My pet snake is losing his scales and a pink rash is on him. What do I do? Is he gonna be ok? He rolled around in antifreeze. Does this affect snakes? He is an albino cobra.
2007-05-12 19:45:24 · 11 answers · asked by Jack 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Antifreeze if a very potent nerve toxin, if the snake has been exposed to antifreeze it is going to die. Once it is in the blood stream there is nothing that can be done with it.
Recommend you see a vet asap as it is a long and pain full death.
2007-05-13 02:26:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ball Pythons are GREAT snakes. I got one when I was 10. I named her Matika and she was my first snake. I'm gonna be 25 in a couple of weeks and I just lost her to a nasty RI last month. She was my best friend. I would recommend balls all the way. Also, a previous poster is right about rats being very expensive after a while. So I started feeding Matika 2 mice at a time. Most pet stores have a frequent rodent buyer program so I got a mouse free after every 10 I bought. If you don't want a ball, another snake to consider is a Garter Snake. My 4 year old son has one and he is the EASIEST snake I've ever cared for. He eats minnows. You can go to a bait store and buy a bunch. Keep them in a bowl and give him a few whenever he acts hungry. So easy! And well tempered too! Hope this helps! You're gonna LoVE being a snake owner!
2016-04-01 09:01:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This question has me puzzled on a few factors. First, if your snake is "losing scales and has a pink rash", then yes, the signs could point to exposure to an irritant. It could also point to lack of high maintenence conditions that all Naja species and Rinkhals species require. If you have way too high a humidity, and have bad husbandry skills, then the snake could literally "rot".
It could also be fungal/viral based, and would need blood/fecal/skin samples to determine. But, you say "he rolled AROUND in antifreeze. MAIN CONCERN: How, and why could this happen? 1) "Pet snake" - A cobra DOES NOT comply with the word PET, so therefore I have my reservations. 2) If it IS indeed a Cobra species, then again, WHY or HOW did it come to encounter antifreeze? Why was it out of the enclosure? Why (if you did have the snake out), did you let it be in an area that had spilt chemicals. It then points to factors of you were NOT in full control of a venomous reptile - If you hold a DWA (if in UK), then you should have passed many stringent checks: first that you had secure holding, your skills were up to standard and that you or the animal would not pose a threat or danger to the general public. Therefore, to doubt your handling skills or common sense on this would take too much space.
Usually (99.99% of ALL snake species) will avoid anything chemical, based on strong odours. Antifreeze is most commonly ethylene or propylene glycol. It could also be methanol with a few % of corrosion inhibitor such as phosphates (depends which part of the world you are in).
All I can suggest, (assuming it IS indeed a Cobra), is to prepare a bucket (with secure lid) with a solution of warm salt water. About 4" of water to allow the snake to soak. Repeat this on a daily basis. If you can secure the head and first 2 foot of the body (ideally headfirst in a clear tube), then it may be possible to apply a Sudocreme or similar to the affected area. Preferably, a Veterinarian based treatment. This may relieve some of the irritant.
You should have a list of all Vet's in the area that deal with DWA or could forward you to one. It pays to at least have 'phone numbers of people that you could consult with.
My guess, is that if the "burning" has not caused any exterior tissue damage (other than scales and rash), then it may take the next 4 or 5 (or more) sheddings to fully recover. To view as a worste case scenario, the snake could succumb to internal trauma in the lungs, kidneys or liver with such a stong exposure to a chemical.
Finially, being an Albino should not make the skin any less deficient in resistance to everyday life. That should also apply to exposure to chemicals.
2007-05-13 05:35:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Snakes do not "roll around" in anything, and I seriously doubt that this is a legitimate post. Also, cobras aren't "pets"-there are many people who keep them, but not to handle as you can a boa or a Cornsnake, for obvious reasons. People who DO keep venomous snakes do NOT allow them to just roam around, like you can a dog or cat, so there'd be no chance of the snake being able to get into antifreeze in the first place. Again, this post reeks of "troll" to me.
2007-05-13 12:04:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know anything about snakes, but i do know that anti freeze is poison !
Suggest you seek advice from a reptile centre or local zoo, as i expect most vets dont cover cobra's ( if they have any sense that is !)
2007-05-12 19:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by Frank 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello..where are you that a COBRA is legal to have as a pet, only people who milk snakes for antivenom are allowed poisionous snakes..and how did he get to anti freeze, tho poisionous to him, he is more poisionous to you & everyone around you !!
2007-05-13 06:26:59 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know much about snakes.
But the safest thing is going to a vet that actually specializes in snakes.
Or go call Pet Stores for Reptiles and they should have answers and solutions.
2007-05-12 20:00:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take him to a vet. Even if its nothing serious wrong with him,you'll be on the safe side.
2007-05-13 11:57:30 · answer #8 · answered by Cassie1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He wont freeze in the winter but take the poor thing to the vet
2007-05-12 20:04:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get him to a herp vet right away, that stuff could be killing him.
2007-05-13 02:39:47 · answer #10 · answered by Unicornrider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋