Please help!!!

I came home and found my new spider has gotten stuck in the ONE piece of (electrical) tape that was being used to hold the thermometer in place at the bottom of his cage under the bedding!

I cut him free...he was pulling at it and it was stuck twords the end of his tail and high on his neck. My dad got it off for me and he's missing a few scales, but that was what he had already done...

I'm FREAKING OUT. I don't see any tears in his skin except maybe one small red spot. The rest looks mainly just streached out (like it would at feeding). I'm posting pics to get your advice. I can't find any vet close by that takes reptiles after hours and don't know what to do.

I already rinced it off with water (helped loosen the tape) and have put a triple antibiotic on the spots where the tape was. I don't know what else I can do right now for him...please let me know if you have any advice.


http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/...8/DSCF1091.jpg

http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/...8/DSCF1087.jpg

the back isn't as bad as the front, but that's where lost a couple scales...
http://i1035.photobucket.com/albums/...8/DSCF1082.jpg

PS all tape is out of his tank and he's on paper towls. The med I put on him does not have a pain relief chemical.

sorry the pics aren't great but I can't stop shaking and have a crappy camera. He's shiny b/c of the ointment...He has a small ball type piece of skin behind the red spot on his neck.

Should I wait until morning and see how he's doing? I'm trying to settle down and not freak HIM out too much. He's in his hide...

I feel like such a TERRIBLE owner...

The snake should be fine, but you are never supposed to use tape in the enclosures.

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Originally Posted by tiny_tiger60978

sorry the pics aren't great but I can't stop shaking and have a crappy camera. He's shiny b/c of the ointment...He has a small ball type piece of skin behind the red spot on his neck.

Should I wait until morning and see how he's doing? I'm trying to settle down and not freak HIM out too much. He's in his hide...

I feel like such a TERRIBLE owner...

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He should be fine, but never never use tape on the inside of an enclosure

sadly I know that now...too late.

Think he should see a vet or be ok on his own? I don't mind taking him, but if it's a waste of money...

I think that should be added to the care sheet...I never read anything about tape...no blaming, just for future users new like me...

He should not need to go to the vet, he should be fine if there are no open wounds. The missing scales and the red spot should heal fine on their own.

I too agree that should be added to the care sheet, it is way to common of a mistake. Do not worry, your snake should heal just fine, and it is a lesson learned.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tiny_tiger60978

sadly I know that now...too late.

Think he should see a vet or be ok on his own? I don't mind taking him, but if it's a waste of money...

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he should be fine, just keep an eye on it

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bsash

He should not need to go to the vet, he should be fine if there are no open wounds. The missing scales and the red spot should heal fine on their own.

I too agree that should be added to the care sheet, it is way to common of a mistake. Do not worry, your snake should heal just fine, and it is a lesson learned.

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I hate learning lessons the hard way...and just feel bad if he suffered/stressed at all. I'll try to post pics in the morning when hopefully his skin isnt streched out...

Thanks for all the advice everyone

I agree. He should be fine. Doesn't look like much damage was done and if there's no blood that's a good sign.

As for the paper towels, i'd stick with them. I used to use small BP approved wood chip bedding but it got to be a pain in the real so I switched to paper towels.

SO MUCH BETTER!

Your snake will be alright. Just keep an eye on him. Most of the 'damage' should almost disappear during his next shed or two.