Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay, I was putting my beloved Sally back in her cage this evening when the cat jumped on top of the screen (which is a half-hinged Petco variety) slamming the open half of the lid on my poor little girl. She has some relatively shallow scale damamge, but I am worried about what I can't see. She was able to move just fine after the incident, but has two pinkies sitting in her tummy from saturday... Since she is young, and an amel, I can see right through her in good light. Is there anything I should be looking for either inside or behaviorally, if something is wrong besides the cosmetic stuff??? I am very worried. I'm sure it's like getting your hand slammed in a car door.

Anyone want to adopt a cat???

Most people on this forum would probably say to take it to a vet...but unless its a really qualified vet with lots of experience in snake anatomy, I'm not sure what they would do.
But might be good to get a xray of it?!?!?

I would keep a close eye on it. Watch for irregular movement. She could have broken one or several vertebrate and even suffered internal organ damage, but you might not see it b/c it would be on a much smaller scale. Also look for swelling or bruising. If swelling or bruising occurs, check it daily to see if its getting better. Any scale damage may go away over a few sheds (may even leave a small scar?).

Mostly I would let the snake be for awhile...if you decide to check on it, make sure to disturb it as little as possible b/c it may be hurt and stress could make things worse.

Use your best judgement about whether or not to go to a vet. Snakes are survivors and can handle quite a bit of injury (falling out of trees, encounters with predators, etc etc). Afterall, they've survived much longer than humans. If it appears to be ok and you try to feed it in the future...make its next meal small...but thats iff and only if you feel it looks ok.

If anyone thinks I am giving incorrect advice, please correct me!

np

I would just keep an eye on it, if the meal in her belly goes out the right end, and she seems fine, the cosmetic damage won't hurt her If she regurges or wont eat her next meal, then I'd probably take her in and see if they'll x-ray and check for broken ribs or vertebrae.

Give kitty a second chance usually if you acted mad enough after the first time, cats are more careful the next I have 4 of the harry beasts, squirt guns are great cat weapons!
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Dianne
AKA IcedGoddess
4.5 Cornsnakes
1.3 Cats
0.1 Child
IcedGoddess Creations
Castle Serpents

Thanks y'all for your kind wisdom. I checked my baby this morning and she is still alive, and I didn't notice any swelling and/or bruising. But I didn't handle her to make sure...I'm going to turn off her lamps for a few days and cover the front of her cage to give her some peaceful recovery. I'll let you know how she turns out!