Tang's in trouble

[Sha]

I've just found a wild garter snake outside doing just that. It doesn't look wounded, but it is seemingly convulging in pain, twisting in circles around itself, lifting up its head and plopping it to the ground.

So, I googled it, and here's the first (and only thing) that seems to match. I'm hoping there's something I can do help it. Any information would help, although it's sad to think that it's simply reaching the end of its life.

[adamanteus]

I've just found a wild garter snake outside doing just that. It doesn't look wounded, but it is seemingly convulging in pain, twisting in circles around itself, lifting up its head and plopping it to the ground.

So, I googled it, and here's the first (and only thing) that seems to match. I'm hoping there's something I can do help it. Any information would help, although it's sad to think that it's simply reaching the end of its life.

Hi Erin, and welcome to the forum.
I hope your post doesn't get lost in the middle of this thread.... perhaps you could start a whole new thread? So people don't miss your post.
How's the snake you found doing?

[guidofatherof5]

I've just found a wild garter snake outside doing just that. It doesn't look wounded, but it is seemingly convulging in pain, twisting in circles around itself, lifting up its head and plopping it to the ground.

So, I googled it, and here's the first (and only thing) that seems to match. I'm hoping there's something I can do help it. Any information would help, although it's sad to think that it's simply reaching the end of its life.

Nice to have you with us, Erin.

Tang's current situation are related to his injury and recovery. My Vet. stated that his twitches and muscle contractions are generated at the injury site and not from the brain like some illnesses they can get. That is why he is alert and aware of what's going on. I wish you the best of luck with your snake and thank you for taking an interest in its life.

[DrKate]

I've just found a wild garter snake outside doing just that. It doesn't look wounded, but it is seemingly convulging in pain, twisting in circles around itself, lifting up its head and plopping it to the ground.

Have you gotten any closer look at it yet? Definitely no visible wounds? It is thrashing all the time, or only when you try to handle it?

If there's a herp vet in your area they could give a sedative for temporary relief and maybe figure out what's going on. But that's a lot to invest in a snake you don't know, that may be on its way out anyway. (That said, if they think it's really a dire case then at least they could quickly and humanely euthanize it.) A wildlife rescue/rehab center might also be able to help.

If you have someplace you could keep it (even a rubbermaid box with a secure lid) you could collect it up and keep it somewhere quiet and dim for a while, and see if it gets any better on its own. Left outside in that state it's probably an easy target for a hawk or other predator.