Hello

[camst8]

Hi,I am a new owner of 3/4s a snake. Im hoping to get some opinions on the mortality of his wound. My girlfriend was mowing the lawn and this poor guy(girl?) got caught up in the mower. I have a 90g aquarium he is in right now. I am not sure how much got chopped off. The snake seems to be doing OK, moving around fine. I guess its just a waiting game for now to see if he pulls through. I have temporarily given him some leaves and a nice chunk of root for cover, I plan on starting construction of a permanent setup soon. I like natural style habitats with live plants, although this will be my first snake. My light setup is from a planted paludarium, 4x54w 6700k t5 HO. I am assuming I will need an additional basking light and heat source. Any other recommendations appreciated. I plan on doing some research tonight, but have not had any time yet.
Cameron
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9458/20120402164434.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/20120402164434.jpg/)
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/7977/20120402164353.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/853/20120402164353.jpg/)
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2239/20120402164407.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/38/20120402164407.jpg/)

[infernalis]

Welcome, we really need to see a close up of the wound.

If the snake was severed after the vent (Tail only damage) survivability is very high, Sadly if the snake has been severed into the digestive tract (intestines) it will not survive it.

If the intestines (colon) have been severed, the most humane thing to do is end the animal's suffering.

[EasternGirl]

Poor thing...yes, please show a close up pic...and if the wound looks to be one that the snake will not survive, we can tell you a humane way to euthanize.

[camst8]

I could not get a really good pic, he is not very happy about getting handled. I was able to tell it was just barely behind the vent, literally 2-3 scales on the base of the snake. The wound is angled a bit and his back extends a little further than his base.

[guidofatherof5]

Wayne's advise is spot-on. Hoping it's below the vent.

[infernalis]

so the vent is not intact?

[camst8]

It is intact, 2-3 scales behind the end of the vent. I will see if I can get a pic now

[camst8]

4542

[EasternGirl]

I can't really tell if that is the vent...the vent goes horizontally across the snake...if you don't know what it looks like. It looks like a crease going across the bottom.

Can someone put up a pic with an arrow pointing to the vent please?....technologically challenged here.

[BUSHSNAKE]

i dont see one:(

[EasternGirl]

Can someone put up a pic of one of their snakes with an arrow pointing to the vent so that Cameron can see what he is looking for? I don't see one either Joe...I think he's looking at the belly button...and that's not good. :(

[infernalis]

i dont see one:(

Yeah, that looks like the snakes sexual organs and "bathroom facilities" have been chopped off.

It's not looking very good.



http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r176/MlZad/Zmije/anatomija.jpg

http://www.wildsideholidays.com/natural/images/stories/reptanfibs/snakes/snake-sketch-anal-plate-2.jpg

[ssssnakeluvr]

the arrow in that pic points to where his umbilical cord attached....which unfortunately is definitely up past his vent... he has been chopped off in the intestinal area unfortunately... probably best to put him down :( sorry for the bad news

[guidofatherof5]

I agree with Don. There is no hope for this snake. If left alone it will suffer a death from infection.
The best thing that can be done is to put it down.

If you have access to any dry ice you could use a small container/cooler and use the carbon dioxide gas to euthanize it.
Make sure the snake can't come in contact with the ice but yet the gas can collect in the container.
Sorry there couldn't be a better outcome. The injury was too severe.
Rest in peace little one.

[infernalis]

Although this may not sound like the most popular answer, swift cranial destruction is instantaneous.

If you want further details, PM me.

[katach]

So sorry for the sad news on this one. Your heart was in the right place wanting to care for it though, for that I'm sure I can say from all of us , Thank you! If you find an intact garter I know you will love having one, and with a 90g tank I'm pretty sure it will love being had.

[EasternGirl]

Yes...thank you so much for trying to save the little fellow. I'm so sorry for the bad news. It is the best for him to end his suffering before it gets worse for him. What about the refrigerator/freezer method you guys?

[Didymus20X6]

Sorry to hear about the poor snake. I know this won't be easy, but I concur with the other members here: it's the right thing to do.

[mikem]

oh my. thank you for trying to save the little one. accidents happen and it wasn't anyone's fault. just a case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. it happens. always hard to deal with. :(