Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I recently captured and tamed a 3 ft. Yellow Rat Snake that had an open wound at the end of it's tail. Since then the injured 2-3 in. fell off and i saw maggots in the wound (which I immediately removed) I was wondering if there is anything I can do to keep it from getting infected, or if there are any suggestions?

-Mike

I would bathe the affected tissues with hydrogen peroxide then freely rinse the area with betadine. Doing this every day for a few days should stop the spread of the infection and clear it up. If it doesn't you could try putting some neosporin on the tail for about ten days, but I think the betadine and hydrogen peroxide should work.

The snake will probaby heal and go through a couple of sheds. Since the tail is the affected area, you will probably have to be really careful about providing adequate humidity during the first few shed cycles to help it shed the skin from the tail tip.
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Chris Harrison

...he was beginning to realize he was the creature of a god that appreciated the discomfort of his worshippers - W. Somerset Maugham

Thank you, I will definately try this

Other good treatments for wounds are Triple antibiotic and neosporin.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."