Brain injury

[Abigail6489]

A couple months ago my roommates went out and caught a wild snake (not sure what kind of snake but has the same size and shape of the garter) he was fast- we called him the flash. About two weeks ago he got out and the cat attacked him. He is slower, suspect brain damage and blindness. He won't eat or drink, but acts like he wants to.
roommate is upset and in an attempt of euthanasia he wants to freeze him. Is there something we can do for this poor snake???? I doubt freezing will be any better than starving, but any response is welcome!!!!

[Stefan-A]

Sorry to hear about the injury. I wish I had something comforting to say, but it may well be that the only thing you can do for the snake, is to euthanize it.

Freezing, however, isn't the best way to do it. Smashing the head is the quickest way to euthanize a snake.

[EasternGirl]

Sorry but I have to disagree with the smashing of the head...it might be quick but I just can't imagine doing it. I think there is a way to drop the body temp in the fridge before putting the snake in the freezer...someone else can expand on this. I'm so sorry this happened. If someone can suggest a way for you to save the snake...I don't know though.

[guidofatherof5]

I have read that some people(and me) are now using CO2.
I buy a chunk of dry ice. I place the ice and the snake in a small cooler. The ice is wrapped in paper and the snake is in a snake bag.
A few hours in the cooler has worked fine.
Freezing has been show to cause pain. I believe there was an article about this in Reptile Magaine at one time.

[Light of Dae]

plastic bag n car exhaust, if you cannot find dry ice. Painless sleepy death.

[guidofatherof5]

plastic bag n car exhaust, if you cannot find dry ice. Painless sleepy death.

Not really. Many caustic chemicals in car exhaust.

[guidofatherof5]

I have read that some people(and me) are now using CO2.
I buy a chunk of dry ice. I place the ice and the snake in a small cooler. The ice is wrapped in paper and the snake is in a snake bag.
A few hours in the cooler has worked fine.
Freezing has been show to cause pain. I believe there was an article about this in Reptile Magazine at one time.

Reptile magazine Dec. 2011 issue, page 14 (Thanks Steve Schmidt for the info.)

[Abigail6489]

Thank you all for your opinions... I didn't imagine freezing would be better than malnutrition .... as far as euthanizing I may just put him in a bag behind my tire. Now to convince the attached roommate. Thank you again.

[Stefan-A]

Reptiles are very tolerant of anoxia. Neither CO2 or CO should be used. Car exhaust has to be one of the least humane ways to euthanize an animal, after vivisection.

[Invisible Snake]

I agree with Stefan, CO2 is not a humane way to euthanize a snake. It has something to do with snakes requiring less oxygen to breathe compared to humans, etc..

Hey if you can, could you post pics of the snake?

[EasternGirl]

A bag behind a tire on a car doesn't seem humane to me. I would talk to some members on here and consider my options. You can always send private messages to members and discuss details on how to go about this in the most humane way.

[kueluck]

<~~wishes she didn't open this thread, gonna go snuggle w/Zena. Sorry to read about your troubles. :(

[MCwyo]

Stephan's way actually sounds the quickest & most humane (of all methods listed here). However, a very hard method for pet owners to go through with. This is why euth should be done by a vet, I think. They uderstand the biology of the animal and do not have an emotional investment (not on the same level as the pet owner, anyways). They can also administer a painkiller prior to lethal injection.

[Abigail6489]

Good news! He shed his skin! And he's drinking water! We will try to feed him again soon. Thank you all for your input we really appreciate it.
I will try to get pics up soon

Btw what isn't humane about running a dying creature over? It's the same as smashing it with a rock but I can't miss this way, or chance the rock was too small. I have had to put animals down a lot in my many adventures. The ammount of blood is not what you should be concerned with, but how quickly the brain or heart is put out.
I just wanted to know how bad freezing is because that is what was imminent.
But he looks better now. I will keep updated on his condition.

[Abigail6489]

-

[MCwyo]

I hope he will make a full recovery and there will be no need to euth.

To comment on the bag behind the tire, running the snake over, yes this may be faster than some other methods. But there is the possibility of the snake thrashing or moving slightly out of position thus causing pain and possibly some longer than nessisary suffering/fear before death. Too uncontrolled IMO.

[EasternGirl]

I'm so glad he is doing better! Please keep us posted.

[guidofatherof5]

Good news is always welcome.

[paulh]

Good news! He shed his skin! And he's drinking water!
Excellent news! There is a good chance the skull was not damaged, at least not permanently.

Early in my snake keeping career, my cat attacked a baby bullsnake and put a fang right through from the top of the head through the jaw muscles into the mouth. The bullsnake recovered and grew up. Snakes are tough.

[EasternGirl]

Poor snake...glad he was okay.