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F22B
07-05-03, 07:25 AM
Is there any cure for an either broken or kinked spine?
Please tell us what this means. We have had this (total length approx 20") rough green snake for 1 year (captured in the wild). He's been very healthy and has successfully shed 3-4 times. After the most recent shed, he has an obvious deformity approx 4" from his nose. Doesn't want to eat, or move much. We force-fed him yesterday, and while handling him, felt a little "snap". I just HATE it when that happens.
I assume that since he's able to motor around his home that he's not paralyzed? I've searched "kinked" and "broken spine" and found that one does not want to buy a snake with a kinked spine, but no further information about the causes/complications of such.
If we should put him down, what's the preferred humane method?
Thanks!

BoidKeeper
07-05-03, 08:40 AM
I'm familiar with kinks in the spines of you corns. In them it can be caused by too much line breeding or spikes in the last week of incubation temps. In a year old rough green snake it is probably a broken spine. You could take it to a good vet to find out for sure. In the mean time I would leave it alone in its cage undisturbed for at least 5 days for rest and recouperation. Then try to feed it. If you do have to put it down the freezer works well.
Good luck,
Trevor