new to the group & have an unusual problem

[Artemis]

Hello,

First a little background info. I used to work as an animal groomer
next door to a Veternarian. This was 14 years ago. At that time they
practised Homeopathic & natural remedies. They have since changed
hands & the company which took over does not believe in natural
remedies.
Now for the problem. Yesterday I found a young snake which had been
bitten in several places by a cat. I called the local veternarians
for advice. They told me everything from "turn it loose" to "nothing
you can do". Even the local Herp vet didn't give me much help (just
bathe it in betadine). The snake only has puncture wounds from the
bites; I believe that I found him before the cat could do more
damage.
Having once been bitten by a cat; I know that cat bites can abscess
very easily. When I was bitten; the veternarian that I worked next to
gave me a homeopathic remedy for the abscess. Since that was 14 years
ago; I do not remember the name of the remedy. What would you
recommend for cat bites/abscess? I don't want to watch this poor
little guy suffer if it can be avoided.
Thank you for any advice.
Cindy aka Artemis

[Rosemary C Hyde PhD]

Two remedies I've seen be very helpful to treat the effects of cat bites are Ars and Lach.

Rosemary

[Ginny Wilken]

Ledum, for all puncture wounds, especially animal bites. I'm a dog
person and work closely with many animal folks. Ledum is the one.

ginny

All stunts performed without a net!
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[Rosemary C Hyde PhD]

Look for modalities to decide which remedy -- coldness (Led)? Red/ purplish color (Lach)? Burning pain, chilliness (Ars)?? ...?????

Rosemary

[VBLUES]

In einer eMail vom 08.07.04 04:46:16 (MEZ) - Mitteleurop. Sommerzeit schreibt
rosemarychyde@mindspring.com:

<< Look for modalities to decide which remedy -- coldness (Led)? Red/
purplish color (Lach)? Burning pain, chilliness (Ars)?? ...?????
Rosemary

[Artemis]

Hi Rosemary,
I ended up going to a health food store yesterday where they called Boiron.
They recommended Hepar Sulphuris 30c, Silicea 6x & Ledum Palustre 30c. With
Calendula for rubbing onto the skin. I make my own ointments & balms, so I used
Calendula in grapeseed oil (I had even thought about adding it to Aloe gel).
do you think Ars & Lach would be better? So far no abscesses have formed & he
doesn't feel hot. I know there has to be some bruising since he was bleeding
when I found him.
Thanks!
Cindy aka Artemis
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[Rosemary C Hyde PhD]

Hi, Cindy. Bleeding was probably helpful, as it would have helped to cleanse bacteria from the wound, lessening the chance of infection. Just out of curiosity, how do you know the snake was bitten by a cat??

Is the snake having any symptoms? That would indicate a remedy, if it needs one at this point. I wouldn't give more than one remedy at a time orally. The best suggestion, absent any symptoms at all (e.g., the snake seems fine except for the marks from the bites, and these are clean scabs) would be to wait and see -- and, if it is doing fine, release it before too much longer. If the bites are still tender and not totally scabbed over, and otherwise there are no symptoms, Calendula is great, applied topically or (in water) taken internally. If there are any other indications, those would determine which remedy to give.

Rosemary

[Artemis]

Hi Rosemary,

I know it was done by a cat since the cat was still there (& has a history
of snake catching). She was sitting right next to it waiting for it to move
(also had blood on her paws). The snake was playing dead & didn't move when I
picked it up. I only realized he was alive when he flicked his tongue out at me.

By just glancing at him you would assume he is a healthy snake, no open
cuts or odd bulges. He is very active now. I have been told by a snake rescue
group that I need to keep an eye on him for a little longer though since cat
bites can cause long term problems in snakes (spinal kinks & muscle atrophy) even
in a snake which looks like it wasn't bitten badly. I am wanting to release
him back into the wild as soon as I know he will be alright.

Brightest Blessings!
Cindy aka Artemis
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[gmccool2]

Hello Cindy aka Artemis,

Great going! Hope the snake is doing well! Same day you had your
interesting experience, I found a snake, too.....but with a toad half
way down his mouth, toads head out. Toad was released by the snake,
probably due to my interruption. Entire area from shoulders back was
covered with blood. Doused him with Arnica and Hypericum. Within a
short time the toad was hopping along and eating as though nothing
had happened!

A bit late seeing your post but Ledum would have been my suggestion.

Best from another Old Hippie/Happy Pagan,
Georgianna

[Artemis]

Hi Georgianna,

The snake is doing great. He started eating yesterday & is not showing any
signs of infection. If all goes well, he should be able for release early this
week.
I'm willing to bet that there is a toad out there that is glad it met you!


Brightest Blessings!
Cindy aka Artemis
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