Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A couple days ago an injured ball python was dropped off at a reptile shop near my home. The shop called me after the owner had a couple days to work with the animal.

The snake is a medium sized ball python who looks like it has some kind of crush injury at its midpoint. Its a closed injury, no open wound or bleeding, but the animal is paralyzed from that point down. The owner of the shop says it eats and poops, and doesnt seem to be in pain, so I believe it is the right thing to keep it alive.It has trouble shedding below the injury, but warm water should help with that.

What i need help with is suggestions. How will this be when permenetly healed? Am I wrong to keep it alive? What is the best way to feed this animal?

Any suggestions would be great. Ive taken in rescue reptiles before, but never with an injury this severe.

Emily

My suggestion, take it to a vet for an x-ray. This is the only way to see if bones have been broken and need proper alignment for healing properly, or if the injury is old, how the bone has healed. As he doesn't seem to move past the point of injury, could be nerve damage..or other internal damage not visible on the outside.

As snakes don't scream when in pain...doesn't mean they are not suffering from injuries.
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PHLdyPayne

I agree, excellent point. I think only a vet can advise on this after an evaluation so that you could make an informed decision.
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