Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just adopted a 1 year old female western hognose snake before being put down to see if I could help her out. Apparently a couple of months ago she started to turn her head sideways now its so bad her eye is almost engulfed in her neck. She has had adequate heat according to the previous owner and has been on pinkies and now fuzzies. She is having a hard time eating with her head being so sideways. Is this a genetic thing or a disease or nutrient problem?? She is so sweet I would love to save her if I can.

Here is another view of her head.

That is sad to see.
Glad you are trying to work with it.
If it were genetic, it is likely that it wouls have been born this way.
Another culprit could be an injury.
Regardless, a vet experienced in reptiles would need to be consulted for a professional opinion.
If the snake has any mobility in its jaw, it would need smaller food items.
Good luck and keep us posted on any diagnosis.
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Thank you,
Kevin Rhodes

www.spiderhognose.com

http://www.freewebs.com/spreptile/index.htm
http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc314/lifesciences/?action=view¤t=09-09hognose001.jpg

Based on the pictures you've provided, it looks like there is some shed still left on the head and especially on nape of this snake as can be easily seen in the second picture. Is it possible that there is a leftover shed still stuck on her face? If so, stuck sheds do have a tendency to shrink as they dry and this can be pulling on her face causing this to happen.

If this is indeed the case, use a cloth soaked with tepid temperature water and use as a compress over the head for as long as you can and as often until the dead skin becomes soft and can be removed easily and without pulling on the scales underneath. Make sure you pull from the neck towards the nose as this always seems to be the path of least resistance and make sure if it's still on there as well, that you get the rostrum "nose" scale too.

Case in point: I had a hatchling that was unable to shed off an entire skin one time which caused her entire body to be very stiff and constrictive, even to the point of pulling on the scales around her mouth giving the impression she was "smiling". I used a light amount of petroleum jelly to help keep the skin moistened several times a week and basically had to wait until her next shed cycle which ended up, with a lot of help on my part, coming off entirely and she's now a very energetic and healthy wiggle worm.
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Troy Rexroth
Rextiles

I took "Crinkle" to the vet and they took xrays. Apparently the poor little snake suffered a broken jaw some months back and it healed all funny. The vet seemed to think she will be fine as long as she continues to be able to eat. Thanks to everyone that gave me advice!