EMERGENCY | My Ball Python's Scales Just Split

Nixon, you're a brave girl for fighting for that animal even against your family. You saw a glimmer of the life he could have from day one and held onto it. My good wishes go to both of you. Dave deserves the best and that's what you're giving him. You're extremely mature and you have a great heart. Show that little guy that life with humans has more to offer than torture. :')

Oops, and for the Echo guy please, just go away, no one likes a loudmouth like you coming into a post asking for help and just saying "Just let him die!" "That's what I would do!" Well guess what bud you're not him and you're very inhumane.

Looks like echo was permabanned already. I will admit he was entertaining in that same sort of infuriating way as really bad reality TV. Never knew what completely off the wall "advise" he was going to offer next!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lizardlicks

Looks like echo was permabanned already. I will admit he was entertaining in that same sort of infuriating way as really bad reality TV. Never knew what completely off the wall "advise" he was going to offer next!

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Well that's almost a shame. I was sort of interested in his "het for something"clutch.
But not wanting to kick this off topic, glad Dave is looking like he's on the up and up! Still crossing fingers here!

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It was not the best to receive that message from Echo, especially it being one of the first ones. I had no knowledge on this disease and I thought at what he was getting at was that there was nothing I could do. I guess I had the feeling like that was untrue. I didn't rescue Dave to not give him a chance. I just thought, if he survived this long, then why should it stop here?

Still, we have some ways to go. Dave still needs to heal. Though he is still gaining weight, eating, etc., he is still as risk of infection because of his open gashes. Less, though, because of the scabs, but they don't cover everything. I keep putting the cream on him. Once a week I'll take him out and let him slither in my hands. He deserves love and attention, I just don't want to do it too often. I can see the day where those scabs turn to scars and his scales are fully bound over him once again. I can see it were he is the healthy weight, and in a tank full of decorations and cypress, instead of a cardboard box and paper towels. I don't want to assume he's going to make it through with no issue but I can't help it. I want to see him on that day, show him to my friend's step father who had previously owned him and show him how much of a fighter Dave was. I really want to say, "This is the warrior you gave up on. He really showed you."

Yet, I don't want to be rude... he did nothing to help Dave. He gave Dave up because he was small and a rescue from another owner who practically starved him. This poor thing had to suffer for longer because he was small? Because the man didn't know how to feed him mice, not adult rats? My friend claims he's good with snakes but then why, every time I go to their house, they're living in filth? Spot cleaning? He hasn't heard of it. I can understand not changing the bedding that often because it's expensive, but spot cleaning takes only a minute to do. It's sad. But, luckily, they're fed, and they seem to be fine, except for the ball python he has that constantly wheezes. He can build tank but he doesn't know how to clean them!

Sorry I rant on him. It's just every time I see Dave I think of what he's been through. I can remember the first time I held him and it was scary. He was so frail. He's gaining power, though. He can pick himself up. It makes me so happy to see him this way.

I hope to one day bring him to a reptile show and what not and tell about his story. I really hate to get my hopes this high but he seems to really be in good shape. I see him coming out everyday to get some heat from the heat lamp, a drink of water, or just to sit on top of the cardboard box. ... Or to fall in between the cardboard and the glass and get stuck. He's silly.

Popping back in to ask for Dave updates and to also note that bedding is almost certainly not that expensive. I got a huge back of shredded aspen for $9 online in December, have had it for months, even used it for the litter of my chicks while they were still in their brooder (which let me tell you, those tiny guys poop A LOT), and still have over half a bag left. There is absolutely no excuse to keep animals in filth. I'm so happy you've been able to help Dave as much as you have and give him a good chance, even if he doesn't end up making it. I hope that man's other animals can find the same relief.

Wow !! This is beautiful ! I read this thread from the beginning also !! ❤️ I really hope the best for Dave , and so happy you care&love him the way every pet/animal deserves to be loved !!
Cant waittt for a update on Dave :)

Dave is doing well. He still seems thicker and more rounded. He's more meaty in the biggest parts of his body than the smaller parts but the nutrition will get there eventually. He got through his second shed since the incident. Unfortunately, because of the stitches, his biggest gash didn't heal correctly. It was scabbed but it was lumpy and falling apart as we speak. A lot of it came off during the shed but I helped him get off the nasty bumps because it was not a good way to heal. It would've fallen off on its own. Now he has reopened gashes but it's been a few days and they're starting to scab correctly. He has no stitches left, and his other gashes?

Well.

They look smaller. c:

I hope his bigger ones heal better this time. I know he curls up a lot, as a snake normally does, and they're bound to get wrinkly. But his bad scabs were mostly because of the stitching.

As always, he has his personality. He seems no different and his body is getting healthier. My mom just got out of surgery and we'll be visiting the vet for a check up in a week or two. He's doing fantastic. I'm going to love sharing his story because I hope, when he's all healed with the scars, that I can take him to reptile shows and of course, out of touch from kids, explain his story and show how strong this guy is. He's one in a million to me. Even with his box that he does like to hide in, he prefers to stay out and bathe in the heat while watching what's going on around him. He's adorable. I'm so glad you guys helped me with this. I'll defiantly be promoting BP.net if I talk about Dave because its all of you that got us through this.

This was one ride of emotion and it'll still continue, even when he's healed. He's only ten years old. He's got years left in him.

Thank you for the update! I am continuing to keep you guys in my thoughts.

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I was wondering if we would hear more about Dave. Glad to know he is doing better. Thank you for the update and all your love and care for him:gj:

Good to hear and we'd love to see updated photos soon too.

Glad to hear he's doing better and I second anybody who's said progress or updated pictures would be sweet to see! You're doing an amazing job with that little guy! Keep up the good work!


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Awesome job caring for him I agree pictures would be nice.

[Posting pictures and I accidentally posted instead of previewing]

10 minute limit expired. Ugh.

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I'm sorry these pictures aren't too good. My tremor is bad today. He's also wiggling around.

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Those look really good. He will heal fast, no worries and eventually there won't be scars left even.

Been aware of this thread for a while now and just wanted to finally give you a verbal pat on the back for taking in little dave. There's to many really sad cases out there and it's really good to see a good example like this where your turning him around. It looks like your giving him the tlc he needs to get better and im wishing him the best and best of luck to you as well.

Looking good

Updating yet again - Dave is doing great. He has scabbed up properly and is still eating. I have found nothing unusual with him. He is still loose when it comes to his scales, being wrinkly, as if he had a bigger body before but he's only been growing more and more into it. I'm hoping with enough vitamin supplements, his scales will tighten up and fit him more. I'd feel less stressed about holding the guy. He's so fragile.

So, I wanted to make this post because of what happened merely minutes ago today. I have a friend over and she's fascinated with snakes but I'd never trust her owning one because of how rough she handles them. I had Dave out and he was slither on the bed that we were both sitting on. She gets up to get or do something and she literally, not kidding, AN INCH away from crushing his skull. She had tripped a bit but I saw how close her foot was and my heart dropped instantly. Right away I put him back. That was too close. I know it would've been an accident but if he went like that... just in a heartbeat - I would lose my mind, honestly. I understand if he died due to infection or malnutrition but a foot of someone who is careless. It would hurt. She didn't even seem to care when I told her that. She apologized but she acted like it wouldn't affect me greatly, going on to other topics. I don't want her holding my snakes now.

Christ.

We could've lost Dave.

All people value life differently. She probably does not realize what an accomplishment it was just for you to keep that animal alive. The people here do though. I would hire you in a minute to help out with my collection. As I said before, you have seriously impressed me with your tenacity.

Thank you for your words. I know she doesn't understand how much he has gotten better, though she was there when it first started. But, still, she should've been more careful. She did trip a bit but how close her foot was to his face it scared me so much. I was about to cry just seeing it. She's just a bit careless when handling a lot of things. Any animal, in fact, and even objects. I hope I can make her realize that she needs to tone it down a bit.

I just worry a lot about him and that was just too close of a call. It really pushed the thought into my brain that anything could happen.

But, thank you for saying this. It means a lot to me and it helps me.

I just read this from beginning to end, and it is now 5:48 am lol i just wanna say , i may be extremely pregnant and have heightened emotions, but this post gave me feels lol definitely wanna keep up as you update

I am astonished how you've managed to bring this guy back from the brink! I'm SO glad he wasn't carelessly crushed by an unthinking foot! Ack! I'd pass out. Keep the live animals and fine china plates away from that one.

Congrats again on this amazing save!

Nixon Your are a snake Angel thank you so much for the care you have given Dave....You really are a wonderful Person you trust what your heart is telling you and you run with it... I had some personal issues and just read this but I am going to follow you and rejoice with you when Dave is healed.

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I know in late to the thread but would it have been a bad idea to wrap him with like gause wrap? Would that have hurt him worse? And to the guy that posted in the beginning about letting nature take care of it.. u shouldn't have snakes either... saying there is no vets in the wild isn't the point. The fact that he is stuck in a tank no food no heat no water. Let me guess there none of that in the wild to right? More then likely his issues wouldn't exist in the wild cause he's not stuck in a box with a ignorant person to depend on...

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O btw i got caught in the moment. Hows Dave doing?

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Idk if this was ever asked. Have ub tried frozen mice? Forgive me if this was talked about but 18 pages is alot for me to read lo

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He eats frozen mice, yes. And no worries. It's a lot to read. Even I forget and I've read this entire thread.

And gauze wouldn't work right now because his wounds are closed. Also, he's a snake with no limbs so that'd be a bit hard, wouldn't it? xD

Dave is doing great. I have to take pictures with my phone this time because for the life of me I can never track down the connector to my camera.

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He's a cutie.

Anyway, again, thank you all for saying all of these things! I'm sure there's people in the world who could've done better but sure enough, there's a lot more who could've done worse - or nothing at all. I'm so grateful that he is a fighter. I hope he'll be shedding soon so his scales can begin to grow better around his thicker body.

And, yeah, Piedlover, I hesitate a lot now when she asks to bring Dave out. I don't want him out without me watching. She's known to be very careless but she's back in West Virginia now so Dave is safer.

Go Dave, go!!

Wow I just read this entire thread! Nixon, good on you girl! So happy to see he's doing so well.


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Dave has been curled up in his log for quite some time. He's usually, at the least, peeking out of his log or, like most days, he's out of his log and exploring his cage. Though, he's been cooped up in his log. It's strange but not too strange. Snakes want their quiet time. But, I took him out the other day and I found that he is shedding again. I'm hoping it goes well and doesn't take off his built up scabs. I'm seeing some weird overlay patterns on his lacerations. (I don't know how to describe it, sorry.) But it looks like some scales are trying to form back!

For now, it seems safer to feed him a little bit of bigger mice. Around adult size, a little bit less, he can handle. His scales seem to be holding up good and I'm trying hard to remember to put the vitamin supplements on. Still, I won't push it.

All in all, he's doing fantastic. Going back to one of the first comments, saying that I should let Dave die - well, look at him now. This little guy isn't going to give up. If he's made it this far with bad care, then why stop? Dave still ceases to amaze me. I hope, when he's well enough to be brought to some reptile conventions, I can get myself a stand and talk about him. Raising awareness for this slipped skin disease, and also sharing his story and how hard he fought and how the community of Ball-Pythons.net helped both him and me through all of this.

I couldn't of made it this far without you guys. All of you deserve some credit. Except for the negative ones all the way back who didn't want to fight for him.

Thank you so much.

The wounds will scab up and then scale over slowly. You may have to help those areas shed for quite a while.

One of my retics had surgery earlier this year, and the incision is a few inches long. That area will probably always have issues shedding, and after that girl "pops" her shed I either apply a warm, damp rag to the area to help soften the shed and remove it, or if the weather is nice she goes outside into the baby pool for a swim.

Was so surprised you were able to save him, I really thought he was a goner when this thread started and now look, he's thriving and doing great! Kudos to you and way to go Dave! Such a wonderful outcome, you did an awesome job with this guy!

I just found this thread and had to read the whole thing. Way to go, Nixon and Dave!

And thanks for giving me some new key words to look up. I've seen spontaneous skin rupture in a couple of snakes but never had a name for it or anything but the haziest idea of treatment.

It's still a blur for me, Paul. I'm not sure if there is an actual cure or if it's simple a malnutrition thing that will go away when the animal is in a healthy state. I have a feeling it would return if Dave were to go back downhill again, but I don't expect him to be traveling down that path ever again.

Most of what I gathered was that it was linked with malnutrition and possibly having to do with a deficiency in vitamin C. Obviously, it needs awareness. There are many abused animals out there and there are plenty of snakes who have been rescued from going through what Dave did - or worse. They may suffer the same disease. Dave was lucky enough to not be infected.

A big problem is that I never expected that at all. I had never heard or seen anything like this. In my case, I'm a teenager who simply owns them as pets. I took in Dave only expecting it to be an unstable ride of him getting up into a healthy state but it went haywire within mere seconds. I was scared. I could've panicked. I'm assuming people who take in rescues have more knowledge, but still, this disease needs to be made more aware. Knowing at least it exists and some ways to handle it would be a lot, a whole lot better than scrambling to get a vet and seeking out people online for any source of help. The internet doesn't have much to offer if you don't know the name.

Dave is lucky. Other snakes and owners might not be. I was lucky to act with my wits and find anything that could help me, maybe some others would freeze up or not think twice to put them down. I'm just happy that my emotional and logical side can come to an agreement sometimes. It saved me from dread and Dave from risking anything worse than what he got.

I just wish I knew.

Also, why do I have to type paragraphs every time I reply? I'm supposed to be doing math homework. Man, oh, man.

Nixon,
You have a beautiful story. Your persistence and care for Dave is truly heartwarming. Rock on, Nixon & Dave!!
It stunned me to learn that you are only a freshman in High School and had the intellect to find answers as quickly as you did. Most adults (as you saw on pages 1,2) would have had the snake put down. Sadly, it's true. But you saved Dave. And from the looks of it, you have quite a few years left with your (growing back) scaled best friend!
I cannot wait to see more pictures of Dave's progress and watch you grow as a BP owner!

With nothing but positive vibes,
Mac, Ty & our Loucie, Graeae, Mj, Nipper, Cersei, Imbra, and champagne (we haven't named him yet :p)
:snake:

Such cute names.

Thank you for the praises. I love seeing people who have learned so much from this. I would call it a mess but it barely is. It worked out better than I assumed because I assume the worse but, hey, just because something bad happens - it doesn't mean we can't try.

Now I'm sophomore and I'm hoping to talk about Dave for my final project in Animal Companionship. (Even if school just started.)

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Originally Posted by Nixon

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Most of what I gathered was that it was linked with malnutrition and possibly having to do with a deficiency in vitamin C. Obviously, it needs awareness. There are many abused animals out there and there are plenty of snakes who have been rescued from going through what Dave did - or worse. They may suffer the same disease. Dave was lucky enough to not be infected.

....

Also, why do I have to type paragraphs every time I reply? I'm supposed to be doing math homework. Man, oh, man.

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Malnutrition and possible vitamin C deficiency was about were I have been for a while, too. For what it's worth, my experience with the problem was in the late 1970s. This was before the Internet, when exotic vets were nonexistent in my area. So this disease is not a new thing.

This little menagerie had a dead reticulated python, and the skin split as the carcass was being moved. I boarded one of their boa constrictors one winter, and its skin split as I moved it into one of my cages. The boa healed on its own, fortunately. From what I have found, snakes are supposed to be able to make their own vitamin C. But stress depresses the immune system, and possibly vitamin C production. There was plenty of stress at that menagerie, with people walking by the cages and often rapping on the glass. I was able to give that boa a relatively stress free environment as well as good food. So I think there is a stress component to the problem, too.

I think that there are other problems in snakes that are at least partially caused by vitamin deficiencies. Such as congenital problems like bug eyes in Texas rat snakes and spinal kinks in a number of species. But that is another story.

IMO, this thread will be helpful to future people facing the same problem.

I also write paragraphs when there is a sympathetic audience. :)

Good luck with the math!

Ah, I understand. Awareness still needs to be raised, though. The local vets I went to had never heard of it. Also, I never knew they made their own vitamin C. It'd make sense of how far it'd go down if they're stressed and mistreated. Dave is probably still a little stressed because of his limited environment. I don't want to put bedding in just yet and all he has is a tight log he likes to squeeze himself into. I know these snakes love to have three walls they can press against so I made sure to give him that.

But!

Dave just finished shedding and I'll try to get pictures as soon as possible. He looks so smooth and healthier. The tears are slowly becoming scars. Also, my parents keep mistaking him for my female ball python, Medusa, who is about the same size but she's only a year old. She's a big girl. I don't know her weight off the top of my head but she's pretty thick for being young. Which is weird because she's the pickiest eater. But, they keep mistaking the two because Dave is getting chubbier. It's so good to see him like this.

Okay, guys, sorry this is taking forever. I missed a week of school because when I get sick, my asthma likes to kick in and it's a whole mess. I've been trying to catch up on all of that - and also, for some reason - videos from my camera won't go to the computer. I want to at least get a video of Dave so I can try it with my phone and if it doesn't work then I'll go back to pictures.

I probably shouldn't have spilled spilled pudding on my camera.

I've just read the entire thread from page one to here, and all I can say is: I applaud you. I am currently a freshman in High School, and what you've done for Dave is something I wouldn't be able to accomplish on my own even if I was a Senior, or even out of school. I am so proud of what you're willing to do, the lengths you're ready to go for an animal that was so far gone. It's amazing to see how far Dave has come since you first rescued him. I am extremely grateful for people like you in this world, and the story of you and Dave has given me hope for my own future of caring for and rescuing animals. Thank you.

I'm sure there'd be something you can do. Honestly, I wouldn't have gotten this far without the help of all of these great people. I wouldn't have gotten this far if Dave didn't eat. I wouldn't have gotten this far if I didn't believe he could pull through. Sometimes it just takes hope because if no infection set in, then he has a chance, right? I'm glad you've gained hope because of this. I'm sure you can rescue and care for tons of animals.

Here's Dave: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mM8MwAKZ-xk

And here's his enclosure. He's now able to have a log, his old water bowl, and paper bedding:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...m%2F2jyz4y.jpg

Wow!!! So glad he's on the mend!

Will his skin eventually tighten up?

It has tightened up. It gets pretty loose when he sheds and then it's relatively normal when he's done. It's going to be a long time before he's perfectly healthy.

Congrats on your perseverance and dedication to Dave. It shows in his rehabilitation and healing. :gj:

Hello so how is he doing now ? Any new updates


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Wow, I just read this start to finish. What an amazing story. It's been a while since we've gotten an update, I hope all is well with Nixon and Dave.
Nixon, you are truly an inspiration and Dave surely is a fighter. You have started my day off in a truly positive way, and I thank you for that.

Nixon, if you can update we would love to hear about what's going on with you and Dave.

Also, that poem you wrote about Dave was never posted. I'd love to read it.

Oh goodness, I just read all of this, too. Nixon, you're just wonderful for caring for this noodle and nursing him back to health. Can we have an update on ol' Dave, please?

:) ?


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Also just read this whole story, start to finish! I. Am. Amazed.

I'm a new BP owner as of about 12 hours ago and wanted to go cuddle with her. Obviously, I didn't because I'm letting her get adjusted and settled in but damn was it tempting.

I'm so so so happy for Dave. I'm speechless.

And I know it's been said plenty but screw Echo. Awesome people sending good vibes ftw!


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