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Snake bitten by rat, book says to increase feeding to promote faster healing...advice?

torayoma May 04, 2005 08:56 AM

My 5 1/2 foot Suriname was bitten by a large rat on Monday, about three to four inches from her head, along the side and underbelly. After she ate the rat, I used both peroxide and betadine (slightly watered down) and applied neosporin. I clean the wounds 3x a day with peroxide and then swab it with neosporin.

According to my snake book, 'What's wrong with my Snake?' it says that I should incorporate HEAVY feeding to promote immune system response and faster healing. Should I go to small rats and feed her once a week or twice a week? I've never had this problem before, all of my snakes eat live and none of them have ever received a bite until this one.

She goes to the vet tomorrow, maybe get some antibiotic injections if needed. I'd appreciate any help or someone who has experience in dealing with non-fatal bites.

As for my baby boa, he's doing fine. The vet said he was a little thin and I'm workin on putting some meat on his bones but he's not a very aggressive feeder unless he's in THE mode. Is there a way I can 'gut load' mice to increase the nutritional value and help speed up the process of putting some weight on him? He's a little over 2 feet and his is pencil thin with the rest of his body being a little smaller around than a quarter. He's about 6-7 months old and I've had him for close to 5.

Replies (1)

CBH May 04, 2005 10:50 AM

First Off, Do NOT Feed live Hoppers on up!!! They all can bite and will!!!! What I recommend for snakes that will not take frozen, is get the live animal and give it a quick hit in the head.....should knock animal out. They feed the snake while the rat is paralized!!! Please do not feed adult mice/rats to snakes that are still awake!

As far as gut loading goes, you can buy rat a couple days early and feed it alot of healthy/fatty foods....i.e. Cheese, meat, vegs...fruit..etc....

Thanks,
-----
Chris
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