Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I took this girl from a pet store in NJ that had no clue about snakes. I didn't pay anything for her after convincing them that she was not going to make it. When I asked to see her the employee kept taunting her to strike the glass. She has sores on her lower and upper lip and was bleeding from her mouth. I treated her for mites and need to do it a bunch more times. Also, treated her open wounds. I notices a lump in her stomach. I know this may be numerous things. In the pic you can kind of see it. Any suggestions?

Close up of her mouth

To ease the sores, neosporin works, as a 5% of rubbing alchol will help to kill any bacteria. The neosporin will help in the aid of healing.

Other than that, I'd seek a qualified vet, making sure they have some type of degree in herpatoligy. You'd be surprised how many vets do not know much on herps or even small mammals at that. Just be careful when selecting a good vet. Upon that, I'd think bout treating it for flukes or worms. If your treating it for external paracites, theres a chance it could be harboring internal paracites as well. Ask a vet about Pancur(Fenbendazole) in the possiable treatment of roundworms, hookworms ect. if nessessary. As all this may seem extreem, to bring an animal back from poor husbandry to satisfactory health, it's always a good idea to explore all possiable problems before they arise to be serious.

Hope this helps,
Jessica Bruce

DO NOT USE ALCOHOL on the wounds!! You know how much that stings? Well, the snake doesn't have a clue and won't appreciate it. Alcohol can kill bacteria, but so can Hydrogen Peroxide which won't sting or shock the snake nearly as much. Plus, alcohol has a drying effect, especially on mucous membranes (like the lining in your nose or mouth), if either of these linings become dried out it can lead to greater infections.

I wouldn't recommend doing much with the wound beyond cleaning with warm water to remove the excess pus, bits of dried blood (Leave scabs alone), and dirt/debris.
Then apply Neosporin or Polysporin (or get the generic grocery store brand it should be labeled something to the effect of: Triple Antibiotic) on the wound, including the scabs.

Polysporin contains multiple antibiotic agents so it should be all that is needed. The polysporin itself doesn't heal the wound, the protection from infection combined with it's barrier properties prevent reinfection which allow the body to heal without hindrance. If a scab forms... good...leave it alone. It is the best protection you could hope for and it means the body is doing it's thing. The reason you may want to apply an antibiotic over the scab is in case it becomes dried and cracks and to soften it so that when the new skin forms underneath it will fall off easily instead of being torn off.

Recap: Clean with luke warm to warm water, dry and apply triple anitbiotic. Do this twice a day until healed.

I know I ramble and I apologize if something I wrote doesn't make sense. I can clarify if needed...just ask. And I didn't mean to flip out about the alcohol (it is good for some things and has it's place, but not here). I deal with wound treatment everyday and can tell you this is one of the safest and most effective ways to a fast recovery.
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In the right hands patience, curiousity and willingness to learn can work miracles. In the wrong hands they are mankind's curse and nature's greatest fear.

"DO NOT USE ALCOHOL on the wounds!!"

I suggested a 5% solution which does not effect anything. Most likely the animal will go into a rabid shed cycle. I have used a 5% solution mixed w/ luke warm water with no ill effects at all, many times. Though it has the possiability of dehydration, as long as the animal is drinking and gettin plenty of fluids, should be fine.