Reticulated Python CT Scan

[Craiga 01453]

Yeah he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. They will remove the infected bone and then leave some kind of time-release "antibiotic bead" at the site to help prevent it from returning. The beads were actually developed for people who get joint replacements since circulation is often impaired around the new joint, so even injected antibiotics don't get to the infected area.

Thanks for the update. Wishing you and Chaos all the best...

[Skyrivers]

Yeah he is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. They will remove the infected bone and then leave some kind of time-release "antibiotic bead" at the site to help prevent it from returning. The beads were actually developed for people who get joint replacements since circulation is often impaired around the new joint, so even injected antibiotics don't get to the infected area.

Any update on how she is doing? Best wishes.

[bcr229]

Surgery had to be postponed because he went into shed; apparently it's not a good idea to operate on snakes while they're in shed.

[bcr229]

Chaos update:

After the delay while he went through a shed cycle, Chaos had surgery yesterday to remove the infected section of bone. According to the vet the swelling has gone down a lot, he is on some really good drugs for pain, and he'll be on injected antibiotics for a while. They want to keep him for a few more days so hopefully we can pick him up next week but he is doing very well post-op so far. Unfortunately they had to remove so much bone that he may be on a diet of small multiple feeders for a while until things heal up.

They also described him as "rather cranky"; he really does not appreciate being a pincushion.

[Bogertophis]

Oh poor "little" Chaos! I just caught up to this amazing story...you & Chaos have my very best wishes for his good recovery. (I'd be "cranky" too... )

[Craiga 01453]

I'm glad to hear surgery went well and Chaos is recovering nicely. Thanks for the update!

[Dianne]

So glad to hear surgery was successful. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

As for cranky, they really do learn pretty quickly about the shots. I’ve given them to a 5’ boa and a 13’ burm...they did not appreciate it.

[Skyrivers]

They also described him as "rather cranky"; he really does not appreciate being a pincushion.

I think I would be "rather cranky" if I had to go through this. Best wishes and speedy recovery.

[Luvyna]

Wow, it's really incredible to see a snake going through a CT scan and that 3D model has to be the coolest thing I've seen in a while. This is an amazing story and I hope Chaos feels better soon and makes a full recovery!

[bcr229]

Chaos is home. He's on antibiotics for a few weeks - amakacin and "pip-taz" (Piperacillin / Tazobactam) - and his face looks tons better.