Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, I've been bit before, but never by one of my cornsnakes. I just got nailed just a few minutes ago by one of my yearlings. It was totally my fault. I went to move the water bowl in my snake's cage, when she obviously was already on the prowl for the mouse she smelled me holding in the other hand.

I instinctively pulled away and I heard what sounded like velcro. Should I be worried about her getting an infection due to my stupid mistake? When should I check to see if there's any damage? She just ate, so I don't want to mess with her now.

Here's a pic of the damage she inflicted. I think it hurt worse and bled more than normal because it was on my fingertip.

Here's the girl that mauled me:

Just for the sake of posting another pic, one of my ghost yearling:

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alstiver@hotmail.com

Currently own:
1.0 '01 Hypo snow cornsnake (Tesla Coil)
0.1 '02 Ghost (pastel) cornsnake (Banshee)
1.1 '02 Bloodred cornsnakes (Desi and Luci Too)
0.0.2 Goldfish (Isamu, and Yuki; RIP Kabuki)
1.0 '99 American Eskimo mix (Rusty)

Next to be added:
0.1 '03 or '04 Hypo Nicaraguan boa
1.0 '04 or '05 Type II Anery Nicaraguan boa

You can get an infection, but it is more likley to catch Salmonella (or similar bug) from not washing your hands after cleaning the cages. You'll know if it gets infected - it will get red, swollen and more painful instead of less with time. If you pass the 3 or 4 day mark without symptoms, you're pretty much home free. As for retained teeth, it's also possible but they are so small you wouldn't be able to do anything about it anyway - your body will either work them out or absorb them...

Just my thoughts as an ER Doc on the way to work...

Sorry...

I meant, how likely is it that the snake gets infected if it has lost teeth.

Didn't mean to make it sound like I was worried about myself.

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alstiver@hotmail.com

Currently own:
1.0 '01 Hypo snow cornsnake (Tesla Coil)
0.1 '02 Ghost (pastel) cornsnake (Banshee)
1.1 '02 Bloodred cornsnakes (Desi and Luci Too)
0.0.2 Goldfish (Isamu, and Yuki; RIP Kabuki)
1.0 '99 American Eskimo mix (Rusty)

Next to be added:
0.1 '03 or '04 Hypo Nicaraguan boa
1.0 '04 or '05 Type II Anery Nicaraguan boa

I think you both will be just fine.Just watch for swelling on the both of you.And shame on you for breaking the rules of smelling like food when messing in your snakes cage.Your lucky it was a small snake that got ya.The larger ones can just ruin your day....Be careful please...Paul...