RTB with a broke jaw?

A friend of mine called me up with a problem. He said a freind of his had a RTB that struck the glass and broke it's skin on it's lower jaw open. He also told me that he thinks the jaw is broke because bones are sticking out. He told me the people probably couldn't even afford a bottle of Betadyne ($18). I don't really think the jaw is broken. If the bone is sticking through the jaw, would maybe treating it like a cut or animal bite help it any. I haven't seen the snake yet, and neither has the guy who called me. They will be bringing it to me tonight or tomorrow. Tonight I hope so I can get a look at it. I am pretty sure a RTBs lower jaw separates into two sections so I doubt it is broke. Will a RTB really hit the glass hard enough to hurt itself?

It will require a vet to tell to what extent an injury is. I have seen a snake strike hard enough for the injury to result in the death of the snake. That is why I have always said to you not to tap on the glass or otherwise upset the snakes or other reptiles when you were younger.

He is bringing it out to me tomorrow. I just talked to the guy who actually has the snake. He said it looks like the jaw is out of whack. I also know the snake he is talking about I have seen it at one of the local pet stores and I have handled it before. He said the snake is hissing right now and is generally agitated (go figure). I recommended the best herp vet in town to him. I will get to see it tomorrow after work I will take a pic or two. He said it ate a few hours before it hit the glass.

let's hope it keeps dinner down... i would tell them to not stress it out if at all possible.

I wouldn't be surprised if a boa hit glass hard enough to seriously injure itself. I've seen Rauri's power in his strike and I have seen him miss and smack glass. Although he's not injured himself, it's awful to have it happen and he generally will refuse to continue hunting. I'm sure it's painful and he's never hit glass hard really but still...ouch!

Lars, I'd encourage these folks to call that vet. Lots of vets will work with people on reasonable methods of payment. If they truly cannot afford even basic care for this snake, perhaps it's best they find a rescue situation that can as the snake's need for medical attention must come first. Please let us know how this turns out.

Here's a link that shows how a snake's jaw is constructed with the bottom jaw unfused and the quadrate bones at the hinge (all part of the ability to open up so wide). It's not specific to RTB's but I hope it's helpful.

http://www.peteducation.com/article....articleid=2974

I took a look at the snake today. He said the one side of the jaw looks a lot better. When you looked inside the mouth you could see a white bump on the left side of it's jaw. I told him to take him to the guy were he got him from and suggested a good vet for him. I told him it was way out of my league to deal with and that a vet visit was in order. I have done some pretty good things with snakes in these past few months, but this is bad from the way it looked.

Yeah Halen struck my feeding tongues when she suprised me from her hide. She struck pretty hard and first thing that came to mind was "OMG I hope her jaw isnt broken!" She's fine but man, as if she didnt hate me and was in a bad mood even after she shed, she's even worse now. I'm gonna handle her tomorrow, but with gloves on.

I don't know what hes going to do with her. I hope she turns out ok. He took her to the pet shop where he got her, and they directed him to the same vet. I hope she turns out ok.

Did I miss an update???


Lars, how'd the snake do? Did the person take the snake to the vet like they needed to??? Is it okay and in a good home?

No update yet. I will check the next time I go to town.