BP head injury/skin removed

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

How much does she weigh? I only say week or two assuming she's hatchling size and skinny, like most petco/petsmart balls are. If she can go longer without food, then I'd go longer.

And yes, a wound like that on a ball will take many months to heal.

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I'm not entirely sure of her weight at this time as my boyfriend generally takes care of her and he's out of town atm. She's 8 months old and I've been suspicious about her weight since we got her. I called that PetSmart branch and spoke with the store manager who had been on vacation. The employee will no longer be working there and he confirmed that everything she told me was false except for the use of silvadene. He will personally be setting up and paying for a veterinary visit this afternoon after which I can take my snake home. I will be accompanying them to this visit as well. I looked up the vet and it seems to be a reputable place: All Creatures Care Cottage. They will not feed her until the vet recommends something.

Is something here still out of order or missing?

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Originally Posted by Kat_aracts

I'm not entirely sure of her weight at this time as my boyfriend generally takes care of her and he's out of town atm. She's 8 months old and I've been suspicious about her weight since we got her. I called that PetSmart branch and spoke with the store manager who had been on vacation. The employee will no longer be working there and he confirmed that everything she told me was false except for the use of silvadene. He will personally be setting up and paying for a veterinary visit this afternoon after which I can take my snake home. I will be accompanying them to this visit as well. I looked up the vet and it seems to be a reputable place: All Creatures Care Cottage. They will not feed her until the vet recommends something.

Is something here still out of order or missing?

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Do you mean the one in Costa Mesa? You're local to me then, I think. I'd really ask the store manager if you can choose the vet and set appointment yourself, and if he'll pay for the visit and medication. You want to find a vet who specializes in reptiles. Most average vets don't know a thing about even proper care of snakes, often even less than the information you'd find googling.

You can locate one here: http://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661

I went to Serrano Animal Hospital in Lake Forest here: http://serranoanimalandbirdhospital....inic/our-team/

I saw Dr. Beaudet, one of the reptile vets here, but it seems like most people with reptiles and snakes recommend Dr. Weldy.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Do you mean the one in Costa Mesa? You're local to me then, I think. I'd really ask the store manager if you can choose the vet and set appointment yourself, and if he'll pay for the visit and medication. You want to find a vet who specializes in reptiles. Most average vets don't know a thing about even proper care of snakes, often even less than the information you'd find googling.

You can locate one here: http://members.arav.org/search/custom.asp?id=3661

I went to Serrano Animal Hospital in Lake Forest here: http://serranoanimalandbirdhospital....inic/our-team/

I saw Dr. Beaudet, one of the reptile vets here, but it seems like most people with reptiles and snakes recommend Dr. Weldy.

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Yes that's the one I meant! He did say that they had reptile specialists at that location. They've already set an appointment for 2:20 today and I'll be taking my lunch break then to accompany them. Should I cancel that? Or just keep your recommendations in mind for the next time I need a vet?

(replied to your pm)

I really am completely flabbergasted at this entire situation. There really is no reason this should have ever happened... :( I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen a snake with a worse injury, the only thing that comes close is maybe Dave the adult ball python in this thread-> https://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/...les-Just-Split

At this point I would not really trust anything Petsmart is trying to tell you. Even if the manager came forward and admitted the incompetence of the injurious employee and the "vet" that tried to help after the wound was inflicted, that does not mean he is well educated in your snakes needs, either. Judging by how lacking the care for their snakes is in general, and that they "go off of what the vet tells them", I would think their go-to vet (who is likely not a reptile specialist) would not provide adequate care and is likely to be biased towards cutting the costs for petsmart. Since the appointment is already made, I guess I would give it a chance, but let the manager know you only feel truly comfortable seeing a reptile specialist, and if the vet obviously doesn't know what they're doing or talking about voice your concerns! If worse comes to worst you can always contact corporate and tell them your situation and concerns about the inadequacy of the vet, go and see another, specialized, veterinarian, and hopefully be able to petition them to take over the costs.

I'm so sorry this even happened in the first place. It may not have been the best choice, going to petsmart for help with a stuck shed, but holy cow something like this should NEVER have happened and it is the fault of the company, not you. I will say that educating yourself more on the care of your animal is a good idea, but in my opinion there is never a time to stop learning. Do not feel guilty for this. I hope the vet visit is productive and that he's set up for a good, albeit long, recovery. The thread I posted is lengthy but I think it is relevant to the situation, and may give you hope for your little one.

Good luck, and keep us updated. We wish you the best :)

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Originally Posted by Trisnake

I really am completely flabbergasted at this entire situation. There really is no reason this should have ever happened... :( I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen a snake with a worse injury, the only thing that comes close is maybe Dave the adult ball python in this thread-> https://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/...les-Just-Split

At this point I would not really trust anything Petsmart is trying to tell you. Even if the manager came forward and admitted the incompetence of the injurious employee and the "vet" that tried to help after the wound was inflicted, that does not mean he is well educated in your snakes needs, either. Judging by how lacking the care for their snakes is in general, and that they "go off of what the vet tells them", I would think their go-to vet (who is likely not a reptile specialist) would not provide adequate care and is likely to be biased towards cutting the costs for petsmart. Since the appointment is already made, I guess I would give it a chance, but let the manager know you only feel truly comfortable seeing a reptile specialist, and if the vet obviously doesn't know what they're doing or talking about voice your concerns! If worse comes to worst you can always contact corporate and tell them your situation and concerns about the inadequacy of the vet, go and see another, specialized, veterinarian, and hopefully be able to petition them to take over the costs.

I'm so sorry this even happened in the first place. It may not have been the best choice, going to petsmart for help with a stuck shed, but holy cow something like this should NEVER have happened and it is the fault of the company, not you. I will say that educating yourself more on the care of your animal is a good idea, but in my opinion there is never a time to stop learning. Do not feel guilty for this. I hope the vet visit is productive and that he's set up for a good, albeit long, recovery. The thread I posted is lengthy but I think it is relevant to the situation, and may give you hope for your little one.

Good luck, and keep us updated. We wish you the best :)

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I actually contacted the manager with the name and location of a different vet, one I have heard good things about in regards to reptiles and whose facility I know from bringing in other animals (cats and birds). We have scheduled an appointment there for 3:20 PST and I'm hopeful that it will go well. I have several questions for the vet and will make sure to keep an eye out for things that seem "off".

While I can't shake the guilt, I can definitely say lesson learned and I'm now taking cares to ensure that my education is more complete. I'm immensely thankful to all the lovely people in this thread who have advised me during this time. I will keep you all updated as to how this goes.

I didn't see a picture. ... was it scales or skin removed?

I saw the pic. The skin was removed all the way to the muscle and a large strip of it. Like mentioned before the only worse skin injury I've seen is Dave.

As sad as it is, I wouldn't be surprised if the vet recommended euthanasia.

So what did the vet say??


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