Idk what to do about her....:( What would you do?

[OsirisRa32]

Keep us updated?

This is a rough position to be in...I hope she keeps fighting and improves for you!!

[meowmeowkazoo]

I would do euthanasia. I say that with the understanding that it's much easier said than done.

She was born with a deformed jaw, and no amount of calcium supplements will correct something like that. It's quite possible that it has become worse (or not better) over time because of her lack of calcium, but I think the vet was overlooking the fact that the deformity was present at birth.

That being said, I think you should exhaust every reasonable option if it will help you to feel better. I personally think that euthanasia is the only choice that makes sense, but only you can say what you would feel comfortable with.

[meowmeowkazoo]

And I would like to add that her "trying" is no more than her instinct to survive. I don't believe that snakes are self aware, therefore any desire they have to survive is purely instinctual. They are programmed to do their best to survive, regardless of whether it's practical or whether they have a life worth living. It unfortunately falls on the keeper to make the fine distinction between mere survival and a good quality of life.

[STjepkes]

And I would like to add that her "trying" is no more than her instinct to survive. I don't believe that snakes are self aware, therefore any desire they have to survive is purely instinctual. They are programmed to do their best to survive, regardless of whether it's practical or whether they have a life worth living. It unfortunately falls on the keeper to make the fine distinction between mere survival and a good quality of life.

Sad, but true.

I'm sorry you have to go through this, Crystal. Always heartbreaking to potentially lose a scaly friend. At least you've done what you can, hope everything goes okay whatever your decision.

[4theSNAKElady]

omg...you guys r gonna make me cry. And meowmeow, I do want her to have a quality of life. I don't want her to struggle to "merely survive". I want all my snakes to THRIVE. Which is why Im leaning towards euthanasia. Im trying really hard to accept this, but its extremely difficult. Ive worked so hard to get her to eat, to help her gain weight, to get her better....to basically increase her chance. When my husband agreed to try and "save" her, I didn't want to. I didn't want any part of his "pet project". I agreed with the breeder when he said she should probably be euthanized. However, Im the one whos been helping her. Feeding her, watching over her. Giving her shots. Checking her progress. Taking her to the vet. Unfortunately, shes prob going to end up there. And shes such an adorable little bee. Im hoping that we produce some this year, so itll help me cope. Thanks guys for your kind words.

[Coleslaw007]

I personally would euthanize. If an animal is deformed to that point I feel it's cruel to keep trying to make it live. I'm sorry.

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[meowmeowkazoo]

omg...you guys r gonna make me cry. And meowmeow, I do want her to have a quality of life. I don't want her to struggle to "merely survive". I want all my snakes to THRIVE. Which is why Im leaning towards euthanasia. Im trying really hard to accept this, but its extremely difficult. Ive worked so hard to get her to eat, to help her gain weight, to get her better....to basically increase her chance. When my husband agreed to try and "save" her, I didn't want to. I didn't want any part of his "pet project". I agreed with the breeder when he said she should probably be euthanized. However, Im the one whos been helping her. Feeding her, watching over her. Giving her shots. Checking her progress. Taking her to the vet. Unfortunately, shes prob going to end up there. And shes such an adorable little bee. Im hoping that we produce some this year, so itll help me cope. Thanks guys for your kind words.

*hug*

I am very sorry you have to go through this. I know it isn't easy. Not every animal is meant to make it, and you have done well by her. In the end you have to take comfort knowing that you have done the best that you can.

[mechnut450]

Yes this was my "pet project " but Nadia we found out is about a year old. she did double in weight since we acquired her. I have yet to give up on her just yet. I thinking if I need to I will make a pinky smoothie and add some calcium to the mix a try and help her. she was eating fine before she got sick ( sadly was hopper sized mouse) but she was eating on her own.

[angllady2]

This is a terrible decision to have to make. I had to make it myself this year. I had incubator issues as some of you know, and had a few hatchlings born with no eyes, as well as two born with deformed jaws and no tongue. I tried my best for all of them. One eyeless girl caught on superfast and she went to a new home months ago. One eyeless girl did not catch on, but a member here was willing to assist feed her for life and adopted her knowing this.

The two babies with deformed jaws were incapable of eating in their own. They simply could not swallow, much like your own girl. I assisted for a while, then had to move to force feeding. It upset them, it upset me, and the vet said there was no hope they would ever get better. One baby had no lower jaw bones at all, and no tongue. The second had a tiny bump of a lower jaw and no tongue. Eventually I had to admit I was keeping them alive for me, and not for them. And I finally let go. It was a terrible thing to have to do.

In the meantime, one of my pied clutches had an incubator spike AFTER hatching. They whole clutch suffered neurological problems for about a week, then all but one came out of it. Little het pied boy is severely messed up. He wobbles worse than any spider, ties himself in actual knots I have to untie. BUT he eats just fine, even if it takes him forever to get his malfunctioning muscles to allow him to strike and coil. He sheds, poos and grows just fine. He breaks your heart to watch him, but he's a little fighter and a sass bucket to boot. So, he is still here and still living each day the best he can.

There comes a time when we have to admit we are being selfish { and what good snake parent isn't?} and then sometimes we need to let go.

Gale

[bcr229]

Did you see this? If you substitute chicken or rabbit and add calcium, you can make the portion sizes small enough that she might be able to eat them on her own or with minimal assistance from you.http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...de-Garter-Diet