Can you help this Newbie?

[impressivesmoke]

I've been trying to find a good site to chat with other snake enthusiasts, have I found it? I've been to dozens of sites that just aren't that good, and now, I really need help. I just recently aquired a Ball Python who shows severe signs of necrosis of the skin. She has several lacerations and fluid filled pockets all up and down her body. The skin is starting to turn a reddish purple color. She also has a pretty bad respitory infection. I've taken her to my vet, but he couldn't help me out much. He put her on an antibiotic, but couldn't give me any clues as to the cause of her condition. He thought possibly a heat rock was the culprit, but I was able to find out that no heat source had ever been provided.
Could this condition have been caused from an lack of heat? Are there any other possibilities? What about her chances of survival, has anyone had a similar situation? Please help me!