Unwell BP

[magatron]

Hi,

I'll try and shorten the story somewhat.

So my BP got a burn on her stomach, not sure how but wood chipping substrate and moisture seems the culprit. She is around 2ft long and weighs 100g. 7 months old.

I left it a bit too long to take her to the vet, but I did after she was off food for nearly 3 months (I realise this was far too long but I can't change it now).

2 admissions to hospital for critical care for the burn and for tube feeding (second admission). The burn is slowly improving with her shedding every 2 weeks or so.

Returned home with advice to tube feed carnivore care every 3 days.

I found after a couple of tube feeds that she would assist feed pinkies (it was attempted before the tube feeding and she wouldn't have it). I told the vet but he was very much against this and said tube feed only. I disagreed as I think it's better for her to eat real food. 3 days ago I got her to eat 2 large pinkies. Today I wanted to try her on something more substantial so assist fed a rat fluff.

She had much more difficulty with this, regurgitated once after getting the head down but did eventually eat the whole thing once I left her in a dark room.

Am I doing the right thing? Do you think she will keep it down?

Also, I'm supposed to be bathing and applying flamazine twice daily. I will be skipping tonight's but will it be ok to do the next at lunchtime tomorrow? The vets has told me that even if she ate I must continue bathing her twice a day so I am torn!

Any advice is welcome. Thanks!

[thejennabird]

I am not a vet, so I will leave medical advice related to tube feeding, feeding frequency, and burn treatment to more experienced members. I would recommend following the advice of your vet. If you want a second opinion, are there any other reptile specialists in your area you could contact?

As for the "culprit", were you able to get the heating issues addressed? You don't mention it but I assume your tank/enclosure is heated by an under tank heating pad. Is it regulated by a thermostat? Since you ask for any advice, my best advice is to make sure your heat sources are regulated so the burn can't happen again!

[dr del]

I wish you had said all that on RFUK.

Listen to the vet.

[magatron]

Yes all temps are now perfect, even cool end is on a heat mat/stat with thermometers I can see each end 24/7.

No other local specialist vets. I was looking more for answers from experience than medicine. The burn is healing as it should I believe so not looking for advice on that, though I'll take it if it is on offer. Just felt I should include back story. More interested in feeding experiences or advice.

[magatron]

I did in an earlier post Del, didn't see the need to repeat myself. I believe my vet is against assist feeding in any circumstance based on the conversations we have had. That's why I am asking others opinions.

[dr del]

He may also be against it because of possible strain on the burn area caused by a more rigid and larger prey in this instance though.

[magatron]

He hasn't mentioned that. He told me to tube feed, stop for 10 days then try to feed then resume tube feeding if she doesn't take it. His exact words were that by assist feeding I would be 'making a rod for my back'.

[Albert Clark]

He hasn't mentioned that. He told me to tube feed, stop for 10 days then try to feed then resume tube feeding if she doesn't take it. His exact words were that by assist feeding I would be 'making a rod for my back'.

I agree with dr. Del and the vet. The tube feeding is less stressful on the bp than assist feeding. It is also less stressful on you. The carnivore care is more than enough nutrition while she is recuperating from stomach burns. As far as the cream application, if you miss a dose just make sure she gets the next application. Good luck. I would not assist feed! Check with the vet whatever you do before you do it.

[anicatgirl]

I agree. This seems like it would be something to listen to the vet on, at the very least to not stress your snake more than has been by the burn. And there may be other reasons. Ask him?