rescued a Garter snake, need some advice!!

[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
IMG_2044.jpg
IMG_2050.jpgher bad side

IMG_2045.jpgher good side
IMG_2046.jpgNo 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!!!