[kratos]

That's a rescue indeed!
From the pictures you showed, and the swelling that just occurred I doubt that she is not suffering a lot more even it becomes a little smaller. I can't state my opinion about putting her down, playing god, etc. check with your vet one more time if you can. Wish you the best! And welcome onboard!!!

[frankykeno]

That poor thing. Personally I'd seek a second vet opinion since it really doesn't sound from the tone of your posts that you have that much confidence in your current herp vet. Also, if I had a concern or question about a Blood, especially one that was neglected like this, I'd call Kara from NERD. I can't think of anyone offhand I'd trust more than her to know Bloods and to give an honest, caring and very experienced opinion on this snake.

[Alice]

That poor thing. Personally I'd seek a second vet opinion since it really doesn't sound from the tone of your posts that you have that much confidence in your current herp vet. Also, if I had a concern or question about a Blood, especially one that was neglected like this, I'd call Kara from NERD. I can't think of anyone offhand I'd trust more than her to know Bloods and to give an honest, caring and very experienced opinion on this snake.

I agree. You can find contact info for Kara on NERD's website.
http://www.newenglandreptile.com/

Good luck with her and keep us updated please.

[littleindiangirl]

That is indeed very sad!


Please read over a caresheet, create a perfect warm and cozy (small and secure) habitat and minimize handling and stress for this animal.

Here is a listing of herp vets
http://www.herpvetconnection.com/

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/#vetlist

http://www.arav.org/usmembers.htm


Please seek a second opinion for this animal. His poor head and jaw is swollen, he may have worse problems than a blind eye. Kara is a wonderful blood keeper and I know she would have some great advice for you. Good luck.

[AMC]

Thats sad, I recently had to put my 18 year old cat down 2 weeks ago. The only thing I can say is that while it is sad to have to put it down, it is very quick and painless for both you and the animal.

[2kdime]

I would try to provide an even temperature of 80 to 82 degrees across the whole enclosure first. It seems to be that younger bloods don't do too well with basking spots according to my research. Even the adults may not need one, or if one is available it's only 85 to 88 degrees.

Then id be soaking her in 84 to 88 degree water for at least an hour. Such as a rubbermaid shoebox with a lid. Placed inside the cage. Once or twice a week if possible, that'll help hydrate her. She looks just awful.

The damage to her eyes is gonna be permanent. But id be talking to your local vet to do something about the swelling in her face. A few rounds of some antibiotics may be all she needs. Only your vet can tell you that. The last thing i tink most people would want to do is put her down. So id be doing what i could to save her. The links posted are great for finding a good herp vet in your area.

Id also try and get a fecal done. Or while at the vet, have a clocal (sp) swab done. Is she eating?

Poor snake