Brain injury

[Abigail6489]

A couple months ago my roommates went out and caught a wild snake (not sure what kind of snake but has the same size and shape of the garter) he was fast- we called him the flash. About two weeks ago he got out and the cat attacked him. He is slower, suspect brain damage and blindness. He won't eat or drink, but acts like he wants to.
roommate is upset and in an attempt of euthanasia he wants to freeze him. Is there something we can do for this poor snake???? I doubt freezing will be any better than starving, but any response is welcome!!!!

[Stefan-A]

Sorry to hear about the injury. I wish I had something comforting to say, but it may well be that the only thing you can do for the snake, is to euthanize it.

Freezing, however, isn't the best way to do it. Smashing the head is the quickest way to euthanize a snake.

[EasternGirl]

Sorry but I have to disagree with the smashing of the head...it might be quick but I just can't imagine doing it. I think there is a way to drop the body temp in the fridge before putting the snake in the freezer...someone else can expand on this. I'm so sorry this happened. If someone can suggest a way for you to save the snake...I don't know though.

[guidofatherof5]

I have read that some people(and me) are now using CO2.
I buy a chunk of dry ice. I place the ice and the snake in a small cooler. The ice is wrapped in paper and the snake is in a snake bag.
A few hours in the cooler has worked fine.
Freezing has been show to cause pain. I believe there was an article about this in Reptile Magaine at one time.

[Light of Dae]

plastic bag n car exhaust, if you cannot find dry ice. Painless sleepy death.

[guidofatherof5]

plastic bag n car exhaust, if you cannot find dry ice. Painless sleepy death.

Not really. Many caustic chemicals in car exhaust.

[guidofatherof5]

I have read that some people(and me) are now using CO2.
I buy a chunk of dry ice. I place the ice and the snake in a small cooler. The ice is wrapped in paper and the snake is in a snake bag.
A few hours in the cooler has worked fine.
Freezing has been show to cause pain. I believe there was an article about this in Reptile Magazine at one time.

Reptile magazine Dec. 2011 issue, page 14 (Thanks Steve Schmidt for the info.)

[Abigail6489]

Thank you all for your opinions... I didn't imagine freezing would be better than malnutrition .... as far as euthanizing I may just put him in a bag behind my tire. Now to convince the attached roommate. Thank you again.

[Stefan-A]

Reptiles are very tolerant of anoxia. Neither CO2 or CO should be used. Car exhaust has to be one of the least humane ways to euthanize an animal, after vivisection.

[Invisible Snake]

I agree with Stefan, CO2 is not a humane way to euthanize a snake. It has something to do with snakes requiring less oxygen to breathe compared to humans, etc..

Hey if you can, could you post pics of the snake?