Help please! Snake got a bite while feeding

To start off, I am not looking for a debate on live vs f/t feeding. I’m aware of the risks and am very careful when feeding. Just looking for treatment suggestions. Thanks.

Yesterday I was feeding my 5 month old ball python a live adult mouse and she got this scrape/bite that I noticed after she constricted the mouse. I always supervise and have successfully fed her and my other snake live adult mice and similar sized rats before with no issue. The way she grabbed onto the mouse this time meant the mouse was able to bite to her I believe. See the attached pictures please. Im not so sure how it happened as all seemed okay until afterwards. She still ate the mouse and seemed like she wasn’t in any pain or discomfort. She was not bleeding and it’s not deep but looks kinda bad to me:(

I’ve so far treated by cleaning with a sterile saline solution, applying antibiotic ointment (no pain relief). Also switched her out of her usual tank to a sterile tub with paper towel instead. Is this all I need to do for her to heal completely or does she need other care? Vet? Should I stick to the ointment/rinse (both?) once daily or more often? Thanks for any suggestions!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...836c83e85d.jpg

[https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fd1f6c8cee.jpgIMG]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190128/6f3f47bd0b62c97c418a96fd1f6c8cee.jpg[/IMG]


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I would apply a tiny dab of neosporin daily. It is important to use just regular, plain neosporin, not the one they make with pain relievers in it. Id also switch his substrate to paper towels until the wound closes up, to prevent substrate from getting stuck to the wound. Just a tiny amount of neosporin is all you need, you don't want it getting all over his body except for the wound.

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Originally Posted by Treeman

I would apply a tiny dab of neosporin daily. It is important to use just regular, plain neosporin, not the one they make with pain relievers in it. Id also switch his substrate to paper towels until the wound closes up, to prevent substrate from getting stuck to the wound. Just a tiny amount of neosporin is all you need, you don't want it getting all over his body except for the wound.

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Great thanks! I’ll keep that up then as that’s what I’ve been doing so far.


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I have no "crystal ball" to know IF that will get infected or not...and since it's near vital functions (brain!) it would be better to see a vet with your snake.

What happened with your snake this time is what pretty much always happens sooner or later when you feed 'live'...rodents aren't grabbed perfectly & can
wiggle around just enough to bite back...they object to being dinner, after all. Bites from rodents carry plenty of germs, & this wound looks pretty open to
me, and with where it is, it might be best if it got stitched closed. That's a call for a qualified reptile vet to make though, not me...good luck.

If it's NOT closed up by the vet, it will take many many sheds to heal, and each time the shedding will tend to tear it open again. Vet is the best idea, I'd say.

I'm going with "see a vet" to make sure all is well. Their internal systems are pretty fragile when it comes to the introduction of foreign germs.

And about people who feed live, they should............just teasing folks.

Good luck.

I would definitely consider letting a vet take a look. But you are definitely doing the right things so far, But I would look into getting to a vet and maybe getting a stitch or two, properly cleaned, all that good stuff. Sorry that happened and best of luck.

Honestly Ive never seen a chunk missing like that from a Mouse. As a matter of fact, in my many decades of keeping I did not know a mouse could do that much damage. Ive seen Rats and Rabbits do that but Wow that was one nasty mouse... im sure that will heal but it sure is going to take awhile. Ive had scratches and scrapes but thats actual Meat missing.



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Thanks for all the input! It is greatly appreciated and I will likely take her to the vet!

The scrape isn’t as bad as in the pictures. It isn’t deep at all (skin off only) about 3mm diameter. The flash and camera make it seem worse! Hopefully she’s alright and vet doesn’t think stitches required. Here’s another picture :(

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...44d7c59acd.jpg


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They might also just do something like a topical "new skin" product? (so that it's sealed from germs) Either way, it shouldn't be that expensive...I hope?
Let us know how it goes, hope your pretty snake makes a nice recovery & isn't more hesitant about feeding now. (that can happen too...)

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Originally Posted by jimmy89045

Thanks for all the input! It is greatly appreciated and I will likely take her to the vet!

The scrape isn’t as bad as in the pictures. It isn’t deep at all (skin off only) about 3mm diameter. The flash and camera make it seem worse! Hopefully she’s alright and vet doesn’t think stitches required. Here’s another picture :(

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...44d7c59acd.jpg


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Maybe the pic looks bad and its only a scale. In that case dont worry and keep the enclosure clean....
I still didnt know a mouse would do that though.. but im so paranoid as i get older I finally got all my snakes “even Burm” eating fresh kill and 2 of them Frozen.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

They might also just do something like a topical "new skin" product? (so that it's sealed from germs) Either way, it shouldn't be that expensive...I hope?
Let us know how it goes, hope your pretty snake makes a nice recovery & isn't more hesitant about feeding now. (that can happen too...)

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Thanks for the replies and information! Hopefully this doesn’t require much and isn’t serious :( I just feel so bad for her :(. I’m unsure how much a vet in Ontario costs but I’d spend whatever I need to for my snakes. I’m also open to any suggestions from anyone for a vet around Guelph Ontario. I’m thinking maybe the university as they specialize in veterinary studies.

I hope she doesn’t get hesitant on eating as she’s been a great feeder so far. Never skipped a meal and strikes quickly! She did unexpectedly eat right after the incident so that’s a good sign I think!

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

Maybe the pic looks bad and its only a scale. In that case dont worry and keep the enclosure clean....
I still didnt know a mouse would do that though.. but im so paranoid as i get older I finally got all my snakes “even Burm” eating fresh kill and 2 of them Frozen.


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Not trying to downplay the scrape at all just want to know how to deal with it. May also seem bigger because it’s on a small snake. Definitely is not deep at all and didn’t bleed at all so I think that’s good!

When I applied ointment and cleaned it up she stayed calm and didn’t flinch. Almost seemed like she knew I was trying to help.

I am considering switching to frozen after this incident. No matter how closely you supervise and how much care you put in it seems mistakes can happen :(

Superficial injury: Lost a few scales. If kept clean and no weird bacteria take hold: it will be fine.

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Originally Posted by jimmy89045

Not trying to downplay the scrape at all just want to know how to deal with it. May also seem bigger because it’s on a small snake. Definitely is not deep at all and didn’t bleed at all so I think that’s good!

When I applied ointment and cleaned it up she stayed calm and didn’t flinch. Almost seemed like she knew I was trying to help.

I am considering switching to frozen after this incident. No matter how closely you supervise and how much care you put in it seems mistakes can happen :(

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IMO id wait for a Vet trip if its only a scale.. Your there and have enough sense to make a decision.
Id try Fresh Kill first. Mine took fresh kill easy and from there the key to frozen was heating it with a Blow Drier. Mine will not touch rats warmed in water. Idk why but i had a hard time switching to Frozen until i decided to take rats out the morning of feeding, let then thaw in a Bucket, then that night hit them for 3 min each with the blow drier and Wham!!!
The first few months i did as others do, thawing in warm water.. then warmer water... and warmer water... made a mess for me and was Disgusting. My rats thaw nicely and slowly all day which keeps them dry. That was the key for my snakes. Good luck.
Ohhh and I also switched to a longer time in between feeding to get them to take the frozen.. that way they were hungry and didnt think about it so much.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by jimmy89045

Not trying to downplay the scrape at all just want to know how to deal with it. May also seem bigger because it’s on a small snake. Definitely is not deep at all and didn’t bleed at all so I think that’s good!

When I applied ointment and cleaned it up she stayed calm and didn’t flinch. Almost seemed like she knew I was trying to help.

I am considering switching to frozen after this incident. No matter how closely you supervise and how much care you put in it seems mistakes can happen :(

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Id always recommend F/T, though I understand some snakes will only take live. But I think your considering F/T is a good step. I'd also maybe try slightly smaller prey items, so that when his skin stretches to swallow, it doesn't bust open or stretch out the wound. Just like you said, even if you monitor a live feeding very carefully, things happen before you are able to react.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

They might also just do something like a topical "new skin" product? (so that it's sealed from germs) Either way, it shouldn't be that expensive...I hope?
Let us know how it goes, hope your pretty snake makes a nice recovery & isn't more hesitant about feeding now. (that can happen too...)

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Sudacream ??


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by CALM Pythons

IMO id wait for a Vet trip if its only a scale.. Your there and have enough sense to make a decision.
Id try Fresh Kill first. Mine took fresh kill easy and from there the key to frozen was heating it with a Blow Drier. Mine will not touch rats warmed in water. Idk why but i had a hard time switching to Frozen until i decided to take rats out the morning of feeding, let then thaw in a Bucket, then that night hit them for 3 min each with the blow drier and Wham!!!
The first few months i did as others do, thawing in warm water.. then warmer water... and warmer water... made a mess for me and was Disgusting. My rats thaw nicely and slowly all day which keeps them dry. That was the key for my snakes. Good luck.
Ohhh and I also switched to a longer time in between feeding to get them to take the frozen.. that way they were hungry and didnt think about it so much.


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Thanks for the reply. It not one scale it’s a few but they’re really small scales and nothing more than just scales. Seems like skin may be folded in if that makes sense? I’m not sure just kinda looks like it. Not so sure what I’ll do yet, I’ll decide once I get home tonight.

Thanks for the tips regarding the injury and the feeding! Much appreciated!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Sudacream ??


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Never heard of that, & no, that's not what I had in mind.

I meant something like this, but I'm NOT sure if it's OK to use on snakes at all (ask a vet) or if there is a veterinary equivalent?
https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1e1...0&odnBg=FFFFFF

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jimmy89045

...Hopefully this doesn’t require much and isn’t serious :( I just feel so bad for her :(. I’m unsure how much a vet in Ontario costs but I’d spend whatever I need to for my snakes. I’m also open to any suggestions from anyone for a vet around Guelph Ontario. I’m thinking maybe the university as they specialize in veterinary studies.

I hope she doesn’t get hesitant on eating as she’s been a great feeder so far. Never skipped a meal and strikes quickly! She did unexpectedly eat right after the incident so that’s a good sign I think!

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I'd for sure call the university (veterinary studies dept.)- for teaching purposes, they might see her, or they'd know who would. Great idea! :gj:

That's a good sign that she ate afterwards anyway: some snakes are affected by these events, but others keep right on truckin'. It certainly happens in the wild.

I know many BPs can be difficult to convince to take f/t (or freshly pre-killed may work too), but there are plenty of experienced members here with tips that work-
most :snake: minds can be changed.

BTW, even if your snake gets a stitch to close the wound, you can expect her to shed more often for a while...that's how they make repairs, so not to worry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Sudacream ??


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Had to look this up...since Neosporin with pain relief is a "no-no" for snakes, I'd assume the same applies to Sudacream. It's medicated, water-repellent and contains
a topical local anesthetic (ie. pain relief). So unless your snake gets "nappy rash" (-what it's designed to treat) I wouldn't use it on them, lol. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Never heard of that, & no, that's not what I had in mind.

I meant something like this, but I'm NOT sure if it's OK to use on snakes at all (ask a vet) or if there is a veterinary equivalent?
https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/1e1...0&odnBg=FFFFFF

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I’m gonna look into how snake safe. Thx. I’ve been using polysporin triple

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Had to look this up...since Neosporin with pain relief is a "no-no" for snakes, I'd assume the same applies to Sudacream. It's medicated, water-repellent and contains
a topical local anesthetic (ie. pain relief). So unless your snake gets "nappy rash" (-what it's designed to treat) I wouldn't use it on them, lol. ;)

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Just for future reference, do you think Neosporin or triple antibiotic WITHOUT pain relief would be okay for snakes?

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

Just for future reference, do you think Neosporin or triple antibiotic WITHOUT pain relief would be okay for snakes?

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I believe it is okay in a small amount applied directly to the clean wound. I think that’s the same product. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...ad725004c9.jpg


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

Just for future reference, do you think Neosporin or triple antibiotic WITHOUT pain relief would be okay for snakes?

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Neosporin with out pain relief is ok for snakes, best just to use a small amount only on the wound, as if the neosporin gets everywhere it can cause scales to get flaky and fall off (is what I've heard).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Had to look this up...since Neosporin with pain relief is a "no-no" for snakes, I'd assume the same applies to Sudacream. It's medicated, water-repellent and contains
a topical local anesthetic (ie. pain relief). So unless your snake gets "nappy rash" (-what it's designed to treat) I wouldn't use it on them, lol. ;)

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Oye !! Don't diss Sudacrem :)

It's treated like a 'go to' treatment for all manner of things ..from babies to animals .. even our vet recommends it ..

Quote

"As well as nappy rash, it can also be used to treat eczema, bedsores, acne, minor burns, surface wounds, sunburn and chilblains."


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Oye !! Don't diss Sudacrem :)

It's treated like a 'go to' treatment for all manner of things ..from babies to animals .. even our vet recommends it ..

Quote

"As well as nappy rash, it can also be used to treat eczema, bedsores, acne, minor burns, surface wounds, sunburn and chilblains."


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But I repeat..."with pain relief" is a NO-GO for snakes. Was this a herp-vet who recommends it? I wasn't 'dissing', just explaining why I would NOT use it ON THIS
SNAKE's WOUND...unless a good herp vet says otherwise. It sounds great for humans, but that doesn't make it safe for herps.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

Just for future reference, do you think Neosporin or triple antibiotic WITHOUT pain relief would be okay for snakes?

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Yes, and a few other similar products (the names escape me at the moment) are fine for snakes too.

But just a little dab, as others mentioned. It's a petroleum-based ointment & can cause scale issues (delamination). Helps fight infection though. :gj:
(and keeping snake on clean paper towels for now is recommended too)

And to be clear, I would want a herp vet's assurance about using "New Skin" on a snake...I just seem to recall a vet using something along that line before? :confusd:
(it may have been something similar but NOT that)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Yes, and a few other similar products (the names escape me at the moment) are fine for snakes too.

But just a little dab, as others mentioned. It's a petroleum-based ointment & can cause scale issues (delamination). Helps fight infection though. :gj:
(and keeping snake on clean paper towels for now is recommended too)

And to be clear, I would want a herp vet's assurance about using "New Skin" on a snake...I just seem to recall a vet using something along that line before? :confusd:
(it may have been something similar but NOT that)

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I plan to keep this up daily. Seems to be healed already. I’ll post up some pics when I clean her tank and really later today

Whatever you do, I would not seal up the wound with some kind of liquid bandage. Unlike a real bandage, those stay put. They seal the wound. You can't just easily or quickly take it off if a problem develops underneath.

A rodent bite means bacteria. You want to be able to keep cleaning and treating the wound. If you seal the wound, you also seal in whatever may be hiding in there, and that can end up quite nasty.

Yes, vets often stitch up big or gnarly wounds (talking about any animal here..) but they usually leave a drain in the wound for the yucks to come out. That is after they thoroughly (and then once more) flush out any wound with lots and lots of antiseptic wound cleaner. Snakes don't have liquid pus, so even if there was a drain (and I know its to small for that) it wouldn't work.

Your best bet, imho, is to keep it very clean, keep the snake on paper towels, and put some non pain relieving neosporin on it twice the day for a few days, then once the day for a couple more.

If things get worse, time for vet!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jimmy89045

Thanks for the replies and information! Hopefully this doesn’t require much and isn’t serious :( I just feel so bad for her :(. I’m unsure how much a vet in Ontario costs but I’d spend whatever I need to for my snakes. I’m also open to any suggestions from anyone for a vet around Guelph Ontario. I’m thinking maybe the university as they specialize in veterinary studies.

I hope she doesn’t get hesitant on eating as she’s been a great feeder so far. Never skipped a meal and strikes quickly! She did unexpectedly eat right after the incident so that’s a good sign I think!

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I took my Alice (BP) to OVC (Ontario Vet College) at the University of Guelph. I live in Erin. It was just for a "wellness" check after I adopted her, and to make sure I had a vet in the area in case an emergency ever came up. They were great. :)

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Originally Posted by rottn

I took my Alice (BP) to OVC (Ontario Vet College) at the University of Guelph. I live in Erin. It was just for a "wellness" check after I adopted her, and to make sure I had a vet in the area in case an emergency ever came up. They were great. :)

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That’s good to hear! Thanks! Happen to remember what they charged you? Or anyone know what I should be paying? Just so I know what to expect. Appreciated!

She seems alright today. Here are some pics of her. Applied triple antibiotic ointment and cleaned with sterile saline. Gonna repeat in morning.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...394f7f6c4d.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...795b6a7e38.jpg