Help with my Reticulated Python's wound

[marvindu]

Help with my snake's wound

Hi guys, I need some help with my snake. We caught it a couple of weeks ago but I just gave it a close inspection tonight because it was a bit aggressive at first. I noticed it had an open wound already with some maggots moving around. I guess the wound must have been there before we caught the snake. I immediately poured some betadine (iodine solution) to disinfect it. I managed to remove the maggots - I believe I got most if not all of them. I'm not an experienced snake keeper so I was wondering if there is something else I should be doing. I just want it to heal properly. It's around 3.5 ft long. Here are some pics:

Pic of the snake...

Close up pics of the wound - I don't know what caused the wound...

Me pouring in some Betadine (iodine solution)...

 

[Archnophil]

Looks like a bite wound to me.

And first of all let me stress that retics are NOT begginer snakes so if you are as inexperienced as you say this may be something bettter suited to a local herp sanctuary.

Aside from that take it in to see the vet, they willl know best what o do about this little guy.

 

[marvindu]

I was just informed that this is not a reticulated python as I was previously told. It's been identified as a boiga. I just researched a bit on this snake and I feel stupid for handling them with my bare hands -- after finding out they are slightly venomous. Hehehe.

Arachnophil -- I live in the Philippines. I have not heard of a qualified reptile vet near where I live. Neither have I seen a well maintained wildlife park near my town. I guess it is better off if I care for it awhile and just let it go when it heals. I do wish we had some of the facilities many of you have, I do like to have better knowledge on these creatures.

 

[MysticKigh]

http://www.boiga.co.uk/husbandry.htm

just a link I thought might be helpful for the interim of his stay with you

 

[marvindu]

Thanks for the link. That was really helpful.

 

[Elapid]

imo, if you caught it wild, let it go. maggots will only eat decaying flesh and are very good at cleaning wounds. they will not touch the live tissue. cool, huh.

anyway, go catch one that's healthy.
and before you catch any snake, make *certain* you know exactly what it is. picking up an unknown snake can be lethal.

 

[Beardo]

Learn to ID snakes before you pick them up. Especially snakes native to your area. That doesn't look anything even remotely close to a Reticulated Python. Thats like somebody buying a Rose-Hair and saying "Look at the P. regalis I just bought!"

 

[marvindu]

Elapid & DavidBeard: If I hadn't volunteered to care for the snake, the snake would have become somebody else's meal. In this country, once it crosses into human homes, 9 times out of ten it gets killed by scared people or eaten as a delicacy. It is unfortunate but that is how it is here. As I've posted earlier, I've never had a snake before but I've successfully cared for and bred several local monitor lizards and water dragons so caring for reptiles is nothing new. However, I understand my mistake in taking the locals' word when they called it a python. There's a first time for everything. At least I learned my lesson - always ask the experts first. hehe