I saw him doing some tongue flicking the first day we saw him. But not really since. He has been very calm and only occasionaly active.

I still need help.

I am sort of at an impasse. The wildlife rehabber I spoke to was very willing to help (but I suspect she sees a lot of turtles and no snakes) but insists that I puncture the infected area and squeeze out the fluid and wash it with saline or sterile water, even using a syringe (no needle on it) to inject sterile water to wash out all the puss. However, she has not even seen pictures of it (computer is down). I am not sure I am comfortable with that. Does anyone have experience with this type of infection? If you want me to describe it in detail or post more pictures, please let me know.

Also, it turns out that the Zithromax I was giving him (3 does over 3 days of 0.10 ml, equivalent to 4 mg) is no good - it was mixed too long ago. I do have Baytril, but that stuff is so strong! Should I use it? He's 610 grams and about 5'.

The very reputable vet I called today (well, the med tech who answered the phone) was not at all helpful. She would not offer an appointment (I could only surrender the snake) or give advice (since they hadn't seen the animal). She only confirmed that the Zithromax would be ineffective due to its age.

I don't want to turn him over to someone and then never get him back here. I feel very strongly that when released, he should be right where I found him. It's almost a proprietary thing - we have 8 acres and need our snakes. Our neighbors are NOT snake friendly, so we do our best to make up for it.

Thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? Resources? Any vets or vet techs out there??

Thanks!