Help! I think my python is hurt!!

[Theoriginalsiri]

My ball python fell a short distance and I believe he hit a corner of some wood. He's acting a little strange, but I am a relatively new owner and am wondering what behaviors I should look for, and if I should take him to the vet? (I am very low income right now.... And it is very expensive.)

I didn't feel any defining bumps, but he is lying stretched out and won't go in his hide. He is 'staring into space' but he does that a bit normally... There are not cuts. He just seems to be odd.

Any notes on behavior and what is a signal to get him help would be greatly appreciated.... I love him so much...

[That_One_New_Guy]

I think you may be over reacting a bit. But I totally understand. I'm a relatively new BP owner but if it was inside the tank I'm sure he's fine.

[Theoriginalsiri]

It wasn't inside the tank, he fell and hit a wooden corner on my bed. Again, wasn't a big drop but he's not acting like himself. Just hoping to know what signs to look for if there is actually trouble...

Hoping he's ok. It'd be good to know the symptoms of injury in general too tho...

[Eric Alan]

Pictures are worth 1000 words for things like this.

[Gary P]

Most likely he is fine. Snakes have scales and a lot of muscle and are pretty hardy. If he landed on his head on that wood, then he may have a slight concussion, but I doubt it. Especially if you don't see any wounds on the outside of him. (I'm not a vet and not super experienced with snakes, just giving my opinion)

Just be careful next time! I'm sure the fall was still unpleasant whether there was harm done or not.

[Mustang5]

He should probably be fine but I agree that pictures are a good idea.

[Bumblebeeball]

Give one or two days then look. You should post a video. Maybe put him in the tub with water bath see if he acts different or swims normal. To me normal swimmer normal python.

[Theoriginalsiri]

He can flip himself over. But he's still not moving as much and is acting a little spacey. I still can't tell if he has any super discernable injuries. No discoloring, but his behavior is not as friendly or active as normal.

[Theoriginalsiri]

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bw2n...p=docslist_api


Not straight up and down. But he stays like that for a bit....

[DVirginiana]

He's probably fine... There's no reason to put him in a bath. That just makes no sense.

Keep an eye on him for a couple days, but these snakes are surprisingly tough. Unless he hit his head my bet is that he's just fine.