Saving a Life! (Graphic images)

I don't really know where to start this post, so I'll run through it in chronilogocal order as best as I can.

My last clutch of eggs started hatching on Thursday. This was a 9 egg clutch from my Spider to a Normal female that we have had for about three years. This is the first clutch of eggs we got from her since we have had her. She was sold to me as a LTC (long term captive), but I believe she was an imported gravid. She has eaten for us well over the last few years, and is a beautiful, big girl. This clutch yielded 4 spiders and 6 normals. I know the snakes don't add up to the eggs, because this happened to be the clutch that produced our twins, which hatched fine (small but ok) and 4 total Spiders (2.2).

When I got home from work on Friday, I checked the box and found this female Spider out of her egg. So, I washed her up and prepared her for her box with her female clutch mates. When I went to sex her, I noticed that there was a funny looking spot near where her heart would be that looked as if the scales were not connected, and upon further inspection, it looked as if that area was slightly bulged out. I then began looking for a "belly button", and could not find one, and it appeared that she did not absorb a yolk. No yolk was present in the egg, so I'm not sure about that part.

Well, we didn't see anything that looked life threatening, so I put her in the damp box with the other females from the clutch. This morning I went to check the egg box to see if the last remaining Spider had crawled out of the egg. She had not, so I worried that there may be a problem. I cut the entire top off of the egg to have a closer look. I could not see anything wrong, s I put it back in the incubator.About 30 minutes later I checked to see if it came out, and sure enough there she was. I unplugged my incubator, as we are now done for the year, washed up the snake and brought her out to the room to put her in the hatchling box. This is when the fear finally hit me.

I opened the box to put her in, and decided to check on the other female Spider. When I finally got her untangled from the Ball Python clump, I noticed that the hernia, I'm guessing from being on the moist paper towel, had softened and her heart was now protruding completely from the funny spot I had noticed yesterday. I tried to push her heart back into the opening, but everytime it would beat, the heart would come back out of the opening. I immediately began to make phone calls to some buddies, to get some other opinions, as I knew if I didn't do anything, she would die anyway.

I finally got ahold of Adam, and told him the whole story. This is where I must send out the greatest Thanks I can muster to Adam for the insight and help that he gave me. Adam told me that he had only seen this once a few years back at Ralph's facility. Ralph hatched a Lucy female with what sounded to him like the same scenario. Adam then proceded to tell me what Ralph did, and that that girl is alive and well today. What Ralph did was to sew the hernia up using a needle and some unwaxed dental floss.

Well, now my journey begins, as I do not have any unwaxed dental floss at my house. I intended to go to the pharmacy and get what I needed to help this little girl out. In mid drive, I realized that the vets office was still open, and figured I would tell them the story and get a suture kit from them. They told me that it was against their policy to sell those kind of items, so I struck out there. I then went to the feed store hoping they would have suture kits, and no luck. The store and the pharmacy in our little town only had waxed dental floss, so now I'm enroute to town to go to Walgreens. I finally got to Walgreens and got what I needed and headed home. I stopped on the way home at Sean's shop, as it was on the way, and asked his advice. He said he had never done that, but it sounded like it would work. Off to the house to perform surgery.

I got the camera ready to take pics, set up a new box, just for her, that had a dry paper towel, and got the needle, dental floss and hemostats ready. I got Monica to come out and help hold the "patient" while I tried my damndest to help her live. NOTE: I had to drink a beer to steady my hands before I began. When I got her out to take a picture of the hernia, I noticed that it had gotten worse from the moisture softening the wound. When I first picked her up though, all of the organs were inside of her. I believe that when I picked her up, her heart rate increased from the stress, and her heart popped back out. I snapped a pic, and got to work stitching up the hole. I think I saw a dark spot on her heart while I was placing the sutures, and believe that I might have slightly bruised her heart, but I'm praying that she will be alright. I got five sutures in the hernia that was probably about 3/4 inch long, and it appears that if the scales grow together and the hole closes up that she will be fine.

Now, starts the long road of nursing her to health and getting her to eat. I have been trying to think of a fitting name for her if she survives, but I haven't come up with on yet. Here are the pics for anyone that is interested in seeing this little girl. Also, wouldn't you know, she happens to be probably the best looking Spider I have ever produced, so hopefully she pulls through.

Her little heart:
http://www.baileyreptiles.com/pics/hernia1.jpg

All stitched up:
http://www.baileyreptiles.com/pics/hernia2.jpg

Her beautiful self after "surgery" (she did great, what a trooper):
http://www.baileyreptiles.com/pics/hernia3.jpg

Hopefully somebody learned a little something from our situation, and I ask everyone to pray for this little girl.
Sincerely,

Great stiching job, Dr.Tim! I hope she pulls through!! If she does, and eats, will this effect her breeding in anyway?

Thanks for the compliment. I don't know if it will affect her breeding, I wouldn't think so, but I will have to watch her as she grows and determine that later. I'm not sure I would breed her anyway, she'll probably just make a great pet.

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Originally Posted by stangs13

Great stiching job, Dr.Tim! I hope she pulls through!! If she does, and eats, will this effect her breeding in anyway?

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Originally Posted by muddoc

Thanks for the compliment. I don't know if it will affect her breeding, I wouldn't think so, but I will have to watch her as she grows and determine that later. I'm not sure I would breed her anyway, she'll probably just make a great pet.

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She would, shes so pretty! good luck!

Tim you deserve the ball python verson of the CMA. Most people whould have culled that little girl but for you to take the time to do all of that. She had better be a keeper.

My question is with there not being a visual umbilicus (sp) could her digestive tract be misdeveloped and her heart was protruding from the area the umbilicus ended up being?

Man let me know if you want some suture kits just to keep on hand. I have a place to get them I get my Chloehexadine (sp) there as well. They sell vet supplies to farmers.

:eek: You did an amazing job Tim (not sure I could ever do what you did), hope this little girl pulls through.

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Tim you deserve the ball python verson of the CMA. Most people whould have culled that little girl but for you to take the time to do all of that. She had better be a keeper.

My question is with there not being a visual umbilicus (sp) could her digestive tract be misdeveloped and her heart was protruding from the area the umbilicus ended up being?

Man let me know if you want some suture kits just to keep on hand. I have a place to get them I get my Chloehexadine (sp) there as well. They sell vet supplies to farmers.

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I think the hernia was too far up the body for her umbilicus to be attached there, so I'm not sure how her digestive system is developed, and probably won't know until she starts eating, which will be awhile, as I don't want to put stress on the hernia until it is healed up well. As for suture kits, I might get with you on that later, but I seem to have a pretty good one noe, as the dental floss worked very well.

Oh, Tim! I'm thinking of you and this little girl. I hope she heals up for you just fine--and gets a fitting name. :hug: to you and Monica--that couldn't have been easy to go through. I couldn't imagine ever having to do that! But I guess it's something that anyone who thinks of breeding should consider.

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Originally Posted by GA_Ball_Pythons

:eek: You did an amazing job Tim (not sure I could ever do what you did), hope this little girl pulls through.

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Thanks Deborah. I hope she makes it too, as I've already fallen in love with her.

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Originally Posted by AzureN1ght

Oh, Tim! I'm thinking of you and this little girl. I hope she heals up for you just fine--and gets a fitting name. :hug: to you and Monica--that couldn't have been easy to go through.

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It's definitely not easy to go through, but if she lives, it was all worth it. Thanks for the hugs and prayer.

Goooo Tim and Monica!!!! .... You guys are everything that gives me hope in this sometimes shady business ... you have no idea how many people in this industry would have just chucked that beautiful little spider girl in the freezer and called it a day. Thank you for reminding me that so many really do care about these amazing animals. You guys ROCK!

The more I think about it (and now that I'm no longer half asleep) the more I think I might have gotten the mutation wrong ... I'm not 100% positive that it was a lucy female, but I remember that it was a girl ... she might have been a pied??? ... My cr@ppy memory is messing with me on this one ... But I am certain that the "procedure" worked and last I heard she is a happy and healthy near adult BP.

Hang in there and have another beer ... neosporin is your friend ... I was thinking about calling you to suggest liquid bandage on the wound, but I'm not so sure that is the best idea.

Keep me posted and if you need anything, you have the number ... call me anytime.

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Hang in there and have another beer ... neosporin is your friend ... I was thinking about calling you to suggest liquid bandage on the wound, but I'm not so sure that is the best idea.
-adam

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I have had a few more beers, don't worry. As for the neosporin, I debated it, as I didn't want the wound to stay moist for the time being. I may put some on ther in a day or two as it heals. As for the liquid band-aid, I thought about that too, and Sean even suggested Superglue, as people have used that in the past to close up wounds. I think for now I am going to monitor it for a bit and determine later if she needs any further help. Thanks again for all of the great wisdom.

Wow; it is just awesome what you're doing with the little girl. I hope that she pulls through and leads a long happy life :)

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Originally Posted by Ginevive

Wow; it is just awesome what you're doing with the little girl. I hope that she pulls through and leads a long happy life :)

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Thanks Jen. We are hoping for the same results.

Tim If she lives name her "Grace"

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Originally Posted by Freakie_frog

Tim If she lives name her "Grace"

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Good choice. That might be her name.

Wow - Tim and Monica! What a beautiful girl who deserved the 100% fight you guys put into her! Grace is a very nice name, or find a female warrior themed name for her when she pulls through. She's stunning - I will definitely be praying for her recovery! :hug:

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Wow - Tim and Monica! What a beautiful girl who deserved the 100% fight you guys put into her! Grace is a very nice name, or find a female warrior themed name for her when she pulls through. She's stunning - I will definitely be praying for her recovery! :hug:

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Thanks for the well wishes Robin. I haven't begun the search for a name yet, but I probably will star once I think she is doing better.

She is very nice looking Tim. Great job, now you are a heart surgeon! She's gotta be one of your favorites, I really like her, and if she makles it, which Im sure she will, Im gonna want to see her grow!

Tim awesome job my man ...KUDOS to you and your good lady .

I had a rumage thru my old name list for you ..all girls .. African in origin

Name Meaning

Aina , Difficult birth
Bahati , Luck , good fortune
Bisa , Greatly Loved
Chinaka , God Decides
Chipo , Gift
Monifa , I am lucky
Nkechi , God gave me a blessing
Rutendo , Faith

once again , congrats on a very good job done with her.

No way! Killer post Tim and nice handy work

Wow, Tim, what an amazing story! And she is just gorgeous, I really hope she makes it.
Thanks for sharing the pics, as well.

Thanks Randy, and don't worry, if she makes it, I will post plenty of update pics.

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Originally Posted by Royal Tartan

Tim awesome job my man ...KUDOS to you and your good lady .

I had a rumage thru my old name list for you ..all girls .. African in origin

Name Meaning

Aina , Difficult birth
Bahati , Luck , good fortune
Bisa , Greatly Loved
Chinaka , God Decides
Chipo , Gift
Monifa , I am lucky
Nkechi , God gave me a blessing
Rutendo , Faith

once again , congrats on a very good job done with her.

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Thanks Adam. Thanks again for rummaging, as I think I really like this one:
Chinaka , God Decides

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Originally Posted by Larry Suttles

No way! Killer post Tim and nice handy work

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Thanks Larry. I am normally better with a hammer and saw, but I had to resort to smaller tools this time.

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Originally Posted by SarahMB

Wow, Tim, what an amazing story! And she is just gorgeous, I really hope she makes it.
Thanks for sharing the pics, as well.

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Thanks Sarah. With all of the love being sent her way from this thread, I think she will do great.

Amazing!:eek:


Adding my best wishes to everyone elses - and I am in awe you managed to do that. :bow:


dr del

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Originally Posted by dr del

Amazing!:eek:


Adding my best wishes to everyone elses - and I am in awe you managed to do that. :bow:


dr del

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Thanks Derek, I am in awe myself that I was able to do it. I was so nervous that I was going to puncture the heart, or cause some other major damage. I'm glad that everything went well.

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Originally Posted by muddoc

Thanks Derek, I am in awe myself that I was able to do it. I was so nervous that I was going to puncture the heart, or cause some other major damage. I'm glad that everything went well.

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If it helps at all, I knew you could do it!!! You're Money Bag Muddoc for pete's sake!!!! ;) :sweeet:

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

If it helps at all, I knew you could do it!!! You're Money Bag Muddoc for pete's sake!!!! ;) :sweeet:

-adam

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Thanks Bro, I thought I could do it, but I didn't know for sure until it was all over with. Now, once it was done, I felt pretty proud of the sutures I was looking at. I think I might send my pictures to LSU Veterinarian School as my portfolio for admission to school.

........ I'm in tears...and awe....of your willingness and strength to save her little life!

This is the MBM I have grown to know and admire :bow:

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Originally Posted by JLC

........ I'm in tears...and awe....of your willingness and strength to save her little life!

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Thanks Judy. I can only imagine that one of your shed tears will be one that helps to save her life.

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Originally Posted by cueball

This is the MBM I have grown to know and admire :bow:

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Thanks Bro. I only strive to do the best with what I am given. I only hope my best is good enough for her.

Tim that's amazing. Most people would have given her up for dead. It's one of the most awesome stories I've read on this site. My respect for you has grown even more!

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to muddoc again.

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Originally Posted by muddoc

Thanks Bro. I only strive to do the best with what I am given. I only hope my best is good enough for her.

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My friend on your worst day your better than loads we have seen blow through. Keep up the good work..

I am so very proud of you Tim!!! You have always loved animals! You know your little girl will be in my prayers. I have another name idea for you....Malachi, it means "my angel"
Love ya

Good luck with your lil' girl. :hug:

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Originally Posted by Holbeird

Tim that's amazing. Most people would have given her up for dead. It's one of the most awesome stories I've read on this site. My respect for you has grown even more!

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to muddoc again.

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Thanks JR. I never give one up for dead unless they are truly dead. If a little bit of my time, love and effort can save her life, it was worth it plus some.

Thanks Again,

Tim,

Incredible patch job! Glad to see how much you care about your BPs. I hope she pulls through, I'm definetly rooting for her after reading that.

Nice job Tim! I hope she makes it through for you!

Adam, as always, comes through with amazing advice and deserves major kudos!! Great stuff brother!

Way to go Tim and Monica! Add my prayers in there too and my dearest hope that the little one survives and thrives. You might want to consider that liquid bandage. I nearly cut off the top of my thumb a few months back when a knife slipped, bad enough it was just barely hanging there. It needed stitched but with no health insurance that was out so I got some stuff called Skin Shield (antispectic/pain relief type) and Tim I was amazed at how well it helped me heal. I just held everything together tightly, slathered on a layer, then when it dried, a second layer and amazingly I have no scar at all. I doubt stitching would have left such a well healed area. Might be something to consider with her to keep germs out and the skin knit together properly (just a back up to your excellent stitching job).

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Originally Posted by BigCeC43

Tim,

Incredible patch job! Glad to see how much you care about your BPs. I hope she pulls through, I'm definetly rooting for her after reading that.

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Rocky,
Thanks for the compliments. We are pulling for her, and we will keep the boards up-to-date on her progress.

ya they used that at the hospital when my son's toe was almost severed off (got caught on the safety net of the trampoline!!!)

tim, you were right... this did bring more than one tear to my eyes... i'm sending reiki to your little angel and hoping for some pics as she grows... what a miracle she is! and what a GREAT person you are to take the time out of your busy life to give the gift of living to her! :hug:

i've always respected the heck outta ya and you just gave me another reason to respect you even more!!!

This story reminds me why I switched majors to biology/pre-vet!! :w00t: Kudos to you on the impromptu stitches and I hope it heals. Looking forwards to updates on this post. Can't wait till I actually do that kind of thing for a living.




P.S. what are those small white things around the opening? Broken off scutes?

That is one lucky snake. I'm very impressed. and am humbled by your love for these animals Tim. You rock. I'm pulling for that little girl too!!

add my hopes and wishes onto the pile with everyone else! the stitches look awesome to my untrained eye! mad respect to you! i never could've done that! i'd have made matt do it!

That is an incredible story!!! I am also hoping that she pulls through!! And we will all be expecting pics of the little one as she grows. All lives are precious and it is just so great to be able to hear your story about how you went out of your way to help this little one. She is a lucky little girl and I know will always be well loved. Definately keep us all posted!!

that looks painful...i hope she pulls through

Wow :eek:

Hope she pulls through...what a great thing you did for her. :rockon:



Mike