Tang's in trouble

[DrKate]

I've just found a wild garter snake outside doing just that. It doesn't look wounded, but it is seemingly convulging in pain, twisting in circles around itself, lifting up its head and plopping it to the ground.

Have you gotten any closer look at it yet? Definitely no visible wounds? It is thrashing all the time, or only when you try to handle it?

If there's a herp vet in your area they could give a sedative for temporary relief and maybe figure out what's going on. But that's a lot to invest in a snake you don't know, that may be on its way out anyway. (That said, if they think it's really a dire case then at least they could quickly and humanely euthanize it.) A wildlife rescue/rehab center might also be able to help.

If you have someplace you could keep it (even a rubbermaid box with a secure lid) you could collect it up and keep it somewhere quiet and dim for a while, and see if it gets any better on its own. Left outside in that state it's probably an easy target for a hawk or other predator.

[Sha]

I'm afraid the poor thing passed on earlier today. I contacted a vet who wasn't a snake expert but tried helping me as best as he could, but it was too late, it seems. It may have been injured, but it was twitching all over, so I'm not sure. When I went to check on it later, it had found a nice crevice by my front door and rested...

[guidofatherof5]

Sha,

Sorry to hear about the snakes passing. Thank you for your concern for it and your efforts.

[jamromhem]

I am sorry to hear for your loss I hate hearing about the losses.

[mustang]

sorry sha...thanks for tryn robert@checker and guidofatherof5 ...was the injury site the place where ur vet stitched him earlier

[guidofatherof5]

sorry sha...thanks for tryn robert@checker and guidofatherof5 ...was the injury site the place where ur vet stitched him earlier

Yes.
I think the laceration was the least of the injuries. He took hard shot to the side and abdomen. I don't know how much longer he can stand these muscle spasms, considering the contortions his body goes through. I know I'm having a very difficult time with this injury and hopeful recovery.
The only bright spot is that he may have eaten a pinky tonight. I'm not sure as his buddy could have swiped it when I was in feeding some babies. I could kick myself for walking away. I would feel so much better if I knew he was eating.
He's hanging in there, so should I.

[guidofatherof5]

Tang had his last laser treatment, today. He is not doing any better.
Tonight I took him out and held him. It appears the spasms are the worst below the injury and then continue up the body until he is bent over backwards. That puts him in what I call a death roll as he tries to come out of this.
I've decided to immobilize a 2 inch area on either side of the injury. This way the spasm will push against the splint, keeping his body from bending over backward and hopefully making life a little easier on him. I want the splint to absorb the spasm rather than his body. I know that this will not stop the spasms but it will keep him from injuring himself any further by the terrible bends and contortions he goes through. I hope it also keeps his GI track and other organs in a more natural position.

This was a 3 person job. I'm glad I have a lot of kids. I first wrapped the area in gauze. Then I took a 4 inch piece of clear plastic tube and split it making it easier to get on and off. After applying the tube, I wrapped the area in hurt-free flexible wrap. This wrap is the kind that sticks to itself but not skin.
He's had this on for an hour and no contortions or death rolls. I hope I'm doing some good for this little guy.



It looks pretty crude but it will serve its purpose until tomorrow when I can streamline the whole process. Making it easier for him to get around.

[DrKate]

I've decided to immobilize a 2 inch area on either side of the injury. This way the spasm will push against the splint, keeping his body from bending over backward and hopefully making life a little easier on him.

What a great idea... very resourceful! Glad to hear it's working - even being partially wrapped in foreign material, it *has* to be more comfortable for him than the full-body contortions.

[jamromhem]

very resourceful, while less than cosmetic I am sure you might be on to something should you be able to make the brace for functional.

[Zephyr]

Simply amazing. I hope he does well. Knowing you Steve, I'm sure he will.