Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum, and unfortunately am here because I have found what looks like a seriously injured garter. I found him 1 week ago, and he looked like he had been injured by a cat. His tail was chewed off below his cloaca, and he had several swollen scabs in the middle of his body. I gave him water and he drank A LOT. Since he already had scabs, I didn't clean the wounds (which now I'm thinking I should have removed the scabs and cleaned them out since this was most likely a cat bite). Put him on newsprint strips with a hidey long and a water dish. A week later, he is still alive, but now his sores are open and DEEP. They are about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way down his body, and seeping a bit. I can't tell if its through the snakes gut or any important organs, or if it could be a draining abcess? I'm using antibiotic ointment in the wounds now, and he still seems to be able to move his body below the wound, and he still seems pretty perky. Hasn't eaten worms or minnows. My question is..how long do I let him suffer? I can't imagine this is painless. Has anyone rehabilited a snake with this type of wound? Should I euthanize it? If so, should I decapitate it or is there a better way? Sorry for such a long post. I hope some kind sould can help us out.