i have a large collection of garter and water snakes, but ive never been faced with this, a friend of mine brought a snake they actualy caught on a trotline, its a big, VERY gravid northern water snake. i was able to remove hook leaving no more damage than what she had when she came here, there is a small [1/4 inch] hole in the side of her throat, that whenever she drink wayer, a portion of it falls through the whole! shes not wheezing, or bleeding, so i dout her windpipe is injured. im just worried about what to do about this hole, and theres no reptile vet anywhere nearby! help!!!