HELP! boa bit python, found wounded reeeeel week n gaping mouth on sunday. wha...

please HELP! not sure- wasn't there to witness, but we think one of the boas bit our ball python. my son found her wounded- one puncture in the back of neck, reeeeeal week- not moving looked dead, but breathing, and her mouth looking broken and hanging open on sunday. called every emergency vet- no snake vets. what do i do? will she live?

thanks for any reply.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

please HELP! not sure- wasn't there to witness, but we think one of the boas bit our ball python. my son found her wounded- one puncture in the back of neck, reeeeeal week- not moving looked dead, but breathing, and her mouth looking broken and hanging open on sunday. called every emergency vet- no snake vets. what do i do? will she live?

thanks for any reply.

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Were they being housed together?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

please HELP! not sure- wasn't there to witness, but we think one of the boas bit our ball python. my son found her wounded- one puncture in the back of neck, reeeeeal week- not moving looked dead, but breathing, and her mouth looking broken and hanging open on sunday. called every emergency vet- no snake vets. what do i do? will she live?

thanks for any reply.

---

Are your boas and pythons housed together? How'd the get to the same area to possibly bite each other? Take a pic of the injury so we may be able to see what's going on...

yes housed together. no working camera! aah!

Get it to a vet asap.
You can clean the wounds with betadine but with the jaw hanging open she might need x-rays.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

yes housed together. no working camera! aah!

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Well there's your first problem...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

yes housed together.

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So...have we learned anything?

Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

yes housed together. no working camera! aah!

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SEPERATE THEM ASAP. Keep tryin to find a vet. Keep us updated

Pretty much every cell phone has a camera.

If this is real, which I am kinda doubting (maybe I am just cranky today), please get it to a vet ASAP. Pics would be interesting, but not a whole lot we can do for you with the damage you have described.

Be prepared to answer why you thought they would be good roommates, but that is a whole other discussion.

Only other advice I have is, keep it clean and keep them separated.

How can you be in this forum and not know that its bad to keep a boa and ball together? No offence but I'm finding it hard to be sympathetic towards such a blatant housing error.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

Just for future reference, you shouldn't house them together. Two separate species especially shouldn't be together, as they often have different husbandry requirements.

And if you've got a Red Tail Boa, they've been known to eat their smaller cagemates.

If you cannot find a herp vet near you, you may want to think about having the snake put down. A local vet can do this.

There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed: like why you house them together?

However, the biggest issue is a snake with what sounds like a broken jaw. That snake won't be able to eat and will require a bunch of medical care, tube feedings, etc. If you aren't prepared for that, consider having it humanely put down. That snake should not suffer if you can't afford the time and money it will take to rehabilitate the snake if it can be saved.

If you still want to look for a vet, tell us about where you live so we can help you find a herp vet. Most will have an emergency number you can call.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by interloc

How can you be in this forum and not know that its bad to keep a boa and ball together? No offence but I'm finding it hard to be sympathetic towards such a blatant housing error.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

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OP just registered today.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by interloc

How can you be in this forum and not know that its bad to keep a boa and ball together? No offence but I'm finding it hard to be sympathetic towards such a blatant housing error.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

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Even if your not on this forum it seems like it would be common sense.. How long did you manage to house them together

The snake has nearly zero chance of living if it doesn't see a vet for what sounds like open wounds and a broken jaw.

While lots of people house more than one snake together, it's always a bad idea, as you've seen.

That's all if it's not just someone trolling.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Derekroth91

Even if your not on this forum it seems like it would be common sense.. How long did you manage to house them together

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The only problem is that common sense is just so damn uncommon these days...

If this really happened I hope the OP at least takes the wounded snake in to be euthanized so it isn't siting there suffering. What a shame.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sho220

The only problem is that common sense is just so damn uncommon these days...

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2x

People just think that it makes for a nice display/status symbol to keep two animals (who live on completely separate continents, might I add) without looking into any possible repercussions.

http://www.anapsid.org/vets/

scroll down for your state. That poor snake:(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 3skulls

Get it to a vet asap.
You can clean the wounds with betadine but with the jaw hanging open she might need x-rays.

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i am new here on forum. my son and his 4 snakes are in california; i am not. his cp cam is broken.
he normally doesn't co-house them, so i'm assuming it was temporary- he soooo upset, i didn't waste time asking or lecturing- just told him to keep her warm while i called for help. called 8 vets and 12 referals. emergency herp vets not availible til wednesday.
i was hoping you could answer his questions that i cant answer.
i am hoping her jaw is at worst, severely unhinged.
what can be done if jaw is broken?
why is she so week and not moving? can she be parylized?
she closed her mouth with some lip not sealed, but then opened again.
what can i do to comfort her til a snake vet (wednesday) is available?
thank you for helping.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

i am new here on forum. my son and his 4 snakes are in california; i am not. his cp cam is broken.
he normally doesn't co-house them, so i'm assuming it was temporary- he soooo upset, i didn't waste time asking or lecturing- just told him to keep her warm while i called for help. called 8 vets and 12 referals. emergency herp vets not availible til wednesday.
i was hoping you could answer his questions that i cant answer.
i am hoping her jaw is at worst, severely unhinged.
what can be done if jaw is broken?
why is she so week and not moving? can she be parylized?
she closed her mouth with some lip not sealed, but then opened again.
what can i do to comfort her til a snake vet (wednesday) is available?
thank you for helping.

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Take her to a 24/7 emergency vet and have her put down. This is silly...If this was a furry pet would you be handling it the same? If your dog got hit by a car would you run into the house, jump on the computer and hunt down a dog forum and start asking questions? Probably not...you'd probably do what you have to do to fix the situation. In this case, your son f'd up. Tell him to put on his big boy pants and fix it. Have the snake put down before it suffers any more than it already has...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sho220

Take her to a 24/7 emergency vet and have her put down. This is silly...If this was a furry pet would you be handling it the same? If your dog got hit by a car would you run into the house, jump on the computer and hunt down a dog forum and start asking questions? Probably not...you'd probably do what you have to do to fix the situation. In this case, your son f'd up. Tell him to put on his big boy pants and fix it. Have the snake put down before it suffers any more than it already has...

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x2
Don't let it suffer till Wednesday...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sho220

Take her to a 24/7 emergency vet and have her put down. This is silly...If this was a furry pet would you be handling it the same? If your dog got hit by a car would you run into the house, jump on the computer and hunt down a dog forum and start asking questions? Probably not...you'd probably do what you have to do to fix the situation. In this case, your son f'd up. Tell him to put on his big boy pants and fix it. Have the snake put down before it suffers any more than it already has...

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x3

People are so reliant on computers these days. Short minded. I think of my snake like he is my family, and if he was hurt, I'd run him to a vet, no matter what. If your borther/son/daughter/mother/ etc. got hurt that bad, do you think you would give a rat's a** about what other people you don't even know are telling you to do? Obviously this animal needs medical attention, not opinions and guesses from people that can't even identify what the problem is for sure. Just my two cents.

If you can't get her to a vet within 24 hours, PUT HER DOWN.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BHReptiles

.......

........rehabilitate the snake if it can be saved.

If you still want to look for a vet, tell us about where you live so we can help you find a herp vet. Most will have an emergency number you can call.

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my son n snakes are in riverside california. i've called more than a dozen vets n herp vet references- and even 3 reptile oriented pet stores. it's sunday no snake vets on call or with facilities there til wednesday.
i'm going to call him right now. if she is still alive i'll give you all the numbers i've called so you can search beyond them. i sooo appreciate the help.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

my son n snakes are in riverside california. i've called more than a dozen vets n herp vet references- and even 3 reptile oriented pet stores. it's sunday no snake vets on call or with facilities there til wednesday.
i'm going to call him right now. if she is still alive i'll give you all the numbers i've called so you can search beyond them. i sooo appreciate the help.

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/thread

Can you tell me what vets you have called? I live in the area, and know of a few herp vets. Worst comes to worst I also know of two emergency clinics where the snake can be euthanized.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sorraia

Can you tell me what vets you have called? I live in the area, and know of a few herp vets. Worst comes to worst I also know of two emergency clinics where the snake can be euthanized.

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great thank YOU!, ok i only have some names n mostly the numbers as i was in a hurry. i called emergency clinics btw n got referals to more referals, non-working machine, no ongoing care facility, n even 1 fax machine. . k here goes
909 825-9350, 951-371-1002, 909-947-3600, 714-537-3032, 909-861-5737, 909-931-7871, 714-921-8700, 909-981-2855, 951600-9804,626-827-2926, 909-861-5737, 714-771-1661, i think there's more on my other phone...
btw, he's not answering. i'll keep trying.

Just curious: why isn't your son calling these places himself and why isn't he on here asking for help?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

great thank YOU!, ok i only have some names n mostly the numbers as i was in a hurry. i called emergency clinics btw n got referals to more referals, non-working machine, no ongoing care facility, n even 1 fax machine. . k here goes
909 825-9350, 951-371-1002, 909-947-3600, 714-537-3032, 909-861-5737, 909-931-7871, 714-921-8700, 909-981-2855, 951600-9804,626-827-2926, 909-861-5737, 714-771-1661, i think there's more on my other phone...
btw, he's not answering. i'll keep trying.

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Out of area the immediate area, but when it comes to the health and well being of a living being, that is sometimes what needs to be done. I'm told he's the best, comes with high recommendations.
Thomas H. Boyer, DVM, DABVP reptile & amphibian practice.
9888 carmel mountian road, suite F
san diego, ca 92129 (858) 484-3490

I'll do a couple searches to see what else I can find. The normal vet I go to is also an "exotics" vet and has treated reptiles before, but I don't know how much experience he actually has with snakes.

Emergency clinics:
12022 La Crosse Avenue Grand Terrace, CA 92313
(909) 653-2314

27443 Jefferson Avenue Temecula, CA 92590
(951) 695-5044

Fellow herpers have said this guy treats reptiles. Online references refer mostly to treatment of lizards, but there are a couple references to snakes:

Tom Greek, DVM
Village Animal Hospital
23379 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Tel: (909) 861-7463


Also found these vets through online searches. Don't know them, but they are off herp vet lists with reference comments from the submitters. Some are more out of the area, but that might be what's necessary.

Carlos Lopez, DVM
Brookhurst Animal Medical Center
601 W 19th St., Suite 200, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Tel: (949) 430-7576

DR. RAND SPONGBERG, BSC, BVMS
All Creatures Care Cottage Veterinary Hospital
601 W 19th St., Suite 200
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Tel: (949) 430-7576

Bruce S Levine DVM, ABVP Avian & Companion Animal
Animal Medical Center
16540 Harbor Blvd, Ste A
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Tel: (714) 531-1151

Long Beach Animal Hospital
3816 E Anaheim St.
Long Beach, CA 90804
Tel: (562) 434-9966

Animal Surgical & Emergency Center
1535 South Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310) 473-5906
Tel: (310) 473-1561 emerg.

Michael Christianson, DVM
Banfield The Pet Hospital
2828 Campus Parkway
Riverside, CA 92507
Tel: (909) 697-1095
(special interest in turtles and tortoises, may not be helpful with snakes, but perhaps could offer additional references)

Jeffrey R Jenkins, DVM, ABVP (Avian)
Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital
2317 Hotel Circle South Suite C
San Diego, California 92108-3310
Tel: (619) 260-1412

Rick Abrahams
Del Norte Plaza Vet Clinic
306-F W. El Norte Pkwy,
Escondido 92026
619-741-8387

Lorrie Boldrick
10951 Meads Ave
Orange 92669
714-997-3686

Sherry Brothers
Highland Animal Vet Clinic
1731 E. Highland Ave
San Bernardino 92404
909-889-0093

Patricia Carter
Rancho Mesa Animal Hospital
8719 Miramar Rd
San Diego 92126
619-566-0422

Robert Cartin
Mission Animal & Bird Hospital
3308 Mission Ave
Oceanside 92056
619-433-3763

Kechen Chang
Sea Gate Vet Hospital
16061 Bolsa Chica Rd,
Huntington Beach
714-846-4436

Robert Corbett
Alosta Animal Hospital
1821 E. Alosta Ave
Glendora 91740
818-963-1674

Richard Heise
Mountain View Veterinary Hospital
1655 N. Mountain Ave., #110
Upland 91784
909-982-3288

KG Kali
North Tustin Vet Clinic
14081 S. Yorba, Ste 103,
Tustin 92680
714-838-7440

Lynne Lankes
Animal and Bird Hospital, Inc
3195 Hamner Avenue
Norco 92860
909-371-712

Bob Knight
Tri-City Pet Hospital
1145 S. Placentia Ave
Fullerton 92631
714-846-4436

Ann McDowell
Chaparral Hosp.
915 W. Foothill Blvd
Claremont
(909) 625-1561

Carl Palazzolo, *William Ridgeway, Tia Greenberg
Long Beach Vet Hospital
3816 E. Anaheim St
Long Beach 90804
(562) 434-9966

* Gaetan Reina
L.A. Pet Clinic
5853 Melrose Ave
W. Hollywood 90038
323-461-3575

Ronald Ridgeway
North Park Vet Hospital
4045 Normal St,
San Diego 92103
619-299-6020

Gayle Roberts
Northwood Pet Clinic
13925 Yale Ave, #115
Irvine 92715
949-559-1992

Bob Smart
Genessee Bird & Pet Clinic
5621 Balboa Ave
San Diego 92117
619-278-1575

Randy Strathman
Corona Comm Animal Hospital
423 E. Grand Ave
Corona 91720
619-838-7440

Meg Sutherland-Smith
3335 Juniper
San Diego 92104
619-557-3932

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sorraia

Can you tell me what vets you have called? I live in the area, and know of a few herp vets. Worst comes to worst I also know of two emergency clinics where the snake can be euthanized.

---

here's the others 951-371-7120 714-463-1190 909-931-7871 909-947-3600 909-981-2855 714-921-8700 949-495-1123
i also called elliots, strictly reptiles n prehistoic something. sorry no names.
he's relocating n just passing thru riverside. it's so hard to get "specialty" emergency vet help there this weekend- none actually. i hope you'll never need it there. sheesh.

son still not answering. worried. i'll let you all know when i do.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Daybreaker

Just curious: why isn't your son calling these places himself and why isn't he on here asking for help?

---

he might be. i don't know. he's not handling this well at all and is unfamiliar with the area, n i offered to help.

It actually isn't that hard to find "exotics" vets or emergency care, it just might take a few extra minutes than it would for your typical dog or cat vet. Southern California is, in general, a very good place for "exotics", because although there are many animals banned in this state, there are many of those species that are not banned (and even species that are banned can be found here). Because the human population is so high in this state (over 33 million), the animal population is also high, and the vets can and will capitalize on that.

This snake needs to be euthanized. Your boa probably bit and wrapped it, trying to kill it, possibly breaking the jaw. The reason he's weak and not moving much is probably because the boa broke its spine and/or the BP is dying from internal injuries.

You are making this animal suffer even more by not facing the consequences of your (son's) actions. There are emergency vets everywhere, and even if they don't have an exotics vet on staff, they would be able to euthanize.

he's so talkative about her every action while i'm trying to help as well that i can't concentrate on writing here.
her mouth is mostly shut but sometimes yawny like she's rehinging her jaw after a huge meal.. she's rubbing like she's itchy or starting a shed or maybe pushing that jaw. tongue lashes slowly n not always smooth, n head muscles very animated when she moves it. one eye n face slightly distorted. she has a jumpy reflex or quick spasm occasionally. other wise she moves normally but with a sort of slight limp as he describes it.
he said she keeps trying to eat a blanket he's on n wants to feed. he won't feed her yet. she n others ate well last week. he's put her in her own place, covered from movement in case she's irritated from discomfort and strikey. she'll be warm and monitored but unhandled n unfed at least until wednesday.
a vet visit is next asap and there's high hopes.
any thoughts on the toungue thing greatly appreciated.
thank you so much for the helpful advice n research.

That does not sound like something to celebrate. She is still obviously in pain and must be suffering a lot. I very very much doubt she wants to eat!! That's crazy.

She's trying to eat a blanket? I would very much doubt that. They go into feed mode by scent and sight, a blanket would neither look like, or smell like a rat. From the sounds of things, Wednesday is not an option. Please if this is real, do something NOW!

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

I don't see how it is okay to put a very injured animal in a dark spot for three days with no care. If you cannot get it care immediately--as in today--you should be taking other steps, as many people have already said. This animal should not have to needlessly suffer. Just because it cannot make noise does not mean it feels no pain.

[Dr. Greek treated my 7 year old normal bp with an ri last year. I would highly recommend him. Hope this helps
Tom Greek, DVM[/FONT][/COLOR]
Village Animal Hospital
23379 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Tel: (909) 861-7463


Also found these vets through online searches. Don't know them, but they are off herp vet lists with reference comments from the submitters. Some are more out of the area, but that might be what's necessary.

Carlos Lopez, DVM
Brookhurst Animal Medical Center
1301 South Brookhurst Street
Anaheim, CA 92804
Tel: (714) 776-7387

Joel Pasco, DVM
All Creatures Care Cottage
601 W 19th St., Suite 200
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Tel: (949) 430-7576

Bruce S Levine DVM, ABVP Avian & Companion Animal
Animal Medical Center
16540 Harbor Blvd, Ste A
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Tel: (714) 531-1151

Long Beach Animal Hospital
3816 E Anaheim St.
Long Beach, CA 90804
Tel: (562) 434-9966

Animal Surgical & Emergency Center
1535 South Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310) 473-5906
Tel: (310) 473-1561 emerg.

Michael Christianson, DVM
Banfield The Pet Hospital
2828 Campus Parkway
Riverside, CA 92507
Tel: (909) 697-1095
(special interest in turtles and tortoises, may not be helpful with snakes, but perhaps could offer additional references)

Jeffrey R Jenkins, DVM, ABVP (Avian)
Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital
2317 Hotel Circle South Suite C
San Diego, California 92108-3310
Tel: (619) 260-1412

Rick Abrahams
Del Norte Plaza Vet Clinic
306-F W. El Norte Pkwy,
Escondido 92026
619-741-8387

Lorrie Boldrick
10951 Meads Ave
Orange 92669
714-997-3686

Sherry Brothers
Highland Animal Vet Clinic
1731 E. Highland Ave
San Bernardino 92404
909-889-0093

Patricia Carter
Rancho Mesa Animal Hospital
8719 Miramar Rd
San Diego 92126
619-566-0422

Robert Cartin
Mission Animal & Bird Hospital
3308 Mission Ave
Oceanside 92056
619-433-3763

Kechen Chang
Sea Gate Vet Hospital
16061 Bolsa Chica Rd,
Huntington Beach
714-846-4436

Robert Corbett
Alosta Animal Hospital
1821 E. Alosta Ave
Glendora 91740
818-963-1674

Richard Heise
Mountain View Veterinary Hospital
1655 N. Mountain Ave., #110
Upland 91784
909-982-3288

KG Kali
North Tustin Vet Clinic
14081 S. Yorba, Ste 103,
Tustin 92680
714-838-7440

Lynne Lankes
Animal and Bird Hospital, Inc
3195 Hamner Avenue
Norco 92860
909-371-712

Bob Knight
Tri-City Pet Hospital
1145 S. Placentia Ave
Fullerton 92631
714-846-4436

Ann McDowell
Chaparral Hosp.
915 W. Foothill Blvd
Claremont
(909) 625-1561

Carl Palazzolo, *William Ridgeway, Tia Greenberg
Long Beach Vet Hospital
3816 E. Anaheim St
Long Beach 90804
(562) 434-9966

* Gaetan Reina
L.A. Pet Clinic
5853 Melrose Ave
W. Hollywood 90038
323-461-3575

Ronald Ridgeway
North Park Vet Hospital
4045 Normal St,
San Diego 92103
619-299-6020

Gayle Roberts
Northwood Pet Clinic
13925 Yale Ave, #115
Irvine 92715
949-559-1992

Bob Smart
Genessee Bird & Pet Clinic
5621 Balboa Ave
San Diego 92117
619-278-1575

Randy Strathman
Corona Comm Animal Hospital
423 E. Grand Ave
Corona 91720
619-838-7440

Meg Sutherland-Smith
3335 Juniper
San Diego 92104
619-557-3932
[/QUOTE]

it's Monday, i think vets are open now correct? something should have been done already.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sho220

/thread

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x2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mandalorian

[Dr. Greek treated my 7 year old normal bp with an ri last year. I would highly recommend him. Hope this helps
Tom Greek, DVM[/FONT][/COLOR]
Village Animal Hospital
23379 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Tel: (909) 861-7463

---

[/QUOTE]

his new number is- 714-463-1190 n he'll see her tomorrow -no openings today. no one else available unti wednesday.
thank you so much!!!

for the negative bunch- you had me convinced, n like you not actually being there seeing her- i was going to suggest putting her down. thank God he didn't answer his phone!
yes of course she hurts, but so does a near death car wreck. not enough justification to kill someone tho jeees.
dr will give her metcam n pain can be better.

If someone was in a near death car wreck I also wouldn't say "he looks hurt, but the doctor isn't open so let's just wait a few days and see what happens"

God, this thread has gotten so absurd. It's cruel to let a snake in the condition that it is in suffer for this long even if it is hard to make the decision to have something put down, it is a decision that should be made.

No harm in suggesting putting an end to her pain if the alternative is to let her suffer. I don't know about a snake's jaw's ability to heal but it does not sound good at all. From what you've told us, she is pretty badly hurt.

Oddmary. None of us are being negative. We are being realistic. I'm not trying to be mean here but are you prepared to spend lots of cash to rehabilitate this animal if it can indeed be saved? Vet trips aren't cheap and neither is treatment. No offence but assuming its a normal ball python, a new hatchling will be much cheaper than the vet appointment and treatment. Please stop this snake from suffering and have it put down. It's the right thing to do.


Sent from my iPhone 5 using Tapatalk

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

She's trying to eat a blanket? I would very much doubt that. They go into feed mode by scent and sight, a blanket would neither look like, or smell like a rat. From the sounds of things, Wednesday is not an option. Please if this is real, do something NOW!

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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This is not quite true. They will try to eat other objects if they are hungry, without it having a prey scent, moving or even looking like a rodent. Also if the snakes head was constricted by the Boa, as it sounds, who knows what kind of neurological damage was done.

So it gets to wait another 48 hours basically.. Wow

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TessadasExotics

This is not quite true. They will try to eat other objects if they are hungry, without it having a prey scent, moving or even looking like a rodent. Also if the snakes head was constricted by the Boa, as it sounds, who knows what kind of neurological damage was done.

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I don't think getting constricted by another snake would really cause that level of neurological damage but then again, who knows. Despite the volume of information on this thread, there isn't a lot to go off of in terms of how this snake is doing. For all we know, the poor thing's jaw could have been just hanging open and it got caught on this unscrupulous blanket.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by oddmary

for the negative bunch- you had me convinced, n like you not actually being there seeing her- i was going to suggest putting her down. thank God he didn't answer his phone!
yes of course she hurts, but so does a near death car wreck. not enough justification to kill someone tho jeees.
dr will give her metcam n pain can be better.

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It's easy when you're not the one suffering...