Bite healing question?

[dreese88]

Some of you may remember my Pewter getting bit by a rat on 10/28/09. The course of antibiotics that I was given by the vet is almost up, but the bit mark on the outside of her mouth looks about the same as it did when this happened. It is a little smaller, but not much. She'll get a shot tomorrow, Thursday & Sunday, and that is it for the AB's and I'm going out of town for Thanksgiving the Monday after her last shot.

Here is my question. When should I start feeding again? The first Wednesday after Thanksgiving(my normal feeding days) or should I wait until the outside mark is no longer visible.

[dr del]

Hi,

Are there any signs of her going into a shed cycle?


dr del

[dreese88]

Hi,

Are there any signs of her going into a shed cycle?


dr del

None, I've been paying her extra special attention and she hasn't blued out or anything.

[dr del]

Hi,

I would try offering a smaller than usual prey item on the next scheduled feeding day.

What do you think would be the chances of re-opening the wound during a feeding? I can't remember where exactly the bite was sorry.

You are unlikely to see any major changes until the next shed I think - but wounds do normally trigger a shed cycle to start early to speed the process up.



dr del

[dr del]

Hi,

Ok I went looking but couldn't find any pictures showing exactly where it was.

Is it on the bottom jaw or on the top jaw/ top of her nose?


dr del

[dreese88]

Hi,

I would try offering a smaller than usual prey item on the next scheduled feeding day.

What do you think would be the chances of re-opening the wound during a feeding? I can't remember where exactly the bite was sorry.

You are unlikely to see any major changes until the next shed I think - but wounds do normally trigger a shed cycle to start early to speed the process up.



dr del

I think on the bite on the outide, she should be fine, but I'm unsure of the one on the inside of her mouth as I can't see it. She was on mediums, but I had planned on switching her back down to smalls after this happened.

[dr del]

Hi,

Yep might be an idea. I might even go as low as a small small around the 40g mark.

It's also possible she won't eat so don't freak out if that happens.

The reason I asked for the location is if it was on the lower jaw it's pretty likely to re-open but the upper jaw expands and moves a fair bit less so you might be ok if it was there.

Missing a months or so of meals isn't that big a deal in a 1600g+ snake so don't feel the need to rush the issue if she seems reluctant.


dr del

[dreese88]

Hi,

Yep might be an idea. I might even go as low as a small small around the 40g mark.

It's also possible she won't eat so don't freak out if that happens.

The reason I asked for the location is if it was on the lower jaw it's pretty likely to re-open but the upper jaw expands and moves a fair bit less so you might be ok if it was there.

Missing a months or so of meals isn't that big a deal in a 1600g+ snake so don't feel the need to rush the issue if she seems reluctant.


dr del

Yea, she's lost a little weight, but nothing absurd. It's lower jaw, but it's kind of on the side. Right by the jaw bone. I'll probably check and see what it looks like when I get back from Florida and judge whether or not I feed on how it looks then. Just wanted some input from others.

[DemmBalls]

After a few sheds they seem to heal up nicely. My pastel was bitten by a rat on the back and it has healed to the point that I can hardly find it anymore.

I dont know the severity of your bp's injury, but the above is just my experience.

Good luck to you and your bp!

[CritterVet]

Is there anyone who can help you restrain her while you have a look in the mouth? Credit cards and plastic spatulas work well as mouth-openers.