Adult BP bite

[RockyBP]

I have had my ball python for almost 9 years. I handle him occassionally, but he is always very manageable outside his enclosure. Never aggressive. Last week he bit me on the wrist. Very unexpected. I did get him loose, but he drew blood. The next day, I hardly noticed. Today (1 week later), the wound is extremely irritated, red, and itchy. The wounds created by the teeth marks are prevalent on my skin. Should I be worried about this?

[ChristinaP]

It sounds like it's infected. I would go to your FP (Family Practitioner) and have them look at it. Antibiotics may be needed.

[mainbutter]

With all animal bites it's a good idea to apply topical antibiotics immediately afterwards, neosporin etc.

I realize it's been a while already but might still do some good, however you might need to get checked out by a doctor depending on how red/irritated it is.

[Bleepr]

Its just infected. I would only worry if it gets swollen or pus filled. Otherwise just keep being healthy, get your vitamins and drink lots of water =D

[ZinniaZ]

Does the wounded part feel warmer than the surrounding skin? Is there redness aound the bite? Swelling? If not, try some warm packs to ease it a little and put neosporin on. If there is heat, swelling, redness, go see your doc...

[muddoc]

Just a guess, but I would be willing to bet quite a few dollars that the red irritated areas, that are slightly itchy, contain teeth. Especially if there is a slight bump in the middle of the red area. Is it slightly painful if you push on the red area? Very similar to removing a splinter, I would squeeze gently around those areas, and don't be surprised by how big the teeth are. Ball pythons (don't quote me on this) have around 240 tooth sockets in there mouth, and shed teeth fairly frequently. If I remember correctly, they average about 180 teeth on any given day (due to some being lost).

Hope that helps,

[RockyBP]

Thanks to everyone for the quick responses. It makes perfect sense that there are teeth in the skin. I recall that I did have to pull on him quite a bit before he let go. And I also recall that the bite happened 2 weeks ago, not one (how time flies). There are a fair number of bumps on the skin (maybe 25-30), and they do resemble how the skin would look if a wood splinter becomes infected. I'll get this treated. Thanks again.

[grim reaper in NY]

An x-ray would definitely be in order at this point. The films will show if and how many teeth are there. Also, you will most likely need to have your doctor remove them now. After two weeks the skin has most likely closed over the teeth and it might turn out to be quite a fun experience getting them removed.
Also, don't be surprised if you receive iv anitbiotics to fight possible infection. Rocefin (sp?) is a common antibiotic that is administered in cases of possible animal bite infections. Also, the doctor will probably give you a tetanus shot if you're not current as well.
Just giving you a heads up as to what you might expect when you go to the doctor. he may even refer you directly to the E.R. for treatment.

[mechnut450]

also I let you in on a trick for future reference when getting bit. have a butter knife or some other smooth item to slide between the teeth and the skin this i wll prevent the breaking of teeth in the skin and hopefully less of an issue .. I just make sure the blade edge faces away from the mouth..

I think the best item would be a unused paint scrapper for large snakes ( adult bps and boas.) I would also say keep 2 on hand if e bite on the side of hand or arm so not just have one end free and reattach as you start on the lower jaw..

[RockyBP]

An x-ray would definitely be in order at this point. The films will show if and how many teeth are there. Also, you will most likely need to have your doctor remove them now. After two weeks the skin has most likely closed over the teeth and it might turn out to be quite a fun experience getting them removed.
Also, don't be surprised if you receive iv anitbiotics to fight possible infection. Rocefin (sp?) is a common antibiotic that is administered in cases of possible animal bite infections. Also, the doctor will probably give you a tetanus shot if you're not current as well.
Just giving you a heads up as to what you might expect when you go to the doctor. he may even refer you directly to the E.R. for treatment.

Thanks for the info. I did begin to apply neosporin to the wound after I read a few of the first replies. I was assuming that the teeth would work their way to the skin surface so i could remove them with tweezers. However, it's been two and a half weeks since the bite and I see no evidence this will occur. The bumps are prevalent, red, itchy, and filled with pus. Looks like I will be spending part of my day at the urgent care.