My snake has an inflammed growth after rat bite. Help!

A few weeks ago, I left a rat for my albino to feed on overnight but apparently the rat attacked her and left bites all over her body and her tail was a bit gnawed on. The superficial bites on her body healed but the one close to her vents has not. It is now swollen and bruised in color.

What should I do to alleviate this? I need suggestions!

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Originally Posted by Igotballz

A few weeks ago, I left a rat for my albino to feed on overnight but apparently the rat attacked her and left bites all over her body and her tail was a bit gnawed on. The superficial bites on her body healed but the one close to her vents has not. It is now swollen and bruised in color.

What should I do to alleviate this? I need suggestions!

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You are lucky it was not worse than that, this is a typical what not to do when feeding live. :rolleyes:

Feeding live responsibly means NEVER leave a prey unattended with your animal let alone overnight, always removed if uneaten after 20 min.

If you cannot feed live responsibly please feed F/T

Now when it comes to your snake chances are there could be an abscess which in that case would need to be drained and anti-biotic prescribed so take your animal to a vet

Hmm I never had a bite get inflamed sapphires all healed quickly, so I can't say what it needs or doesnt, but inflammation generally indicates an infection, so I would assume antibiotics are needed?

How much that cost me at the vet?

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Originally Posted by Igotballz

How much that cost me at the vet?

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That's between you and the vet.
Its also not a rat bite from your post, sounds more like the rat was stressed and hungry and looking for a meal.
This is why you never leave them unsupervised.
The keeper learns the hard way while the reptile suffers.

Post some photos so we might be able to give more advise.

Is there any pus or fluid visible coming from the wounds? Are they still open and exposed? Rats have filthy mouths and transfer bacteria readily. I would get some diluted betadine on it asap (can be purchased at any pharmacy OTC). Usually this is all that is necessary for a superficial bite.

Vet fees vary, but it will usually be the cost of an exam ($40-60) plus any meds applied. If they use a broad spectrum antibiotic you are looking around $20-40 more depending on the vet. At the very least I would be in contact with a vet to have a medical opinion.

Here are some photos... I think I need invasive surgery which will cost me a fortune..no? You can see her face is now somewhat deformed.

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/a...ds/image_1.jpg
http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/a...oads/image.jpg

Yeah you need to go to a vet asap all that dark tissue around that black spot is not good at all that looks really infected and kinda like early signs of decaying flesh

I definitely think it's time for a visit to the vet. From what I have read of others' posts, reptile health can reach a critical point rather quickly/unexpectedly. Better to be safe than sorry!

Looks like an abscess which is pocket of bacterial infection, the pus is in a solid form and it will require a vet to open the abscess remove it, flush the area and prescribe antibiotics.

Your only option is a vet, vet price vary and vets generally offer payment plans, there are also low interest credit cards designed for medical and vet expenses.

This bp looks like he isn't big enough to handle rats to me. In any case the injury is severe bc it involves the airway and it appears infected. Only a vet will be able to correct this. Good luck. The bp is having difficulty breathing bc the swelling and infection is directly over his right nostril.

I was expecting a pgoto of the other end with the vent.
That is above the heatpit. Not a goot area to get bit.
Follow Debs advice ASAP.

Just reiterating what others are saying. Looks like a coagulative necrotic region to me. Vet asap. Tell them you are on a budget. Sometimes they can take pity on you and do the work cheaper.

1st: get this little guy to a vet ASAP!!
2nd: worry about cost later

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Originally Posted by Igotballz

Here are some photos... I think I need invasive surgery which will cost me a fortune..no? You can see her face is now somewhat deformed.

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Invasive surgery isn't likely but the animal definitely needs vet care and antibiotics ASAP, otherwise that infection will go septic and kill your snake.

That's such a shame , it's a lovely looking Albino , my favourite Morph ... hope things work out !

Yikes... Vet ASAP. If you get him in before the infection spread elsewhere the bill will probably still be reasonable. You really don't want to wait though.

You left a live rat with your snake???