Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been a novice snake hobbyist since I first owned a Black Ratsnake at the young age of four. Yesterday (9/7) I ran across a gorgeous 2.5-foot Speckled Kingsnake just north of Katy Texas while dove hunting. When I picked it up I immediately noticed some serious injuries across it’s lower half (as if hit with a mower). Be forewarned, the following details are a little graphic so please do not read on if you don’t wish to. Muscle tissue is showing in many places (Approximately 15%) of it’s lower half, and in some areas the cuts are very deep. The lower half is very swollen. I would guess that the injury is approximately 2-3 weeks old and in the worst area 3-4 maggots were present.

Normally I do not bring wild caught local kingsnakes home (although it was my favorite pastime as a youngster) because I own a couple of captive bred kingsnakes and milksnakes that I do not want diseases passed to. However, I really wanted to try and help this snake out if possible. I brought him home, sterilized an old cage, and washed him with hydrogen peroxide (I’ve never seen hydrogen peroxide foam like it did), soap, and warm water.

The snake is a docile animal but lethargic due to the injury. I am currently keeping it outside and do not intend to bring it into my home.

I plan on releasing it back to where it was found after a month or so regardless of how well I can help it recover (a deal made with the wife).

So… The question is, can anyone recommend some other treatments that might help this snake out (must be very inexpensive as the wife is already displeased that I brought it home)?

Thanks for any advice,

Jim

All you can do is what you are doing. if the humidity where you are is as bad as here then you may want to bring it in. Keep the wounds very dry, remove the water dish, and only offer it water once a day. If it doesn't drink then it isn't thirsty. But keeping it dry is of utmost importance. I would keep applying a solution of Betadine. I would recommend adding three drops of water to every drop of betadine, or it could contribute to more harm than good. Only apply it every other day, and he "might" get better for you. Good luck with it though!!

How was the hunting?

Thanks for the advice Matt. The dove hunting was subpar. We had two large groups of white wings in approximately 2 hours, and managed to down two from each group.

I know this might sound gross, but I thought I'd mention that some types of maggots can help keep infection and gangrene away. Not only do the maggots eat dead tissue, but they also secrete an enzyme that keeps the wound clean.
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