Just wondering what your thoughts are on post-surgical snakes. My 13-year old female Florida King had been losing condition with a ravenous appetite and some palpable lumps on her abdomen. Initially thought egg bound just because of how it looked (she has never bred or laid eggs), but nothing on x-ray, on ultrasound there were extensive masses through her abdomen that we couldn't tell whether they were associated with GI tract, repro tract, or what. She initially had exploratory surgery to get some of the tissue for biopsy in August, and when it came back as egg yolk peritonitis (apparently common in birds, anyone ever have it in a snake?), we went in to get the rest of it in early September. The masses were pretty impressive--2 segments 6-8 inches long of ovary/uterus/abnormal yolk removed through 2 4 inch long incisions. Didn't get it all but the vet was worried about keeping her anesthetized longer to get the rest. She was on injectible antibiotics for about 2 months, has had regular rechecks, has shed twice since August, has a great appetite, feces better formed than they were before surgery, and seems to be doing well. Her incisions were closed with suture, and the vet said I can bring her in this week to take them out. I know these guys heal really slowly, and I have heard of people using staples to close incisions and just leaving them til they shed out. I guess this is a really long way of asking, what are your thoughts on suture removal? Go for it? Leave them in til they shed out? I Am hoping she makes it after all this--just ordered her 6 months' worth of mice!!

Thanks for any input. I very much trust my vet, just have heard of different things and wanted to see what other experiences and thoughts were out there.

Sue

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