Bizarre Feeding Incident. Need Advice!

[PythonChick]

So today I was feeding everybody, and I had a strange incident with my largest breeder female cinnamon. She is usually up for eating anything, so I usually feed her extras that by other snakes don't eat. This week that meant she got an extra pup, a relatively small meal for her. She constricted it, but I later noticed that as she was swallowing it it was still breathing. It didn't appear to struggle at that point, but I now think that it bit the inside of her mouth. She was holding her jaw funny after the feeding, and about three hours after this picture was taken there was a little bit of red blood colored angry area that are just barely visible in these pictures. We also pried her mouth open and looked inside, and you can see the little bite wound near the back of her cheek. My question is, what if anything can I do for her until I can get her to a Vet? the specialist reptile vet here is by appointment only on Saturday and I left them a message, but it may still be until Monday before she can be seen. I would like to know what I could do to help in the mean time? Also, am I over-reacting? It looked like a small injury, though she was holding her jaw funny. How much danger is there of infection?



And a close up, where you can just see the red marks forming. They were more pronounced later.

[2kdime]

Infection is definitley something that can occur. Up her temps to 85/95

You can try applying diluted Chlorhexidine to it if you can once or twice a day.

Keep an eye on it

[PythonChick]

Thanks for the advice. Where would I find Chlorhexidine and should I just gently open her mouth, flush with it, then with water? Also, should she go ahead and see a vet or should that wait until it looks like it isn't healing?

[rabernet]

If it were mine, I'd try to talk to them tomorrow and explain the situation and that you feel it's an emergency (it might not be, but better safe than sorry).

I'd just keep an eye on her for now and try to get her seen - especially with that swelling.

[littleindiangirl]

I'd take her in, that swollen of a throat would be alarming.

[PythonChick]

Thanks everyone. I am going to get her in tomorrow if at all possible. Also, is it safe to give her antibiotics if she might be gravid?

[PythonChick]

Thanks for the advice everyone. This morning she loots A LOT better. The swelling is virtually gone, and her mouth is back together in the correct position. All that is visible now is the red mark you can see beginning to form on her lower jaw in the picture. The Clinic I usually use is closed, and directed me to an after hours emergency clinic. I am trying to get her worked in at another clinic that had less experience with snakes but still sees them. I think I would just feel better if she got a round of antibiotics.

[PythonChick]

Back from the Vet! Got a good report, she looks a lot better today. Also got started on a week long course of an oral antibiotic. I know orals aren't the best, but given the location of the wound and the possibility she is preggers the vet thought that would be best. Thanks for the advice again everyone!

[puddintain]

I am glad everything turned out ok. That is scary.

[mainbutter]

A good reason to feed p/k if they'll take it.