Abscess?

[anji1971]

I called the herp vet that was recommended by the exotic pet store, and they said it's $63.00 for an exam. That's not including any meds he might need. I really hope I can help this go away without a vet...........it's a little less swollen today, but I still get a fair amount of crud out when I drain it.

[adamanteus]

I sometimes wonder where they get their prices from.... think of a number...now double it!

We need a vet to join our forum!

[anji1971]

I'm seriously thinking of dipping his slugs in penicillin powder and taking my chances.

Actually, I'm a little worried because the area right above his vent(about 2cm long ) is looking rather wrinkly and 'deflated'. I haven't been squeezing him there, so I don't know what that's all about.
And the damned snake won't go anywhere near the damp hide I've made him........so much for moisture and warmth. How do you convince a snake to go where you want him to???

[adamanteus]

I'm seriously thinking of dipping his slugs in penicillin powder and taking my chances.

I've done that in the past....sometimes it works.
I don't know what it is with some animals, they just seem determined to self destruct. Just keep a close eye on him, do what you think is best, confer with us and keep your fingers crossed! Cleanliness is SO important right now.

[anji1971]

You know, I'm really hoping this guy is one who'll fight. He's still really active, and I'm sure if I did feed him he'd scarf down everything in sight. It doesn't seem like he's letting any of this get him down. So I may just try the antibiotic thing, and keep hoping.
I don't really know what else to do. Sadly, I'm not in a position to spend a couple hundred dollars on him, as much as I love the little critter.

[adamanteus]

Anji, just try it. I know that vet prices can be impossible to meet when you live in 'the real world'. And let's be honest... a lot of vets have less idea about snake remedies than we do!

[anji1971]

That's the other concern.
If I spend the money, can the vet really guarantee he'll fix him?
Not likely.

[drache]

I've tried to get my old vet to check out this forum, since he's really into garters, but the guy doesn't spend enough time on the internet to check his email regularly

keeping my fingers crossed for your little guy
if you have access to Nolvasan, you could add some to his soak water

[Zephyr]

My advice as a vet in training is not to offer him ANY food, medicated or not. I believed it's around 90-95% of the snake's immune system is in it's gut, and when you add food it takes the body's focus off the infection and onto digestion. But just make sure everything's sterile as possible, maybe even change the toweling every day if he's calm enough.

[charles parenteau]

Sadly I have to say that my beautiful flame female died from a similar infection many of my friend garter died the same 2 sanfrancisco died with huge cloaca infection...