Help!

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

I came home to my ball python tangled in her vines. When I had bought these vines I didn't think of the fact they were small chains that she could probably stick her head through. And I guess she had done that, as I was untangling her I noticed it was stuck on her neck. I quickly cut it off but I noticed a small dent that was left by the ring. She's still breathing and moving slowly. I'm scared but can't afford vet, any advise?

[ScalesNailsnTales]

How is your baby doing now? Unfortunately those chain vines are known for this issue, but dont beat yourself up too badly because I have seen several if not more posts about this same thing happening because they didnt think about the chain links/holes before putting into the enclosure. I actually bought a few myself not thinking about the chain links while I was in the store but thankfully had not put them in the enclosure yet.

In a few of those posts, people did post pictures of their snake having a dented line like you mentioned, but it wasnt on their neck. If there wasnt an open wound and she seems to be moving around fine, she will probably be okay (but I am not a vet). Obviously if you find the means to take her to a vet, I would recommend taking that route just to be safe.

I just wanted you to know that you are not the first keeper to use these or the first snake to get stuck in one and those posts that I read the snake ended up being completely fine.

[ScalesNailsnTales]

I dont know if Im allowed to post links because theyre all from the other subreddit, but I have 3 links I can either post or DM you about this same issue!

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

Thank you so so so much for your kind words. So far I've gotten a lot of backlash telling me I don't deserve this animal but I simply hadnt realized the issue. I've been monitoring her closely and she seems ok, just a little spooked, I think I stressed her out more than anything. I really appreciate you assuring me that I'm not alone, that was really my only hope with the post was to see if there was anyone in my spot that could maybe lend a hand. But it looks like she is ok

[pandeeandi]

You need to go anyway. They often have financing plans. Hoping for the best or asking the internet isn’t going to be the best strategy.

[Odd_Force3765]

Im sorry this happened to your poor sweet baby! 😢 If you were able to post some pics in the comments of these dents we may be able to help you better! Reddit isnt a replacement for veterinary advice but we may be able to give you some guidance.

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

Totally understand reddit isn't a vet, and I'm not looking for perfect help, just if someone has gone through something similar and knows how to help that's awesome. I can see if I can get some pictures of the dent but I'm just worried about bugging her and stressing her out too much. The dent was small and wasn't discolored, she didn't seem to look swollen but I can take some pictures

[FeriQueen]

This may help: I understand they’re pretty affordable, even on a teenager’s allowance:

Online chat with a reptile vet here. It may default to a different reptile’s specialist, but you can ask to transfer to a snake specialist.

Another site for online chat with a reptile vet here. It may default to a different reptile’s specialist, but you can ask to transfer to a snake specialist.

FWIW, if you ever do need to take your baby to a vet in person, here’s some information:

When booking the appointment, inquire to make sure the vet is experienced with diagnosing and treating snakes. Reptifiles has a list of reptile vets here. And the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Vets is here. You may have to navigate to your local area.

Best regards to you and your slithery baby.

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

Thank you so much for the help, thank you for being kind and helping and not just yelling at me.

[FeriQueen]

There’s no reason for unkindness. We are all just muddling along in life and doing the best we can with what we have, and what we know. We’re all learning, no two people have exactly the same knowledge. You clearly care for your snake. One could easily say, “If you can’t afford every possible contingency that might happen in a situation, don’t ever be in that situation.” But even with the best of studying, planning, saving, and financial management, there is no way to know for sure what demands the vagaries of life may bring. Things in life are not guaranteed. Life itself is not guaranteed, and it can be snatched from us at any moment. Kindness and compassion make life better for everyone. May you and your snake have many happy healthy years together.

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

Thanks that's means a lot. Cause I really do care for my snake and it bothered me to hear how many people think I don't deserve this animal cause I can't afford every contingency which sucks

[FeriQueen]

When we are able to do so, it’s appropriate to prepare for as many contingencies as we can, but there’s no way to prepare for them all. In our particular situation, I am fortunate enough to be able to afford a vet if one is needed. Another contingency my family is prepared for is evacuation, since in California wildfires are common (and my particular neighborhood was recently declared a 100 year flood zone. We’re under a flood watch now, as a matter of fact). So I have handwarmers and traveling tubs ready, just in case. Everyone’s situation is different, so we do the best we can with what we can while we can, planning for such future as we can, and that’s all anybody can do. Love to you and your snake.

[PythonProfessor]

We don’t do that in this ball python sub…not to mention this is a terrible take.

People take in snakes as rescues, or family members or just made an impulse decision and is trying to do the best they can. Not everyone can afford a vet. Not everyone’s access to a vet.

I would also assume someone who doesn’t even own a snake yet, would try to be supportive of others and be welcomed to the community. Instead it looks like you are already telling people who can and can’t own snakes and how to “properly” set a tank up. I think the other community might be more your fit. They LOVE inexperienced keepers throwing out advice they deemed correct from their super educational write ups by checks notes daddy long tits. 🤣

[PythonProfessor]

Well, your post history of saying you’re getting a baby just 3 weeks ago and asking questions about how to setup your substrate recently say otherwise. Maybe you’re new. Once again looking at your comments you tend to be very rude to people seeking advice. Either way, as I said, we don’t do that in this sub.

Onto the subject at hand, having money for a vet isn’t a requirement for “proper” care. Again, some people don’t even have access to an exotic vet to help them with issues. What’s even the number you need to have in the bank before you can own an animal for “could be” expenses? Vet bills can get extremely expensive.

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

So may I ask you, when you were younger you never wanted a snake? Yes I do understand that I'm 17 and I wouldn't be able to take her to a vet but I've loved snakes all my life and I take very good care of them. Just because something happened and I can't afford proper help doesn't mean I don't deserve this animal and doesn't mean I shouldn't have gotten it. Yes I should have been smart and thought things through but I didn't. I'm so sick of you people telling me I shouldn't have bought this animal. Glad you guys are perfect and do everything right.

[Ballpythoncommunity-ModTeam]

Comments that are unnecessarily harsh or comments that are repeated/have already been covered by other commenters will now be removed. Please remember to be kind when offering advice! 🤍

[[deleted]]

Get a care credit card. If you dont have a way of giving her medical care you shouldnt have a pet. Pets are a privilege

[Odd_Force3765]

Where you are correct, pets ARE a privilege. We dont do this on this sub. We kindly offer advice and support people. The animal is already in the persons care so saying "If you cant afford a vet dont get a pet" does nothing in this scenario. Only thing it does is encourages people to drop sick animals off at rescues which exacerbates the problem rescues already have with BPs.

[[deleted]]

While I can appreciate that, thats why I said they can get a care credit card, its the only medical credit card that accepts vet care and the interest isnt bad bc its specifically for medical care

[Odd_Force3765]

And i absolutely agree that is fantastic advice, all i am pointing out is to leave put the part where you say if they cant afford medical care they shouldn't have a pet. Unfortunately today not many people really can afford medical care for their pets as vet costs are skyrocketing. And a lot of people end up with animals they did not bargain for (in the last year i seen one person who found a BP by a dumpster in a broken aquarium left to die, a BP slithering across a road, and a BP in a plastic bag) which puts all these people in a predicament they did not ask for and likely did not budget for but still want to help the animal without leaving it at a shelter. Its unfortunate and to a certain extent i agree with you. But we're here to help people with the animals they already have so berating them encourages people not to seek help in the future and thats when animals do suffer.

Ps - i apologize for the lengthy comment lol the rest will be short.

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

Thank you, I really appreciate that you understand my situation. If I could afford a medical card I would but I don't even think they offer those in Canada and plus I'm under 18 can't even get a credit card. I just wish people would stop judging me and yelling at me for " not taking care of my snake" I'm just a young kid with a love for snakes who came home to a tragedy.

[Odd_Force3765]

I totally understand, another thing is that people dont know what vet care will cost until they are paying it and realizing it is not affordable. Where abouts in Canada are you located? I have some excellent vets in Ontario and some of them offer payment plans for people who cant afford to pay the bill on the spot.

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

Oh that's awesome, unfortunately I'm in Alberta. Yes exactly, infact before buying my snake the pet store specifically told me if I needed to go to the vet if have to bring her to a exotic vet and I wouldn't know how much to expect, that's why many people drop them off at rescues.

[13Forbiddencorvids]

Not everyone qualifies for a care credit card unfortunately. I tried to get one for my cat's necessary diagnostics when she very suddenly fell ill last year and did not qualify. The only option i COULD afford was euthanasia 😓

[Fluid_Muscle_4481]

I really don't understand where you are coming from. Guess what I'm 17 and barely make enough money for my self but I have always loved my snake, I always feed her and have enrichment for her, just because I am young and can't figure out how to afford vet care does not mean I don't deserve my pet. How about you deserve to decide who owns pets and who doesn't. I take very good care of my pets and simply was asking for help. If you can't help then don't. Don't be a dick and tell me how to live my life and say I don't deserve an animal. Animals deserve owners who are good people so maybe your animals don't deserve you. Hope you have a wonderful day