Home Remedies

[AngelSnake]

Any home remedies for a mouth abscess?
I can't afford the vet bill plus the $70 for antibiotics for my kingsnake.
Any suggestions?

[Albert Clark]

Well, if it's truly a abcess the only real definitive treatment may be surgery. It may be costly but a herp vet needs to evaluate a abcess. It (abcess) may contain parasites, infectious material or even be a cancer! Surely you can keep it clean and aseptic by flushing with Nolvasan, or a weak diluted betadine solution. The mouth is a sensitive area in snakes and should be evaluated by a professional. Maybe think about borrowing the money from a relative or friend? A small personal loan from a bank?

[chairman]

Call around to other veterinarians to compare prices. My preferred herp vet charges $30 for a visit and $2 per syringe of antibiotics. My emergency vet charges $45 for a visit and $3 per syringe of antibiotics. The fancy exotic vet that the local zoo uses for emergency situations charges in excess of $100 for a visit and $10 or more per syringe of antibiotics.

[prairiepanda]

$70 for antibiotics?? I agree with chairman, you should call around for prices. There's no reason a single run of antibiotics should cost that much.

Surgery, if necessary, could become more costly, but you should be able to get a checkup and antibiotics for under $100. I had a mouth abscess once and I would never ever wish it upon another living thing. It's a horrible experience. You should really get it looked at by a vet asap, as it can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated and attempting to remove it at home can do serious damage to the snake.

Like Albert suggested, you can try borrowing money from someone or even taking out a personal loan. Or you could go get a basic credit card from your bank(seems like they hand them out like candy...) to use for this as well as to have on hand for future unexpected vet expenses.

[AngelSnake]

I swabbed her mouth with a q tip and got the piece of bedding (shavings, I didn't know it was there) out. The pus was lightly colored and has a small bit of blood in it. I am getting the betadine tomorrow to rinse it. She's not happy with me but she can close her mouth all the way now.
Any bedding suggestions, she's on fine shavings now.
Also, despite not eating she is still drinking.

[reptiledude987]

Just put her on paper towels or news print until the issue clears up.

[AngelSnake]

Sadly the issue did not resolve. It was fine shavings she was on. I learned my lesson, even if it was the hard way. Hopefully my next adventure will fair better. RIP Diamond

[dannybgoode]

What wood were the shavings? Find shavings in themselves should not be life threatening unless they were ingested when feeding.

Also, factor in vet costs when deciding whether you can afford an animal. If you can't afford a reasonable bill, don't buy a new pet.

Sorry for your loss...

[macandchz]

so sorry about your pet.

[Albert Clark]

My condolences. Sad, but these things happen. Like you said, lesson learned. Btw, some vets may be willing to go to a installment plan in cases of financial difficulties in the face of a real serious issue with the reptile.