Question for john z or aquaherp - experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by pictigaster1 on July 21, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
My male slender hognose viper bit one of my females in the head the side of the head is very swollen Look to be in the inner ear.What do I do.

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by Cro on July 21, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Archie, About the only thing you can do is wait it out. Many snakes have a remarkable ability to survive a bite like that, although it could take a week or even two for the swelling to go down. Other than that, just keep the snake warm and hydrated, and make sure it has a good place to hide and feel secure. I think some of the more dangerous snake on snake bites are those to mid body, where a fang can pierce a lung, liver, heart, and cause stab wound danger. Hopefully, the snake will recover. Best Regards John Z

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by pictigaster1 on July 21, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Thanks John.

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by jparker1167 on July 21, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
my male copperhead bit my female on the head once, but she was ok and the swelling went down

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by Agkistrodoncomplex on July 21, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I had a friend loose a copper to another copper last week, the cage mate bit him mid-body and it ended up killing the snake, the snake just fell apart when they went to get it out, shame.

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by AquaHerp on July 22, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Porthidium and the Vipera seem to be notorious for whacking their tankmates. Oddly enough, snakes seem to take a head shot better than a flank. That thick skull deflects most of the mechanical damage and leaves just some superficial swelling. I always try to separate when feeding and before replacing them I might move the one in the tank so they are not set up in a "this is my space" mode when the other comes back. Periods of spraying or other agitation are times to watch too. (I know that you know this and it wasn't the initial question, just throwing it out for the general audience) All in all, I'm thinking the snake should recover no worse for wear. Good luck! DH

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by pictigaster1 on July 25, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
She is doing much better and swelling is half today than it was.Thanks John thanks Doug.The only reason they were togather is for breeding I fed seperate.But when I placed her back in the cage the male wacked her in the head in a feeding response ,my fault.Three of my females have been bred so far and I think I will stop there.After all I am going to have hell giveing the babies to good homes ,I will keep most any way .I wish people thought more of these awesome little pitvipers.I absolutely love them.

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by AquaHerp on July 25, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
You're welcome. They are neat little snappers. Have fun with those babies. I have about 100+ to kick in feeding on. I don't see any issues though...except these little wagleri...stubborn little dudes. DH

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by Cro on July 26, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Archie, Great to hear the she is doing better,and the the swelling is going down. Best Regards John Z

RE: Question for john z or aquaherp	Reply
by pictigaster1 on July 31, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
All the swelling is gone and she ate two hoppers today.I wonder why some snakes are so tuff and others are as fragile as glass.I just hope her babies develope normally she is gravid.

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