Hi..
I got a Blood Python about 6 months ago from a guy going into the military. It was a little neglected, but seemed healthy. It ate once after I got it, but then stopped eating, and had a very long and bad shed.
The tank conditions are fine for a Blood Python, heat and humidity are all good, so I don't believe that is or was the problem.
A few days ago I contacted the original snake's owner who was home on leave. He said that the only way the snake would eat was if he put it into a dark cardboard box with the mouse. I never had a problem with any of my other snakes not eating, so out of desperation I gave it a try, and to my horror, within 5 minutes the mouse had chewed the tip of the snakes tail off! Believe me, I learned my lesson, and will never do that again!
The Blood Python is about 2 years old, and the mouse chewed off a BB sized piece of flesh right at the tip, and the very tip of the bone is exposed, not quite to the joint.
The only vet who works on snakes is out of state and very far away. He told me over the phone that all he could do anyway, is remove the tip of the bone to help it heal better. He suggested that I "snip" the bone myself, then apply some antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. He said that the mouse had left the bone exposed, and it would not do any harm, and would actually be better, if I removed the exposed bone so it could heal better.
Could someone please give me a little more information and advice on HOW to do this? The vet said that it is simple and fairly common to do, and the tail will heal better if the bone is not exposed. Do I just "snip" the exposed bone, or push the flesh back a little and "snip" it at the joint? I don't know if I can or will even do this, but any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Will the tail be deformed, or will it heal and grow back back normally?
If you could be so kind, please write me with any advice at: herrbumsen@yahoo.com
Thank You!
