Dog bit wild garter

[ConcinusMan]

forgot to add that she is also soo amusing to watch, especially after some new stuff added to her enclosure today.

There you have it folks. I've been saying it all along. Those "python folks" out there that pay huge sums of currency for some new BP morph and insist that garter snakes are just "beginner snakes" or "garbage snakes" really don't know what they are missing!

If you're content with an undoubtedly beautiful and large snake that sits there, then maybe big snakes are for you.

If you see value and entertainment, along with beauty, and can appreciate an active and intelligent reptile, the garters are it. No need to look any further.

[snakehill]

I am someone that has had all those "other" snakes and I absolutely agree!!!!!

[dieselbaby]

Garters are awesome little snakes. I just wish this one would quit trying to bite me. I love the ones i have been seeing with the pretty blue colors on them, the puget sound garters i think they are called. If i do decide to get another that is the garter i want. For now this girl will keep me busy.

I found a way to use her rolling to help wash and get her ointment on her instead of work against me she rolls against the clothes i used to wash her wounds out, then i apply the vetericyn spray, let her dry, and then use a papertowel with some polysporin on it, and let her roll while i cup it around her firmly but gently and VOILA she applies it herself.

[katach]

Way to go!

[ConcinusMan]

Of course I'm sure I don't have to remind you to apply sparingly. You don't want it getting into the mouth or nose area.

I does sound like the wounds are very minor. I think if you just keep the enclosure clean and let the wounds heal on their own without neosporin it would be better. I would stop the neosporin after 7 days or even right now if the wounds are very minor.

[dieselbaby]

as she rolls it wipes off so she ends up with a nice even light coating, her bedding doesnt even stick to it. The way i was trying to do it before i would end up with a glob on her side.. its only been a few days, and i think one of the punctures is pretty deep. I would hate for her to get infection. Shouldn't i go the full 7 days?

The wounds are down her body away from her head, so she doesnt get any near her face.

[dieselbaby]

another question, how long before i should offer her more food? It was suggested i let her fast for awhile, how long should i do this?

[ConcinusMan]

Just weigh down those overhanging edges with bricks or rocks, or something very heavy so there's no gaps and you'll probably be OK.

And, neosporin will not help a deep or puncture wound into which bacteria has already been introduced, presumably by the teeth of the dog. It would only keep out oxygen and encourage infection. Fortunately, dogs have much cleaner mouths than humans, when it comes to harmful microbes to cause infection.

Best to just support the snakes own immune system in the case of deep wounds. That means keeping the snake warm and hydrated. For large "cavity" type wounds, keeping it flushed with saline several times a day helps.

Snakes are highly resistant to infections from skin wounds like this. I think she'll be fine. Just don't continue the neosprorin for longer than a week. It's not necessary. Personally, I just apply iodine (povidone iodine for wounds) when it first happens, then neosporin for just a couple of days. After that, it tends to heal quickly on it's own.

[guidofatherof5]

Looks like a great set-up.

[dieselbaby]

LOL sure just when i get a system that works for applying the ointment i dont need it... just my luck.. I do spray the wounds twice daily with vetericyn, it gets right down in there its water with some other stuff in it.. I dont totally understand how it works but i use it on all my critters and its safe for eyes, nose, mouth, etc. It heals wounds quickly and with little scaring.

Anyhow, if its best i will stop the polysporin since its a pain anyhow, but i will feel better at least using the vetericyn still. for any of you who are wondering what i am talking about this is the vetericyn site Vetericyn One-step wound and infection treatment that works naturally with your animal?s immune system

I want to see if she even likes climbing before i make adjustments, if its to be permanent i will make sure everything is very very solid, and joined together or weighted down. she doesnt seem interested at the moment she is enjoying basking under the light.

she does seem to like her new pool though..which is good. darn things cost enough.