Treatment for cut on ball python

[Jacquesvw]

Today our Ball Python was badly cut when he managed to squeeze himself in between the glass coils of a florescent UVB light. The light popped and he cut himself on the back muscle.

We called every single vet in the surrounding area, but not one is even remotely interested in helping and all it needs are a couple of stitches. The cut is only in muscle and there was very little bleeding.



I will have to doctor it myself and would like any advice, but here is what I've done so far.

I used sterile SABAX water to flush out the wound and used surgical tape to close it quite nicely.



I also used Vet Flex to wrap around it body since it can easily be removed and will prevent him from rubbing the plasters off.



I sterilised a holding container using hot water, but my main worry is still infection. Is there any antibiotics one can use?

[brentraf]

Hi Jacques,

Sorry I can't really help but I hope your BP gets better that really sucks though. Please keep us posted!

Brent

[Jacquesvw]

Hi Jacques,

Sorry I can't really help but I hope your BP gets better that really sucks though. Please keep us posted!

Brent

Thanks Brent, I'm confident that if there is no infection or stress related issues the injury will heal. I've seen reptiles with worse injuries survive in the wild. I'm staying positive.

I have it in a small container to prevent allot of movement. Luckily the snake was in excellent condition before the injury and that will help the recovery process since I'm not sure when we will be able to feed it again.

[Westley Price]

I'm not vet, but I want to congratulate you on a job well done.

I would suggest keeping the wound closed as it is now to start healing and not tampering with it trying to get antibiotic ointment inside.

Having said that, I do think antibiotics are a good idea considering the size and depth of the wound. A course of Baytril injections might be a good idea, but please do not go on my word, rather consult a pro.

Maybe see if you can send a vet some pictures via e-mail and at least get some decent advise that way.

Good luck! I am sure she'll heal 100%

[Jacquesvw]

Thanks for the reply westley. I agree and we are looking for a vet online as I type this. I also saw a YouTube video where the guy recommended Baytril, so I'm going to look more into that as well.

[chris w]

A friend of mine is a vet with quit a bit of experience with reptiles and I should see him in an hours time, I will show him the pics and let you know what he has to say.

[LAMB Pythons]

When we got our rescued Ball python, the Vet gave us an Iodine solution (1 part iodine to 10 parts water for topical treatment) to use on her wounds. Not sure if it can be used on cuts like these.
The cut needs to be cleaned twice a day though.

[Cytotoxin]

Hi Jacques.

Hate seeing animals hurt, so I am just going to add my 2 cents here. We have used this on our animals:

Acriflavine Emulsion BPC

It greatly assists in the healing process and is antiseptic. Maybe check that out as well. I really hope the BP will be ok!

[MikeBodd]

Hi Jacques,

Looks like you're on the right track.
Good luck and keep us posted,.

[leopardgecko]

Sorry man, hope it gets better.

[Snakesitter]

Wow, *amazing* job on the home treatment. I agree with the previous posters that a preventative course of injected antibiotics would help. I've used Baytril before, but never in a wound like that. Best of luck to you and your snake.

[MikeBodd]

Morning Jacques,

How is the bp doing?

[Jacquesvw]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll look into all the info you guys have given me.

This morning I removed the Vet-Flex and replaced it with a waterproof post-op plaster as I think it will be much better to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. Also it's very sticky and will not fall off.



I'm still looking for the right antibiotic treatment and will call a couple of vets later today.

[gekosin]

How are you going to remove the sticky plaster from the snake if you need to change the dressing?

[Jacquesvw]

How are you going to remove the sticky plaster from the snake if you need to change the dressing?

If you apply baby oil or even cooking oil on the adhesive parts they will be dissolved and fall off without leaving any stickiness behind.