Help! Burn or Scale Rot?

I have recently moved away for another year in college, and my parents wouldn't let me take my ball python, so they have been feeding/caring for her.

When I came back home last week I checked on her, took her out, and found something awful looking on her belly, about the last 1/3 of her I'd say...(near her tail extending up)...

From what I remember, the color was a brownish, and when I felt the area, it was really rough, and it felt scabby, and I was in shock, and confused. Well anyway, I've since been back at school, and my mom told me today she took her to the vet because she was worried, and the vet said it was a burn and is giving her shots/antibiotics and is costing $185 (my bp cost me $30, captive bred and hatched)

Now, not to sound anti-vet, but I'm very mad my mom did this...she didn't tell me before hand, and IMO, is a total waste of money. I told her if she was going to take it to anybody, to take it to a friend of mine who has been working with snakes many years and he could diagnose the problem, etc. and not charge a penny.

Well anyway, I don't see how it can be a burn, because we've had the same setup for 3 months no problem (although I have been helping her shed...taking off areas she couldn't)...it's a 10 gallon glass aquarium, I used to sheets of newspaper, and a UTH...and a rock that is on the cool side (not heat rock) just regular rock...

How are you measuring the temps and humidity? And do you have a thermostat or rheostat on your UTH?

i'm trying to figure out why YOU didn't take it to your friend when you were there. i don't see any reason for you to get mad at your mom for trying to do the right thing for YOUR snake. just my :2cent: .....

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Originally Posted by python.princess

i'm trying to figure out why YOU didn't take it to your friend when you were there. i don't see any reason for you to get mad at your mom for trying to do the right thing for YOUR snake. just my :2cent: .....

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I agree with python queen!
But I'll tell you what I do with my UTH... I have to put like 10 sheets of extra newspaper over it so it's does not burn my BP. I find it gets REALLY hot if I don't...so perhaps thats what is happening....
Thats why I need to get a thermostat for them!

Good luck!

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

How are you measuring the temps and humidity? And do you have a thermostat or rheostat on your UTH?

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I have a fish thermometer on the inside...we'll it's a suction and after like 2 days it falls off and I have to replace it...it's always around 80...and no I do not have a therm/rheo...I know if anything I need to increase the humidity but that couldn't be why my snake has this on her belly...

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Originally Posted by python.princess

i'm trying to figure out why YOU didn't take it to your friend when you were there. i don't see any reason for you to get mad at your mom for trying to do the right thing for YOUR snake. just my :2cent: .....

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Well, because for one, I only had about 2 hours at home, and I was so busy with moving the extra stuff I needed back, that took all my time, and I needed to get back at a certain time....and also I honestly didn't think it was a life or death situation.

Well I applaud your Mum she did the right thing, your snake was injured and she did what any responsible person should do and it is taking the animal to a vet.

I think you should be grateful that she is taking care of your animal during your abscence and that she care enough to seek help for your animal.

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the vet said it was a burn and is giving her shots/antibiotics and is costing $185 (my bp cost me $30, captive bred and hatched)

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:confused: Does this mean that because your animal is 30$ he is not worth spending 185$ in vet cost?

Now no one here can diagnose an animal online obviously your BP has already been diagnosed anyway.

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don't see how it can be a burn, because we've had the same setup for 3 months no problem (although I have been helping her shed...taking off areas she couldn't)...it's a 10 gallon glass aquarium, I used to sheets of newspaper, and a UTH

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Because you have the same setup for 3 months does not mean the UTH cannot overheat! Do you have a reliable thermostat

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

I have a fish thermometer on the inside...

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is that a typo?

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

I have a fish thermometer on the inside...we'll it's a suction and after like 2 days it falls off and I have to replace it...it's always around 80...and no I do not have a therm/rheo...I know if anything I need to increase the humidity but that couldn't be why my snake has this on her belly...

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You need to have something sitting on the bottom of the tank to measure the heat being put out by the UTH. They can get hot enough to burn snakes, so you also need a thermostat to control that output.

Personally, I use Acurite thermometer/hygrometers from Walmart. They cost around $12 and have a probe that can be placed over the UTH. You can get a dimmer switch to control the UTH until you can afford a good thermostat, if needed.

1~ you need a more reliable thermometer and hygrometer... digital. i wouldn't trust the one you have to be accurate. i had one of those at first and when i upgraded i was amazed to see the difference


2~ even if you only had two hours at home, that's still plenty of time to give your mom your friend's number. or place a call to him yourself real quick

3~ if you had say, a dog or cat, and it had a severe burn like you're describing, would you just leave it alone and not worry about it because it's not a "life and death" situation?

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

I have a fish thermometer on the inside...we'll it's a suction and after like 2 days it falls off and I have to replace it...it's always around 80...and no I do not have a therm/rheo...I know if anything I need to increase the humidity but that couldn't be why my snake has this on her belly...

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Seem like you need to invest a little more money

First you MUST HAVE a thermostat to maintain proper temps and avoid overheating.

Second you MUST know your temps and this mean having an accurate reading with a digital thermometer/hygrometer (since you MUST also know your humidity)

You can find one at Walmart for 12$ and it looks like this http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p...Acu-Rite_T.jpg

Fish tank thermometer, dial or stick thermometer cannot give you a proper reading of your temps!

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Originally Posted by GA_Ball_Pythons

Fish tank thermometer, dial or stick thermometer cannot give you a proper reading of your temps!

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Correct.

Ambient temps are one thing, but belly heat is another. If you have a heat pad on the bottom, you need to know what the temp of that heat pad is. It could be a burn from the bottom of your enclosure.

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

is that a typo?

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LOL! I had to laugh a little at that!
Sorry.... :laughing:

It's very possible that your BP could get burned if your UTH isn't on a thermostat/rheostat. An uncontrolled heat source can have DRASTIC heat fluctuations. I would seriously consider purchasing one. For $80, you might have prevented the burns (and the vet bill!). I would look into a Johnsons Controls or Ranco if you just have the one BP...they'll help prevent this from happening again/getting worse.

I think your mother did the right thing in taking your BP to the vet...so I wouldn't be angry with her about it. It's your BP's health that's important, right?

In addition to the Thermostat, I would purchase a digital thermometer/hygrometer (they're about $12 at WalMart). Many of us on BP.net use AccuRite thermometer/hygrometers and find that they're very accurate. That way, you can be sure your BP is in optimal humidity/temp conditions and assure that temperatures are controlled so your BP doesn't have to go through this again.

I feel sorry for your snake and your mom, Obviously your snake doesn't mean much to you if wouldn't want to take it to the vet, and even if your friend is a "reptile specialist", why wouldn't you go to him right away? Honestly though, why would you even get a ball python, if you can't take proper care for it, did you get it because it was only $30? Or because you wanted to show it off to your friends? Or do you really have a passion for these beautiful animals? IMO, and this is just my :2cent:, I think your mom did the right thing, and you have no right on gods beautiful green earth to be mad at her, and I give her kudo's for taking YOUR poor snake to the vet, taking time out of her busy schedule, and hard earned money for YOUR snake, by the looks of it she has more respect for your snake than you do. I do realize that when you do come home, that you do have a limited time for everything and you got stuff to do, but damn.. Show some respect for your pets.. Poor snake. I hope your mother takes better care of it than you ever would. :mad: Sorry for the rant you guys....

I'd take my bare hand and put it on the glass where the UTH is... C how hot it gets!
When I do with mine, my hand gets SUPER hot... you don't want your BP to get super hot!
Again a thermostat I believe would help because you can set the amount of energy going to the UTH and that can lower or raise the temps???

pls correct moi if I'm incorrect about the thermostat!

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Originally Posted by Jonny2184

I'd take my bare hand and put it on the glass where the UTH is... C how hot it gets!
When I do with mine, my hand gets SUPER hot... you don't want your BP to get super hot!
Again a thermostat I believe would help because you can set the amount of energy going to the UTH and that can lower or raise the temps???

pls correct moi if I'm incorrect about the thermostat!

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you can set the heat to lets say 94, as soon as the temps hit 9 degrees, then the thermostat will lower the temp until it hits lets say 89, then it kicks back in, but yeah, it does control the temps.

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Originally Posted by Bright202

you can set the heat to lets say 94, as soon as the temps hit 9 degrees, then the thermostat will lower the temp until it hits lets say 89, then it kicks back in, but yeah, it does control the temps.

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That's an on/off thermostat you're describing--which is what Ranco and Johnsons are. Proportional thermostats, such as Helix and Herpstat, control the amount of power going to the UTH--so that the temps have a VERY small range of fluctuation--they don't shut off and on like the other type does.

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Originally Posted by AzureN1ght

That's an on/off thermostat you're describing--which is what Ranco and Johnsons are. Proportional thermostats, such as Helix and Herpstat, control the amount of power going to the UTH--so that the temps have a VERY small range of fluctuation--they don't shut off and on like the other type does.

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Oh, lol sorry :P

Cool... thats totally my new purchase!
TkS!

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Originally Posted by Bright202

I feel sorry for your snake and your mom, Obviously your snake doesn't mean much to you if wouldn't want to take it to the vet, and even if your friend is a "reptile specialist", why wouldn't you go to him right away? Honestly though, why would you even get a ball python, if you can't take proper care for it, did you get it because it was only $30? Or because you wanted to show it off to your friends? Or do you really have a passion for these beautiful animals? IMO, and this is just my :2cent:, I think your mom did the right thing, and you have no right on gods beautiful green earth to be mad at her, and I give her kudo's for taking YOUR poor snake to the vet, taking time out of her busy schedule, and hard earned money for YOUR snake, by the looks of it she has more respect for your snake than you do. I do realize that when you do come home, that you do have a limited time for everything and you got stuff to do, but damn.. Show some respect for your pets.. Poor snake. I hope your mother takes better care of it than you ever would. :mad: Sorry for the rant you guys....

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Okay, but I feel the need to express a vulgar display of power after reading this. The snake doesn't mean much to me??? Who are you to judge? I wouldn't have bought a snake in the first place if I didn't care for it, or the kind of species it is. My mom would argue the snake means "too much" to me, but that's besides the point. "To show it off to friends?" Are you out of your mind? If I wanted to show of a snake to my friends, I would have gotten a Reticulated Python, not a baby ball python. "Because it was only $30?" Yeah, actually, my friend is like do you have $30 to waste? I was like dude, for sure man, I have too much money now. He's like well, come buy this ball python. Not.

In an idealistic environment, the snake would be with me, in my apartment, but my parents will not allow it, because the apartment itself doesn't allow any pet besides a 5 gallon fish tank. You can relate law to me a thousand times, but I do not give a **** that pets are not allowed, a snake, a ball python in particular, would NOT be a problem, nor would never get me into trouble because 1) It is still a relative baby, and has a 10 gallon enclosure, 2) It doesn't make a sound, and 3) Since the electric company is a private bill that comes straight to me, there would be no way of them knowing I'm using a little extra heat. And, most importantly, the snake would be given the proper care, and handled, and unlike you state, I love my ball python, and think she is the coolest creature on earth, and I cannot wait to watch her mature and grow.

Why did I get a ball python? Well, in all honesty, I've wanted a reptile my whole life, but was never allowed. When I finally turned 18 years old, I finally put my dream to reality, and was looking at getting a leopard gecko. I talked to my friend a pet store, and after much talk, he had me hooked on the ball python. A python, that is friendly, doesn't require extensive care, that doesn't grow beyond 6 feet, and can live to be 50 years old, sold me. I was hooked. I then researched them for about two months, and came back to him, and told him I want to get one. Luckily for me, he breeds them in his home, and just had another batch a few weeks before I came in, and bam, that was that.

Ok, and this line really mad me quiver: My mom has more respect for my snake than I do? Maybe this will change your mind. My mom (and dad) hate snakes, and this is no exception. It's amazing she's still alive, because my mom has threatened to kill it several times since I brought her home. For one, they will NOT pick it up, or any of the like, so unless I come home, my snake will not come out (which is terrible because that what keeps them friendly when they grow older and bigger), and this also means, they will not clean the cage, or any of that. All my mom will do is put a mouse in the cage every week. I already came to a conclusion...the next time I come home, I'm taking the snake back with me, no matter what. It's for her own good. I don't care that I could get into trouble here (it won't happen), she will be better off in my care, and so will I, knowing she is receiving the right care.

You have to understand this from my perspective. My snake has been a friendly-healthy creature for the 3 months I've had her...and I go away to college for a week, come back, and BAM...somethings wrong...Makes me wonder...THAT is why I'm mad at her, and would NOT have taken her to the vet. I'm not against the vet just because of the money, but by 1) My mom did this without informing me first, 2) I know someone who knows the same or more about snakes than any herp vet, because he's OWNED them for over 20 years, and 3) We are not wealthy...my Mom does complain about money all the time, and here she is spending nearly $200 on MY snake...it makes me sick.

beachvibesbyeff, I've housed quite a few ball pythons in my apartment complex. By your rant (and a justified one, i might add), it sounds like housing it with you is your best bet, unless the apartment does daily "smoke detector inspections".

The one thing you can't do is boast about it...letting a few of the little neighborhood kids in to see it may seem like a neat idea, but it's gotten me in some hot water before....be careful who you tell.

I hope all works out with your situation, however, you know now it isn't going to be a cheap experience.

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

beachvibesbyeff, I've housed quite a few ball pythons in my apartment complex. By your rant (and a justified one, i might add), it sounds like housing it with you is your best bet, unless the apartment does daily "smoke detector inspections".

I hope all works out with your situation, however, you know now it isn't going to be a cheap experience.

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Hey thanks for your feedback. Is your apartment complex against pets also? No, they do not come in for any inspections or anything, and if we have a maintenance problem, for instance, we give them a time we will be here so they can come check it out, otherwise, they do not come in without our permission.

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

Hey thanks for your feedback. Is your apartment complex against pets also? No, they do not come in for any inspections or anything, and if we have a maintenance problem, for instance, we give them a time we will be here so they can come check it out, otherwise, they do not come in without our permission.

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Yes, very much against reptiles.
My collection became too precious to risk the "sell them or move out" situation..so I posted an ad on Craigslist that stated I was looking for a room and wanted to be contacted only by people who had no issues with harmless reptiles. Within a week, I was contacted and have been living problem free in a house, and the owner is totally cool with my collection. You may consider that route as well.

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Originally Posted by nathanledet

Yes, very much against reptiles.
My collection became too precious to risk the "sell them or move out" situation..so I posted an ad on Craigslist that stated I was looking for a room and wanted to be contacted only by people who had no issues with harmless reptiles. Within a week, I was contacted and have been living problem free in a house, and the owner is totally cool with my collection. You may consider that route as well.

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Yeah, it's such a shame these complexes are even against reptiles. I can see them being against an adult reticulated python, for instance, since if for example they did smoke detector checks, the python could be lethal. But in my mind, it's their lack of knowledge. They probably don't know what a ball python is, much less that it thrives in a relatively small enclosure, and is a very friendly pet, and has NO chance of escape (I have a Bible on top of mine)...the apartment just mentions "pets" as a whole...as if all are equally as not permitted...

I can also see for example, dogs, not being allowed...They can be quite loud, and leave greetings on the carpet which in turn can cause staining and obviously an obtruse smell. But a ball python? Common.

Ok, you may need to take a deep breath. First off, calling members names is not permitted. You came here asking for advice and you got it. It may not have been what you wanted to hear, but there is little anyone here can do to diagnose a problem for a snake that they haven't even seen. Your mom got your snake medical treatment, which it needed. Often these types of things don't happen overnight, and may have been developing for weeks before the problem was large enough to catch some attention.

You've received quite a bit of good advice. You can take it or leave, but I hope that you consider that the members only have your snake's well being at heart. Sometimes it may come across a bit harsher than you'd like, but try and see the message through the emotions.

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Originally Posted by tigerlily

Ok, you may need to take a deep breath. First off, calling members names is not permitted. You came here asking for advice and you got it. It may not have been what you wanted to hear, but there is little anyone here can do to diagnose a problem for a snake that they haven't even seen. Your mom got your snake medical treatment, which it needed. Often these types of things don't happen overnight, and may have been developing for weeks before the problem was large enough to catch some attention.

You've received quite a bit of good advice. You can take it or leave, but I hope that you consider that the members only have your snake's well being at heart. Sometimes it may come across a bit harsher than you'd like, but try and see the message through the emotions.

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I appreciate your response. Calling members names may not be permitted, however, I felt it was needed for my intended point. If someone is going to respond with a negative view of myself and how I care for my snake, you better believe that I will respond with something just as bitter and disheartening.

The reason I came here for advice was because I couldn't find any pictures online which showed a ball python with either a burn, or a scale rot. So, I described the sensory aspects I noticed on her, and was looking for either a) She has a burn, or b) She has scale rot. It's not rocket science. The only reason I don't know what it is is because I've only had her 3 months, and it's the only reptile I've ever owned, and I figured someone here can diagnose the problem with relative ease.

I'm fine with harsh advise or constructive critisicm, but when someone blatantly points me out as the bad guy or not having any respect or care for a creature that I wouldn't trade for the world, when I was looking for either it's a burn or scale rot, it's gone too far, and is no longer advice, much less good advice, and I will not take a back seat, but rather retaliate in a fashion that was done similarly to me. I came here for one reason, as I described last paragraph, not to argue. Sorry for the rant.

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

I'm fine with harsh advise or constructive critisicm, but when someone blatantly points me out as the bad guy or not having any respect or care for a creature that I wouldn't trade for the world, when I was looking for either it's a burn or scale rot, it's gone too far, and is no longer advice, much less good advice, and I will not take a back seat, but rather retaliate in a fashion that was done similarly to me. I came here for one reason, as I described last paragraph, not to argue. Sorry for the rant.

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I agree. The least constructive thing someone can do is berate someone who has come here looking for advice. It was uncalled for.

see kids this is why a thermostat is NEEDED....

if you want to see pictures, you can search the forums for 'scale rot' and 'burns'

Most people on here would rather tell you about the "simple" question of: "Is it a burn or is it scale rot?" to take your pet to a qualified herp vet who could tell you for sure. It's not easy to diagnose something over the internet, and no one here would suggest that you take their opinion/advice over that of a qualified herp vet (and I say qualified here because a vet not used to dealing with reptiles isn't going to be as effective).

I found a thread with photos about scale rot and about a burn. Seeing as how your snake was being kept in an enclosure that your parents weren't willing to clean should it get dirty, scale rot is a possibility, as yours snake could have been lying in dampness/filth. It's also possible that it is a burn, as you have your snake set up with an unregulated UTH. Without photos, it's impossible for anyone to even make an educated guess.

I hope these threads help you out:

This one mentions a case of scale rot (though she does say that a burn could have been the initial irritant): http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...cale+Rot+Photo

This thread is about a snake with a burn:
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28174

Even with these references, there are varying degrees of burns/scale rot...so again, only a qualified herp vet will be able to tell you for sure. If it was a qualified herp vet that your mother took your snake to, I would be inclined to think that he provided the proper diagnosis/treatment. If you feel, after you get your snake back, that it was an incorrect diagnosis, you might consider taking your snake to a different qualified herp vet for a second opinion.

i think that you need to change the way you are talking. you may have mentioned that your friend has had a reptile for over 20 years but just because he/she has doesnt mean that something new hasnt came out, and the ball python doesnt need medical attention, can your friend give a proper diagnosis and medicine to treat your ball python? thats why you need to take it to a herp vet.

Okay, well...my Mom called today, and just as I suspected, the Animal Hospital told her that the snake hasn't seen any improvement, and that she's still "suffering," and they recommend we allow her to remain in the incubator there for $20 a day until an improvement is shown. This is what I'm talking about. It makes me absolutely sick. I told my Mom today, I hoped your learned a lesson, to which she agreed (no mean intentions, just constructive criticism).

No kidding she hasn't seen any improvements! It couldn't have been a burn, I've used the exact same substrate, heating source, yada yada, and this wouldn't all of a sudden happen (although some of you may argue, the temps/etc. may fluctuate, but are house temperatures remain the same give or take one degree). So it's obviously either a scale rot or something else, and thank the Lord my Mom is picking her up tomorrow, and is going to take her straight to the person she should've taken her to in the first place.

Just as a side note, to affirm the credibility of this "Animal Hospital"...this is coming from one of the technicians there, who was talking with my Mom when she first brought the snake in..."Ohh, she's just a baby. Do you know how large these snakes grow up to be?" My Mom said, "Oh boy, no, how long?" "15 feet," replied the technician. 15 feet!!! She said ball pythons grow to be 15 feet. Enough said.

Well anyway, I plan on calling the place later today to have a word with them, and try to get them to reimburst my Mom somewhat, even though she made the poor decision to go there in the first place.

Don't take this the wrong way but your priorities are backwards. If paying a herp vet to care for your snake bothers you more than the fact your snake needs serious care I am afraid you should have waited a while before buying youre snake. It sounds to me like that snake was living in terrible conditions ever since you left. If you are a long time herp lover as you earlier stated then you would have never let the snake live in those conditions. I am not even talking about it's injury here either. I am talking about leaving it in a persons care who hates the snake and will not clean it's enclosure. This has nothing to do with your mother and everything to do with you being a responsible snake owner. Your mother can't be blaimed for a thing here.

As far as the $20 a day fee for your herp vet to keep watch over your snake. If the snake is not improving at the vets I highly doubt your are going to be helping the snake by taking it out once again causing it more stress only to bring it to your friends house who most likely does not have anything that snake is going to need to treat it's current condition.

As a snake lover I know I would be much more at ease knowing an experienced herp vet was overseeing my snake than anybody else. Then again, I don't view my snake a $ symbol either.

Let me also add that it very well could be a burn. If you are using an unregulated heat source regardless of how long you have got by without a burn, the ingredients are all there for serious injury to your snake. If you did not know that a rheostat/thermostat is an absolute must have for the proper care of your snake then I highly doubt you are qualified to diagnose your snakes problem. That is not meant as an insult either, it is what it is.

I also wonder why your friend with all the experience didnt key you in on this?

I agree with BostonMack completely.

At first I thought the OP just had bad information on caring for snakes, but now that he's gotten the absolute best advice from several stellar keepers, it seems that he is just flat out in denial to the fact that this is entirely his fault.

I don't understand why someone would have a pet they are incapable of caring for both physically and financially. I'd call that irresponsible.

"Just as a side note, to affirm the credibility of this "Animal Hospital"...this is coming from one of the technicians there, who was talking with my Mom when she first brought the snake in..."Ohh, she's just a baby. Do you know how large these snakes grow up to be?" My Mom said, "Oh boy, no, how long?" "15 feet," replied the technician. 15 feet!!! She said ball pythons grow to be 15 feet. Enough said."


You mentioned earlier in this thread that Ball Pythons live for 50 years. Should this affirm your credibility as a BP owner?

You need to put your pride aside here and listen to what people are saying. This forum can healp you through pretty much anything but it cannot diagnose your problem. You are in the company of some of the most respected names in BP breeding as well as some super knowlegable collectors/enthusiasts all of which are willing to help at the drop of a hat. You are talking as if you already have all the answers, you obviously don't. I don't know what you have against vets, the money? I don't know but I hope you think about it before bringing your snake somewhere that may not be able to provide it's proper care.

I feel sorry for the poor snake....

I now that you mean Sarah, i have talked to people that didn't even know that ball pythons shed. he thought that was what there poop looked some times. it is a sad thing when you have a wonderful animal, and a not so wonderful owner.

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Originally Posted by BostonMacK

"Just as a side note, to affirm the credibility of this "Animal Hospital"...this is coming from one of the technicians there, who was talking with my Mom when she first brought the snake in..."Ohh, she's just a baby. Do you know how large these snakes grow up to be?" My Mom said, "Oh boy, no, how long?" "15 feet," replied the technician. 15 feet!!! She said ball pythons grow to be 15 feet. Enough said."


You mentioned earlier in this thread that Ball Pythons live for 50 years. Should this affirm your credibility as a BP owner?

You need to put your pride aside here and listen to what people are saying. This forum can healp you through pretty much anything but it cannot diagnose your problem. You are in the company of some of the most respected names in BP breeding as well as some super knowlegable collectors/enthusiasts all of which are willing to help at the drop of a hat. You are talking as if you already have all the answers, you obviously don't. I don't know what you have against vets, the money? I don't know but I hope you think about it before bringing your snake somewhere that may not be able to provide it's proper care.

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Let's see Boston...the longest lived ball python on recording lived to be around 47-49 years old (different sources report slightly different numbers)...have you ever heard (or read) of a ball python exceeding 6 feet in length? I'll let you answer that. Since a ball python has lived pretty CLOSE to 50 years, when one goes to buy a ball python, they should know that it COULD live to be 50 years. Are you saying someone should buy a ball python thinking they are only going to live to be 30? If so, what if it gets to be 30, and they're saying, you're not dead yet? Now you can reaffirm my credibility.

I'm not talking like I have ALL the answers, but I do have a LOT of answers, and I know when something isn't going to be the answer, like my Mom taking my snake to the "Vet." I don't have anything against vets, but when I know something shouldn't have been done, when it was done, disregarding the $185, I have a problem. Taking our bird to get his wings clipped (like we used to) to the vet, excellent. Taking our dog for the required shots, excellent. Taking a ball python in, without my knowledge, about something that could've been fixed by someone who knows more than this vet, for free, without giving the python antibiotics it obviously didn't need, not good.

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

Taking a ball python in, without my knowledge, about something that could've been fixed by someone who knows more than this vet, for free, without giving the python antibiotics it obviously didn't need, not good.

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Your snake is in DISTRESS, it was ABSOLUTELY the right decision to take it to a veterinarian for medical attention. It blows my mind that you believe otherwise. What medical background do YOU have that you can say it doesn't need antibiotics?

Shame on you for making your mother feel badly because she cared enough to get it immediate medical attention!

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Your snake is in DISTRESS, it was ABSOLUTELY the right decision to take it to a veterinarian for medical attention. It blows my mind that you believe otherwise. What medical background do YOU have that you can say it doesn't need antibiotics?

Shame on you for making your mother feel badly because she cared enough to get it immediate medical attention!

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Well, besides the fact that I'm a second year Pre-Med student, I know enough that she DIDN'T need antibiotics, and she DIDN'T need to see any veterinarian. Giving an animal/human medication that they do not need, CAN be life-threatening. So help me God if I would lose my ball python because of a medication given for something it didn't need, without my knowledge or intent. It shouldn't blow your mind.

No, not shame on me. My mother doesn't feel badly, I told her as an adult, and she has learned from the mistake. I gave her an analogous real-life situation that has come up with me a few months ago. I said how would it be if I sold my car (my parents own it) without your prior knowledge. She immediately got the drift, and now knows she shouldn't have taken the snake in. No hurt feelings, just a mistake. It may have taken her $185 to learn, but she did, and now were back to square one.

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

Well, besides the fact that I'm a second year Pre-Med student, I know enough that she DIDN'T need antibiotics, and she DIDN'T need to see any veterinarian. Giving an animal/human medication that they do not need, CAN be life-threatening. So help me God if I would lose my ball python because of a medication given for something it didn't need, without my knowledge or intent. It shouldn't blow your mind.

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So then as a second year pre-med student....you are aware of how quickly both burns and scale rot can turn into a systemic infection and kill a snake? Especially a snake that has been kept in less-than-stellar circumstances by people who are supposedly afraid to touch it? And because the vet tech didn't recognize a ball python when they saw one, that means the vet also knew nothing about snakes and how to care for them?

I hope your snake receives the care it needs one way or another. I don't care if you pay for it or not. I just hope the poor thing gets a chance at a decent life. And I hope that you....someday....learn just how much you really don't know.

"Well, besides the fact that I'm a second year Pre-Med student, I know enough that she DIDN'T need antibiotics, and she DIDN'T need to see any veterinarian. Giving an animal/human medication that they do not need, CAN be life-threatening."

Beach,

How in gods name do you know what your snake does and does not need when you don't even know what's wrong with it which is why you're here in the first place? Seriously, what's your deal?

Also, you should be thankful to have a mother that is willing to cart your snake to the vet when she doesnt even like snakes. You seem very ungreatful to say the least. The fact of the matter is you made some serious mistakes due to either inexperience or negligence or both. It's up to you to make it right. The fact that you see bringing your bird and dog to the vet as fine but somehow a Ball Python is absurd? If you were not going to be able to care for that snake you should have either sold it or given it to someone who could for the snakes sake. I for one could never leave my snake somewhere where I knew it was not going to get the care it needed even if it meant giving the snake and it's entire setup to someone who could care for it. If you were sitting in your own feces for weeks at a time I bet you would get some scale rot too. :mad:

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My mother doesn't feel badly, I told her as an adult, and she has learned from the mistake. I gave her an analogous real-life situation that has come up with me a few months ago. I said how would it be if I sold my car (my parents own it) without your prior knowledge. She immediately got the drift, and now knows she shouldn't have taken the snake in.

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Your mother did not make a mistake, she did the right thing for stepping up to the plate when YOUR animal that YOU left in HER care was in distress.

That is called being a responsible adult!

You should be GRATEFUL.

I keep reading your posts and seems to me that your only real issue is the cost (that really stands out), I think if your Mother had taken your animal to a vet and it was free this would not be a problem to you, would it?

i'm so done reading this thread..... *shakes head and walks away*

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Originally Posted by GA_Ball_Pythons

Your mother did not make a mistake, she did the right thing for stepping up to the plate when YOUR animal that YOU left in HER care was in distress.

That is called being a responsible adult!

You should be GRATEFUL.

I keep reading your posts and seems to me that your only real issue is the cost (that really stands out), I think if your Mother had taken your animal to a vet and it was free this would not be a problem to you, would it?

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My mother DID make a mistake, which she has affirmed to. It is MY snake, and I kept it at home so my MOM wouldn't be mad or worried.

It is called acting on impulse, rather than acting with rational thought.

I'm grateful for her intentions, not her action.

The money is an additional factor as to the issues. If it was free, it still would've been a problem, just not on as high of a scale. The sole reason here, is it was done WITHOUT my knowledge and say. Second, I know of someone nearby that would know more than any vet, because he's had and been around snakes his entire life. Lastly, as a medical reason, giving my snake antibiotics it DOESN'T need can only harm the snake, and could potentially lead to death.

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

Lastly, as a medical reason, giving my snake antibiotics it DOESN'T need can only harm the snake, and could potentially lead to death.

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As can systemic infection caused by untreated burns or scale rot...which is FAR FAR more likely to happen than a snake taking ill because of a reasonable dose of unnecessary antibiotics. Have you never heard of doctors and/or vets prescribing preventative antibiotics?

You keep saying your mom made a mistake...and back up your words with "proof" because she admitted to making that mistake. Sounds to me like all she did was agree with you to stop the obvious browbeating she must have been taking.

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My mother DID make a mistake, which she has affirmed to.

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So would I if I had to hear about you complain about it all the time.

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Originally Posted by beachvibesbyeff

My mother DID make a mistake, which she has affirmed to. It is MY snake, and I kept it at home so my MOM wouldn't be mad or worried.

It is called acting on impulse, rather than acting with rational thought.

I'm grateful for her intentions, not her action.

The money is an additional factor as to the issues. If it was free, it still would've been a problem, just not on as high of a scale. The sole reason here, is it was done WITHOUT my knowledge and say. Second, I know of someone nearby that would know more than any vet, because he's had and been around snakes his entire life. Lastly, as a medical reason, giving my snake antibiotics it DOESN'T need can only harm the snake, and could potentially lead to death.

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Your actions and mentality up to this point are what could lead to the snakes death. It sounds like your mother was the only one thinking with any sense or logic here. If you know so much about what your snake needs for treatment then why didnt you know that having a rheostat/thermostat is needed for the well being of your snake? This is pretty much a no brainer. If you don't know that then I seriously doubt you have a clue as to what your snake needs to treat this problem. You are wrong in almost every way here and the fact that you have top notch people giving you top notch advice only to let go in one ear and out the other speaks wonders about you and your ability to care for this snake. A snake lover would never leave their snake at a place where they KNEW is was not going to get what it needed. Again, that also speaks wonders about you. You have a funny way of showing how this snake was your "dream" and you're a reptile lover. I feel like you are going to end this thread by saying "just kidding guys, had ya going" but I doubt thats the case.

Hmmm let's just look at this step by step....

You leave your parent's home, not your home, their home. You leave a living creature behind that you know up front neither of them is equipped to handle nor has a wish to handle. So how was your snake's enclosure cleaned regularily? A person afraid of snakes is highly unlikely to do a proper cleaning, that's just common sense. So in effect you left this snake to possibly lay about in it's own feces or urine with people unskilled in it's care? Do I have the picture thus far?

Now at some point you notice your snake requires some sort of medical or at least expert intervention. You know an experienced snakekeeper/breeder, one in fact that gave or sold you this snake in the first place. You make the choice due to a lack of time to again leave this snake in a less than good situation with full knowledge that a skin condition (be that a burn or the beginnings of belly rot) is brewing. You make no plan, no suggestion to your mother to contact this friend, no attempt to contact him long distance and have him check on the wellbeing of this snake. Am I on track still?

Now your mother, being as we mothers are, did probably panic because you'd have likely had sixty fits if your snake died in her care and rushed it to the vet (which was the best option as she had no other recourse, you having basically dumped the situation in her lap and took off back to school). For this you lecture her and then bad mouth her on a public forum? Hmmmm....you should be rather glad you are NOT one of my four children. I would hope you will be compensating your parents for the funds spent on your behalf for your animal.

So.....you obviously had access to someone you respect who you say knows snakes....was there no thought about boarding this snake with your friend while you attended school? Did you think the snake could simply lay about and wait for your attention to it and it's enclosure?

Lastly, as a pre-med student you are studying nothing related to snake health and wellbeing. Your studies are not pre-vet nor vet so you are unqualified to make medical decisions regarding the need for medical care or use of antibiotics for a snake. Medical doctors do not see snakes....vets do not see humans....pretty clear cut isn't it.