Trauma

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BURNS:  Snakes commonly sustain serious burns when they contact

unprotected or malfunctioning heat lamps or other heat sources

(including hot rocks).  Interestingly, snakes tend not to move

away from the heat source inflicting the injury.  This makes the

wound considerably more serious.  Medical treatment (including

injectable antibiotics and periodic wound dressings) is required

in these cases.  Surgery may be necessary to minimize the

disfiguring effects of such injuries.  These injuries are easily

avoidable.  Periodically check all heating appliances to make

certain they are functioning properly and that they are snake

proof.



RAT/MOUSE ATTACK:  Sometimes a live mouse or rat turns the tables

on a snake and injures the snake while fighting for its life (the

"dinner" becomes the "diner").  Veterinary attention should be

sought for serious bite wounds.



ROSTRAL ABRASIONS:  One of the unfortunate consequences of

captivity is injury to the captive animal from repeated attempts

to escape.  Snakes tend to push and rub their noses against the

walls of their enclosure as they move about in search of a means

to escape.  This constant trauma initially damages the scales and

skin of the nose (rostrum).  If the trauma continues, deep

ulceration of the rostrum with subsequent deformity may result.

Rostral abrasions are equally likely with enclosures made of

glass or wire mesh.  Prevention of this problem is difficult,

but adequate visual security (hiding places) and other additions

to the enclosure (artificial plants, branches, etc.) help

minimize it.  Furthermore, a visual barrier of dark paint or

plastic film placed on or along the lower 3-4 inches of the

enclosure's walls often inhibits pacing and rubbing.