We have been talking with our local herp vet, and she had a Mangrove Snake surrendered to her, because the previous owner could no longer care for it. He's put lots of money into this snake, who has been going to a different vet for a massive abscess on his neck. I'm uncertain of how long the snake has had the abscess, but it is bad.. I'll get pictures up later, along with the two types of bacteria that were found with the culture, and the types of antibiotics being used.

The previous vet opened up the abscess, cleaned it (supposedly), then stitched it back up. Nobody is sure if the snake was put on any sort of antibiotics previously.


We are pretty limited with knowledgeable vets in our area, but the vet who took him in is ambitious and is great at researching. She's open to suggestions that will help her learn, but since she can't keep the snake at the clinic and properly care for it the way it needs, we are fostering it and treating it for the time being. We got a small bottle of chlorhexidine to dilute and flush the wound with, and have antibiotics to treat with (will post later with names; at work and can't remember unfortunately).

What I'm looking for is advice specifically related to treating snake abscesses. I have lots of experience treating for abscesses with rats, turtles, and different species of lizards, but not with snakes. This thing looks BAD, but the snake is full of attitude/fight, and is apparently willing to eat still (though we've not tried yet as he just got home with us last night).


I will try to answer any questions that may help, and I greatly appreciate all advice for this guy.