Rheumatoid arthritis in a young one

[Snake lover 3-25]

oo poor little guy...... i hope he continues to do well for you. he is in the best home he could ever have i'm glad he was born with a guy like you there to help him survive

[guidofatherof5]

Thank you, Shanley for your kind words. I really enjoy having him with us. I found him under a railroad tie. When I first saw him I thought he had been injured. After a closer look I could see he had some kind of spinal defect. I knew he wouldn't last very long in the wild so he became part of our family. Everyone here really enjoys having him around. He brings a smile to everyone. He's a real go-get-her. I use corn cob bedding and it makes it very easy for him to get around. Holding him is a different experience. He feels so weird. I don't handle him much for fear I will cause an injury.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's a couple more of our boy, Krinkleback. After he ate his worm I set him down on the deck. He had trouble moving 6 inches. He would be long dead if he were outside on his own. Since he's in an enclosure with corn cob bedding he can easily get around. I'm seeing more of a trist in his lower half. I don't think he's in any pain. At least I hope he isn't. I see no signs of distress or pain responses. I do think his conditions is worsening. I think growing is is own worst enemy. Nevertheless, he's with us until the end.

[drache]

that looks so uncomfortable - poor little guy

[guidofatherof5]

that looks so uncomfortable - poor little guy

He seem normal in ever other way. Eating, shedding, pooping. He's as aggressive os the others and holds his own.

[Stefan-A]

Nevertheless, he's with us until the end.

You would probably have guessed it, but in this household, the end would already have come.

[guidofatherof5]

You would probably have guessed it, but in this household, the end would already have come.

I understand your position.
I've concidered it but lean more towards my anthropomorphism side.
I'm getting too much out of the little guy to end his life.
Be assured there will be no breeding done by this little man.

[guidofatherof5]

Took my man out for a bath, today. He doesn't seem to interested in water, other than drinking it. He seems to love the warm water. As long as I support him he's fine. Letting him go to swim on his own is a different story. I don't think he's able to swim and he knows it. I'm able to scrub him down without any objections. Took a couple of photos that show the extent on his disability. No straight lines anywhere. He's one broken little snake. I don't care and the rest of the family agrees. He stays with us.
My kids had some friends over today and I took this guy out. I could see they were concerned about him and felt sorry for him. When I told them of his disability and how it doesn't slow him down. I could see they understood how it translated to their lives. A little broken snake teaching humans something, Very Cool!

[Zephyr]

What a trooper.

[Snake lover 3-25]

glad he's still doing well