Possibly taking in a sick snake, what now?

[dsmalex97]

Well, I know I'm gonna get a lot of heat for this but I don't care. And if your going to leave negative comments just don't reply at all, I don't need someone telling me what I already know thanks.

Anyway. I was at petco and while I was there I noticed a very mal-nurished ball python. There were a few in there that all looked fine, but this one looked horrible. He looks like he has possible 2 sheds on him. I had her take the snake out and his skin felt soooo dry. He also had shed that it was trying to get off. His eye caps were still there, his eyes didnt look foggy but just looked dented in I guess? Verrry skinny! Poor guy looks to miserable to eat IMO. Also the snakes vent was kind of inflamed looking? It looked weird, but she said that it was going to the bathroom all over the place. I actually asked if they could discount the animal since of the condition and she had to show the snake to the manager(thats where it was peeing I guess). I'm just wondering if any of this seems un-fixable. His skin, and vent is what I'm most worried about. I don't know if its just cuz hes shedding or something, but what can be done to fix him?

[llovelace]

This is the one thing that I've learned in my many moons on this earth; You can't take 'em all home to raise. I wish you luck though.

[dsmalex97]

i know! But the rest looked fine, and usually this petco takes good care of there animals. He looks like hese been there for a little bit and just need some attention. I usually don't even go into pet stores like this, but for some reason I felt compelled to do something about this one. I know there are so many stories like this. But has anyone ever had a snake in condtion like this. I know there are no pics, but just imagine his skin feeling like sandpaper. He was moving around, but looked like he didn't have a whole lot of energy. Is there a point of no return with these guys, and if so what are the indicators? Why is his vent all inflamed is that something that can be fixed?

[disabled.101]

Your supporting their actions by taking the snake in though. I'm not bad mouthing your idea it is just that if you take it in ten more will come in his/her place. Utilitarianism is greatest good for the greatest number. If one has to die for the lives of 10 others so be it. It's a sad fact of life but there is nothing you can really do. If you want to help snakes try and find a reptile shelter near your house and see if you can adopt one

[bobbi]

i found a snake in an abandoned apartment is what sounds like the same condition, i couldnt just let it die so i brought it home and made sure all the husbandry aspects were right, ive only had it a month but it sure seems to be doing much better now. all the scales look good now too. i am no expert but i think with some love and attention that snake your talking about could be just fine.

[Kaorte]

i know! But the rest looked fine, and usually this petco takes good care of there animals. He looks like hese been there for a little bit and just need some attention. I usually don't even go into pet stores like this, but for some reason I felt compelled to do something about this one. I know there are so many stories like this. But has anyone ever had a snake in condtion like this. I know there are no pics, but just imagine his skin feeling like sandpaper. He was moving around, but looked like he didn't have a whole lot of energy. Is there a point of no return with these guys, and if so what are the indicators? Why is his vent all inflamed is that something that can be fixed?

He has probably been having bad shed after bad shed. After a while, this can be very damaging and cause infections under the old skin (I think? Don't quote me on this one).

The dented eye caps is just low humidity. Boost it and that should go away. The only way to know if he shed his eye caps is to look at the shed.

I haven't seen the snake, so there very well may be other problems resulting from this. Personally, I would not take in the snake. It really sounds like more trouble than it is worth. If you can get them to give it to you for free, then sure, why not. But paying a chain pet store close to $90 for a snake that is in such a terrible condition is really not a good idea. I would try to explain to them how much this snake is going to cost alone in vet bills.

Good luck!

[Spaniard]

Take the snake to a vet.

[dsmalex97]

I tried that...I said can't you just say the snake died, and then just give me the snake? Is there a way I can make them do this?

[missi182]

I tried that...I said can't you just say the snake died, and then just give me the snake? Is there a way I can make them do this?

No matter how you look at it, those kind of places are not around for the best interests of the animals, they are there to make a profit. So no matter what there are always going to be neglected and shameful conditions that break your heart.

If you want the snake for free because you want to save it, the only thing you can do is talk to the manager and tell him the snake is in horrible condition and will likely die. The other option you have is you can report the shop, but unless they are in really rough shape that won't likely do much unfortunately.

Pet store rescues don't actually help the cause you are trying to help. By giving them money, you are supporting their business and allowing them to purchase more animals.

[missi182]

If you do end up with the snake somehow, a vet trip will be the best way to help bring him or her back to health. If you can't afford a vet trip, s/he will require some warm soaking to correct the poor sheds, as well as the dented eyes. The bowel situation is not good, and you should get a fecal sample tested by a vet for parasites and other abnormalities.

It's not always cheap to rescue a snake, so keep that in mind.