13/07/2024
๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒโ๐ ๐ฆ๐น๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป ๐ชก
Meet Graeme, the handsome olive python who initially visited our Peninsula clinic due to concerns of anorexia, weight loss, and retained shed (dysecdysis).
๐ฉบ ย ๐๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐: Upon examination, we discovered a retained shed and a minor tear in his skin. Further investigation through blood work unveiled non-regenerative anaemia, chronic inflammation and low blood protein levels, all of which are common findings in unwell reptiles leading to skin fragility.
๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฃ๐น๐ฎ๐ป: To address Graemeโs condition, he was promptly started on medications and high-protein assist feeds before transitioning back to his regular diet a few weeks later. Despite initial improvement, his owner noticed dark, necrotic skin on his lower body after a subsequent shed.
๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ด๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Graeme underwent surgery, where Dr Amber meticulously cleaned and debrided the necrotic skin, revealing a significant defect over his lower back. Despite the fragile nature of his skin, simple interrupted sutures anchored to the underlying muscle were used to reoppose the skin edges as closely as possible.
๐๐ฆ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐๐๐ณ๐๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐: Post-surgery, the wounds were managed with a topical cream. After four weeks of healing, Graeme revisited after another shed, during which the retained shed was removed, revealing beautifully healed wounds with only a small white scar remaining. Graeme has since shown an improved appetite and weight gain, continuing his journey to recovery with vigour.