snake bitten by rat.

[sjsimple]

OK heres the deal. My red tail boa just got bit by this rat while constricting it. The #$%^&#$%^&#$%^&#$%^& rat bit him just enough to draw blood with an about a inch rip through his skin. I'm a neebie in need of help. Thanks for reading. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_mad.gif[/img]
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[RevMojo]

First things first...clean the wound...probably wouldnt hurt to put a small bit of painkiller free neosporin on the wound.

second...switch to pre-killed prey (unless this was one of those bizarre "dead rat bit my snake" things). Frozen/Thawed (FT) is best. There are tips on how to do this in the caresheets section, I believe.

Is the wound an inch deep or an inch long?

Finally, welcome to RTB.
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[sjsimple]

Apparently its just a bite. But the skin did open up to an inch long. I heard you can put peroxide. Would that be a good idea?? [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif[/img] Would that be a good idea to first clean with.. then the neosporin?
[addsig]

Allright.. First cleanse the wound area with something such as NOVALSAN.. but ya prolly don't have any of that stuff on hand at all....SOOO Use some Hydrogen Peroxide and just gently swipe the area with it using a q-tip. Apply some antibacterial ointment such as Neosporin [ MAke sure that you do NOT use any type that has the pain reliever in it also btw]. Do this at least 2 times per day also.

Also place the snake on a substrate such as paper towels or newspaper and change this daily too. Do NOT let the cage get dirty at all..must keep it clean while that bite is healing up in order to avoid infection.

If it starts to pus or ooze .. you really need to take the snake to a vet for help from them and most likely antibiotics also.

In future.. Do not feed live [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_cool.gif[/img]

Take note that since your snake was bitten by it's feed.. Ya may have some trouble getting the snake to feed herein also. Such happens with a snake that has been bitten while feeding a lot.
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[sjsimple]

I appreciate a lot.. cool, so imma head to Walgreens right now and get the stuff needed. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] .. This is such a great website. THANKS to all.. much appreciated. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
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