rescued a Garter snake, need some advice!!

[mmoria00]

Long story short.
My dog got a hold of a Garter snake and did some damage to it. I found it and have been nursing it to health. There were many puncture wounds, but the worst of it was to his head. He lost an eye through it also. I did not think he was going to survive this traumatic event, but I have really been treating his wounds and cleaning him up good. He thankfully is healing nicely. :) He is not ready to be released, and I usually always release my injured critters that my house pets get a hold of, but I worry about this snake and his one eye. I just wanted some thoughts on this from someone who is familiar with Garter snakes. I am more than happy to keep him if need be. I teach 3rd grade and it would be a wonderful learning experience for them to educate my students on local reptiles. If I do keep him, what is the best way to take great care of him. I am not familiar with the Garter snake and need some educating myself! I have had other types of snakes, but nothing from my back yard. I visited many sites and they all say different things about the Garter care, so I figured if I join this forum, I could hear from someone who is an expert in Garters. Thank you!! Meghan

[katach]

Welcome to the forum family! The care sheet is a wonderful place to start. Also some pictures of your snake and the vent area would be helpful to tell just what kind of garter you have and what sex it is. Here are a couple links to get you started. Again, welcome! Also, depending on where you are from, it may be a little late in the season to release. They need to have time to get to their winter dens for brumation.
Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Garter_Snake_Care_Sheet)
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/breeding/5069-sexing-pics.html

[guidofatherof5]

Welcome to the forum.
Thanks for taking the time to help that injured snake.
The links provided will answer many of your question.
Feel free to post any aditional questions to the forum.

[Kantar]

You've come to the best possible place for learning garter snake care

I think that the snake without your care definately wouldn't make it back in the wild if you released now.

It needs a winter home and I think hopefully it has been found :)

[wolfpacksved]

Welcome aboard! Garter snakes are tough animals. Reptiles in general can recover from some nasty wounds. Tougher than humans by far :)

[dieselbaby]

Welcome to the forum, my dog injured a garter and thats what also brought me to the forum. I hope yours does alot better then mine did. My dog bit very hard and severed the spinal cord in my girl. The short time she was with me made me fall in love with garter snakes again, i loved them as a child, and now i've adopted two checkered garters from a great canadian breeder.

As was mentioned read the care sheet, it is a wealth of information, and every single person here on this forum is helpful, a pleasure to talk to and are just great people. You will love it here..and do post some pics of your garter we would love to see him or her. Even if she/he isnt so pretty just yet.

[infernalis]

Welcome and kudos for caring.

[i_heart_sneakie_snakes]

What a lucky snake to have been discovered by you :) Can't wait to see some photos. I hope s/he gets all healed up soon.

[jitami]

Welcome & thank you for taking care of the little guy/girl :)

[d_virginiana]

Hope it gets better. A one-eyed snake can survive in the wild, but its chances aren't as good. Also, a lot of snakes are already finding places to brumate, so it would probably be a good idea to keep him at least over the winter.

[BlueGarterz]

Welcome aboard, all the people here are helpful and kind! Sorry about that poor snake.

[katach]

Thought of a name for your shake if you keep it and it's a boy. One Eyed Willy (from the goonies).

[indigoman]

Thank you so much for your rescue! What a great calling that snake would have as a teaching aid.

[mmoria00]

Thank you for all of the warmest wishes!! What a great community!! I will def. Post pics of my snake that was injured. This site is wonderful and full important information. My snake is doing great and is actually healing nicely. I live in Northwest IN. and it is getting very cold here, so the best bet is to keep it over winter. But right now, I am looking for a vet in my area because I want to check to see if its jaw is broken also. It has not eaten, but as I have read on this site, garters do not eat much right now anyways. I am just really worried about its jaw. I will post some pics up as soon as I can. Maybe someone can give me some ideas.

[mmoria00]

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Here are some images of this poor thing! I have the Garter for several weeks and have given it much TLC. Its injuries look MUCH better than they were. I am going to post more pics so I can have help sexing it. I also am posting pics of its enclosure. Right now it lives in a 10 gal. with shredded paper that gets changed everyday to keep the wounds clean. I also have a plastic bowl of fresh water (changed many times to keep clean) It loves to go in it and relax. I am still worried about its jaw. It has not eaten yet. any advice? My next step is the vet. It is very sweet and seems to be thankful for its care. It lets me handle it without getting upset.

[guidofatherof5]

So glad this snake is getting some care.
They are tough as nails and I hope this special snake survives.

[mmoria00]

More pics of the sex and enclosure
It measures 70cm. or 27.5in. in lenght 3149315031513151
So wonder new friends is it a boy or girl?
any name suggestions? I laughed at the one eyed willie one (that was cute)

[mmoria00]

That is so cute!! I was laughing, I use to love that movie! :)

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like a nice taper from the cloaca.
I'm going with "It's a girl"
Here's a link to a thread that will help you sex her yourself.
http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/breeding/5069-sexing-pics.html

[katach]

I would say girl also. How about Eriline it is Estonian for special.

[chris-uk]

The photos of the head made me cringe... I was eating my lunch at the time :D
The crunch point with this girl is going to be her first meal, if the wounds are healing when eats she should stand a very good chance of making it. What have you tried feeding to her so far?
I don't think anyone has mentioned that keeping the temperature higher helps her immune system and will help her heal quicker. The best temp may depend somewhat on the type of garter, but I'm thinking 28C, maybe warmer. Steve, any comments?

[PINJOHN]

sorry for the delay with your greeting somehow missed the post
SO AN EXTRA BIG WELCOME FROM A VERY SUNNY LIVERPOOL.

http://www.liv.ac.uk/researchintelligence/issue34/images/Liverpool_waterfront.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

Good advice Chris.
A Vet. visit would be great. Maybe a shot of Baytril(antibiotic).
Upping the heat and keeping things clean are very good strategy.
My biggest fear would be the crushing injuries that can occur.

Is she doing much tongue flicking?
Doing any drinking on her own?
What about activity?

[mmoria00]

I have only just recently tried night crawlers. She has not seemed interested. Her jaw is pretty bad. I have been reading on this site and everyone seems to have good luck with Salmon. I would love any suggestions. I have kept the temps. a bit higher which has seemed to make a world of difference for the healing of the open wounds. She has been with me for 3wks. now. I am now getting worried about her first meal. Has anybody had to use tweezers to feed? Its jaw looks broken. You can see it in one of these pics. It has just hung open a bit. But as I said, it looks better than it did. When Should I really start worrying about food? oh ya, I did want to add, she did (poop), which made me happy knowing her insides are working good!!

[mmoria00]

@ Steve,
she is doing a lot of Tongue flicking. She is drinking. She swims in her water bowl very often. She is very active, and behaves like a little lady even when I put Betadine on her. I agree about a vet. visit. Today my goal is to call around for a vet, with in my area!!

[guidofatherof5]

Not sure what the regs. are in your area.
It may be difficult to find any Vet. willing to help if they are prohibited in treating a wild native snake.
Your report back to me is encouraging.
Once again I want to thank you for caring for this wonderful snake. Most people would have walked away.

[mmoria00]

Thank you!! I am a snake lover in general. I just lost a FL. king 6 mo. ago. It broke my heart. This girl is just beautiful and just really captured my heart, with how allowing she is to let me treat her. I wanted to report back. I just went and did my daily cleaning of wounds. She actually yawned and stretched her jaw. It is crooked though. But that gave me hope!!! I am just wondering if I am going to have to help her eat soon. Maybe blended food so it is easier? I made 2 calls or vets. so far no luck!!

[PINJOHN]

i think salmon just might be the right food for your first feeding attempt, it can be presented from a solid down to mush depending on the consistency you need, yours is one of a number of distressed snakes being treated by members at the moment and they are the first posts i look for when turning on my computer, all the luck in the world for this little fighter

[chris-uk]

Not sure what the regs. are in your area.
It may be difficult to find any Vet. willing to help if they are prohibited in treating a wild native snake.


I'm not going to be much use with this sort of advice, but I'm sure Steve or someone will be able to clarify ;). If the vets are prohibited from treating wild snakes... what would the situation be if this snake was taken to the vet as a pet that had got loose and been attacked by the dog?

mmoria00 - It's hard to tell how big/heavy this girl is from the photos (maybe you can pop her on some scales and give us a weight and rough length). But from the photos I think she's big enough to go for 3 weeks without eating, especially at this time of year when in the wild she'd have been thinking about brumating. If she's drinking and keeping hydrated I think worrying about her eating wouldn't be the top of my worries.
The head wound would be worrying me. If she's yawned then her jaw can't be too bad, maybe some damage that will heal.

As far as feeding from tweezers/tongs - we have 3 that happily take from tweezers, one that will only eat from a bowl on her own. I'd try the tweezers, and if she doesn't eat leave the food in a bowl. Pinjohn had a suggestion that spraying the tank with a mister spray helps keep the fish moist for longer and spreads the scent. I'd try her on salmon. But as I already said, don't be overly concerned if she doesn't eat, unless she's interested in the food and tries to eat but can't swallow due to the damaged jaw.

Keep us updated with progress. :)

[guidofatherof5]

After doing some searching I did find some info. from the Indiana DNR.DNR: FAQs (http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2366.htm) along with a link to this website.
The Snakes of Indiana (http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/INherps/INsnakes.htm)

"Like many other states, Indiana is making an effort to protect its reptiles and amphibians (herpetofauna). Thus the collection and possession of herpetofauna in the state requires a hunting or fishing license for all persons 17 years or older (unless you are collecting on your own farm). Bag limits and seasons are in place to regulate the number of reptiles and amphibians collected each year. Typically, in the case of animals such as snakes, the limit is four. These regulations were established due to the drastic declines in populations of snakes and other herpetofauna throughout the state. Without protection, these species would continue to decline. Endangered species may not be collected or possessed without special permits. There are additional requirements for dangerous species, or for having extra animals for breeding or conducting research. If you have any questions regarding the collection of snakes and other reptiles and amphibians, contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife at (317) 232-4080 or your local Conservation Officer."

[mmoria00]

I found a wonderful local vet. who will see me today!!! YAY!!!! I will report back after we go see him!! They squeezed me in today!!! Wish us luck!!

[guidofatherof5]

That is great news. Hope the visit goes well.

[mmoria00]

Well I took the garter snake to the Vet. Dr. Meir is a licensed exotic doctor and works with the local DNR of Indiana. He was very knowledgeable about local native species. His assessment of her: She has a broken jaw, broken rib cage, and infection has just started to set in. He said her tongue flicking is good, her spirit is up and he has great hope for her. He does not want her to eat for 2 more weeks because of the jaw. He wants to me keep her tank temp. at 75 degrees to help the healing. He also believes if you create a fever like state, it will help fight the infection. I have to give Ceftazidime Inj. every 3 days for a month. He does not think she will ever survive again on her own due to deformity of her jaw and face. (She may have to be fed by a little tube but we will see in 2wks.) So we now have a pet snake named Lady. God willing that Lady makes it through this ordeal, she will proudly educate young students about local native reptiles, giving them a hands on experience (when she is better). I have to get licensed thru IN. to have her in my classroom, but the Vet. said he will write a recommendation for me.
pics from the vet visit
3157
3158her bad side

3159her good side
3160No beauty contests for her, but that is ok she has more important things on her agenda.

[guidofatherof5]

Great update Meghan.

Where is the infection? head or different area?
Glad to hear you have a course of action to help Lady.

[mmoria00]

Thank you Steve!! Thank you for all of your help, and continued help for the future of Lady. I am excited about her journey. The Vet. said that her type of Garter is becoming extinct in our area, and he was very happy to see one. He was sad because of the circumstances, but glad she is in good hands. The infection is in the jaw where the bone is showing and in the puncture marks along parts of its body!

[guidofatherof5]

So this is a Butler's garter snake? I haven't paid much attention to that.
Any chance we can see a photo of the jaw area but only if it can be done with ease.
Hoping all goes well with the treatments and rehabilitation.
Did he do any x-rays?

[katach]

Those are some severe injuries. I'm so glad you found her and are willing to care for her. Please keep us updated as her treatment progresses.

[mmoria00]

Thanks to everyone for such great knowledge and support!! It is indeed a Butler Garter snake. I will see If I can get some better pics of the mouth tomorrow. The Vet. did not do any X-rays, he did not feel it was needed based on the damage that was pretty visible. She still has no vision in one eye as well.

[chris-uk]

I'm glad you found a good vet, and it looks like the care you've given so far is inline with the advice he has given you. The additional treatments he's been able to provide should give Lady the best chance of pulling through.
Keep us updated, there's a lot of us now that are watching and hoping she recovers well.

[jitami]

Wow, sounds like you found a great vet! Good herp vets are so hard to find. Looks like the stars aligned to give Lady the best possible chance of making it! Bless you for helping her!!!

[mmoria00]

Here is an update on Lady for those who have followed her progress. Sorry I haven't posted, things became hectic around my household. Lady is doing wonderful. She is healing beautiful without infection. She had her first meal and first shed last week. After a month of shots, she perked up an then her appetite did as well. I have followed the Vets. instructions very carefully and the warmer temps for her tank really helped her healing process. I have experimented with many of the foods suggested on here, but she ended up choosing feeder fish in a bowl. She goes nuts with them in her bowl. Even when she is not eating them, she will jump in her bowl and chase them around for fun. Its fun to watch her personality grow. She is still blind in one eye, and when I reach out to handle her I learned to show her my hand on the side of her good eye. She does not like the surprise of not being able to see things. I will post some pics of her later today.

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks for the update. Glad to hear things are going well.
Just curious, what fish are you feeding?
Here's a link to the care sheet.
Garter Snake Care Sheet - Caresheets (http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets/index.php?title=Garter_Snake_Care_Sheet)

[katach]

Thanks for the update!! I was wondering how she was doing. Can't wait for the pictures!

[infernalis]

I will post some pics of her later today.

Look forward to it.

[i_heart_sneakie_snakes]

I'm so happy to hear she is healing and getting stronger. I bet she looks great :)