Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, I posted this picture of my brooksi kingsnake with mouth rot, a few days ago... and I am going to be calling the vet tomorrow to schedule an appointment, but I am wondering if it is even worth it? Is the snake too far gone, the disease too advanced? The snakes condition has detiorated very rapidly since December 29th...Should I just make him comfortable for his last few weeks, or should I get him to the vet? Basically what I am looking for is his chances of survival...This snake is one of my favorites, it has a great temperment and eats like a champ, I just don't want to throw money away, that is all..but I really can't grasp the idea of losing this snake ...HELP!

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0.0.1 Argentine Black and White Tegu
0.0.1 Baby Aru Green Tree Python
2.1 Bearded Dragon
0.0.4 Hatchling Bearded Dragons
1.1 Honduran Milksnake
1.0 Florida Brooksi Kingsnake
1.0 Blood Red Cornsnake
1.0 Jungle Carpet Python
0.1 Desert Kingsnake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.0 Bull Mastiff

This is what the snake looked like on December 29th.

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0.0.1 Argentine Black and White Tegu
0.0.1 Baby Aru Green Tree Python
2.1 Bearded Dragon
0.0.4 Hatchling Bearded Dragons
1.1 Honduran Milksnake
1.0 Florida Brooksi Kingsnake
1.0 Blood Red Cornsnake
1.0 Jungle Carpet Python
0.1 Desert Kingsnake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.0 Bull Mastiff

Take it to the vet... At this point you shouldn't even be thinking about whatever money you may be out. You have an animal in your care and it is solely your responsibility to see that it is receiving the proper attention. Not trying to be a nag or anything... Just take it to a good vet and follow his/her advice.

Good Luck!!!

Scott

What makes you think it's too far gone? I have cured far worse at home. Get to the vet. Kings are amazingly durable snakes, so don't give up on it. It is young and eventually it will be better than ever.

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

Thanks for the advice guys, it is very much appreciated. I realize that this snake is in my care and that it is MY RESPONSIBILITY to take care of it...It's not me that is questioning the ability of the snake to survive, it's my Dad. He's not very supportive of me having the reptiles in the first place..he doesn't mind them, but he'd rather me focus my attention elsewhere...so he doesn't want to see me "waste" money..but I Will be calling tomorrow and scheduling an appointment. The only reason I asked if it was too far gone was becasue the infection has progressed that rapidly in 3 weeks, I thought maybe it was progressing too rapidly for the snake to be healed. I WILL bring the snake to a vet though, thanks again!!

Considering I am not going to be able to get him to the vet until atleast tomorrow if the vet has an opening, is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable? I've read that swabbing out the mucus in the mouth with a Cotton Swab and peroxide helps? What percentage of peroxide to water? Straigth peroxide?

Thanks for your time,
Ralph
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0.0.1 Argentine Black and White Tegu
0.0.1 Baby Aru Green Tree Python
2.1 Bearded Dragon
0.0.4 Hatchling Bearded Dragons
1.1 Honduran Milksnake
1.0 Florida Brooksi Kingsnake
1.0 Blood Red Cornsnake
1.0 Jungle Carpet Python
0.1 Desert Kingsnake
1.0 Western Hognose Snake
1.0 Bull Mastiff

Straight peroxicide is used for cleaning the sores. Another effective "Home remedy" was to wash the sores with a product called ST-37. This was actually a mouthwash used for humans and is hard to find these days which is a pity, because I have seen some dramatic wounds (including mouth rot) quickly healed by it.
ONE OF THE BEST ARGUEMENTS YOU CAN USE ON PARENTS (WHO DON'T APPROVE)IS THAT THE CARE OF ANY ANIMAL TEACHES YOU RESPONSIBILITY. NOT TO GIVE UP ON A SICK ONE EMPHASISES THE POINT.

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

Well hopefully your vet will let you get in soon. Its good to hear that the snake is gonna get a trip to the vet. And Like Rearfang said, you could use this to show your Dad that you are ready for the responsibility. (if your Dad is footing the vet bill be sure and pay him back! LOL) Use the peroxide straight. (not an expert here, but I believe the peroxide you get in the store is actually 2% peroxide/98% water anyway)

Rearfang... Here is somewhere that you can get the ST-37 mouthwash... [url=http://hardtofindbrands.com/cf/products_detail.cfm?ItemNum=131&search=all] ST-37 site[/url

Good luck with your snake.. Keep us posted!!!

Scott

Woops!!! Here is the link!!!

ST-37 site

Scott

Thanks for the tip. The stuff works amazingly well on not just mouthrot. I have also seen it used on severe gashes in the head of an iguana with excellent results!

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