Eaten Scales,...

[Stewart_Reptiles]

thank you all,... i will do what i can about the vet cuz he's out of town and i have no money this month due to taking a different snake into the vet last month so i have to find someone else or wait till saturday when he gets back thanks again,...

so there is nothing i can do at home for him????

Yes end it's misery NOW

The extent of the damage is TOO severe, even if the vet wants to try to get him better and a smart vet would not do this, the chances are very small.

The animal is too young, too small, the damage is extensive, the animal will either die from it's wounds, infection, stress or starvation, because lets face it anyone that had to assist or force feed BP know how stressful it is even for an healthy animal and in this case the stress of assisting or force feeding will likely be FATAL and who will do it?

It's better to end an animal misery now than prolong it's suffering until you can find someone to take him or see him.

That's the harsh reality I know it's not what you want to hear but it's the truth.

[DellaF]

It is so nice of you to try and help the poor baby. I also agree with everyone else. He should be put down. Please find a vet or try the humane society. Those pictures are heartbreaking.

[angllady2]

I am afraid sometimes the tough calls MUST be made, and in this case that is euthanasia.

It sucks that the employee was careless, it sucks the mouse got hungry, it sucks you want so bad to help the little thing, it sucks that even the shop owner wants you to help, in fact everything about this sucks.

But, you must grit your teeth, dry your eyes, and do what is best for the suffering baby and NOT what is easiest for you. I've already had to make that heartbreaking decision once, and I know as a future breeder, I'll no doubt have to again. It's never going to get any easier, but I feel it is my responsibility.

If I am going to create little lives, nurture them, see them grow, and one day hopefully find loving homes, I must also agree to do the things I don't want to.
Like keeping a baby that might be mildly handicapped and won't make an ideal pet for most people, or keeping a baby that is just bad tempered to avoid it becoming abused or neglected. Or worst of all, making the decision to end the suffering of a baby I know won't have a good quality of life.

This little one has very little to no chance of survival. And even if it does survive for a while, it has no quality of life. The pain must be intense and constant, it won't be able to eat normally, maybe not at all. Starvation is not a pleasant way to die, and neither is dying from massive infection. I know it cannot be easy, but you MUST do what is best.

I know it is frowned upon in most cases, but under the circumstances freezing would probably be the fastest way. The baby is in so much pain already, it isn't likely to suffer much more. If you want the most humane way, I believe that is still by injection. If you cannot find a vet near you who will step up, the humane society probably will.

My heart goes out to you and this little one.

Gale

[Relaxxx]

I don't cringe or flinch at seeing disgusting things. EVER. Until now.

This made me flinch so badly I almost fell out of my chair.
This is HORRIBLE!
I'm new to BPs, but I'd say it's Vet Time.
You should probably wash it daily, handle it VERY gently, and try not to touch that injured portion.
I'm sure you already know this, since these people are kind enough to trust you with any injured reptile, but it can't hurt for it to be said anyways.

[ballpythonluvr]

This is such an unfortunate incident to have happened. You have been given some good sound advice. I would definitely put that poor animal out of it's misery. Imagine having a wound like that yourself. You would be in a lot of pain and would be miserable. That poor baby has very little chance of survival and that is really sad. Animals come into our lives and we are obligated to take care of them and provide for their needs. In this case, you have a very difficult decision to make. I had a cat that was very sick and last year I had to make the choice to put him down or let him suffer. I did the obvious thing and ended his suffering. Did it hurt for a while, sure it did. I was not going to be selfish and keep him alive for my own liking. I know you will make the right decision because it is obvious you really care about this animal. Please please please do not allow this snake suffer any longer then is absolutely necessary.

[shelliebear]

OMG.
He's so beautiful.
I'm SO SORRY that you had to see an animal suffering like that...I don't know if I myself would ever be able to recover.
You are a wonderful person for trying to help, but I agree with Deborah and a few others that the snake should be "put down" via euthanasia. I saw the photos and I don't think he would be able to heal--there's not enough healthy tissue on him. 70% of him was eaten away.
I am so sorry, again...I feel for you. You'd be doing the right thing by ending his suffering, and if I were you, I wouldn't regret it for a minute.
Thank you for caring and trying. You did a lot more than most people would have done for a snake (besides us here at BP.net), and for that, I know we all are grateful.
But put the little guy down.

[nicolehh11]

That poor precious baby. That completely breaks my heart

I agree with everyone else, have the poor guy put down. He has to be in a ton of pain and euthanizing would be the most humane thing to do in this situation. Find a vet or an emergency animal hospital, they can do it. If money is an issue, last time I was at an ER vet (my grandma's cat had to be put down) it was about $75.

[ShortStack]

Oh my gosh

That honestly breaks my heart!! I'm almost at a loss for words. Unfortunately, I think the best option for the poor thing is to be put down. It's going to be hard, and it's going to hurt, but it's for the best for him. It was so sweet and caring of you to bring that lil guy home and try to help, but I just don't know if anyone can help him make it. I'm glad the employee was fired, because that's just unacceptable.

[Generationshell]

I have seen some pretty disturbing images concerning ball python neglect... and this is by far the absolute worse.
It made my heart sink. I panicked a little. I didn't expect it to be that severe. But oh my.
Poor thing.
Yea put it down. Or bring it back to the store and tell them u have decided to put it down and see if they will pay for it.
This whole situation is really sad... Im so sorry. I can't imagine how you are feeling.
Feelings aside... it has to be done.
I know we will all sleep better at night knowing the snake is no longer suffering.
And Im sure you will to.

[Cheshire_queen]

thanks again to everyone,... it would be easier to take him and have him put down if i hadn't just paid all my bills that were due,... i am on a state income cuz i'm jobless right now and only get money once a month but freezing or humane society sound like decent ideas i'll call the humane society tomorrow and if they cant help me that only leaves one choice really, and its not cuz i want him to suffer but i have to say that he made it through the first night and looked a lot happier this morning,... there are no actual holes in him at all which suprised me but we'll see what they say tomorrow