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Post by whodoesntlovesnails on Apr 24, 2008 1:37:25 GMT
hi everyone, this post is a sad one i am afraid, i came home today, and found that one of my baby aspersas had half of his shell broken off. i do not know how this happened for he was ok this morning, but he could have fallen from the top of the bin onto the plank of wood i have inside of it. he is/isnt eating (he took a nibble, but slithered away) he is moving around, but slowly. i don't know what to do. should i freeze him, but the thought of freezeing him makes me sad, because i wouldnt want to be froze to to death. he does look pretty bad, and i am very worried that he beond the point of living. what should i do? here are some pictures, but not very good ones.     |
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Post by AlienSnail on Apr 24, 2008 10:08:07 GMT
There is a section on PetSnails detailing how to mend a hole with gauze and plaster/clay. However it doesn't look easy for such a small snail, especially with the hole being where it is.
Is there any kind of membrane covering the hole still? Or is it completely open?
If it's completely open it may be kindest to end it, but it's a tough decision as some snails can heal large wounds, and it's hard to assess whether or not the snail has any chance of surviving. It is likely that it will dry out and die within a couple of days.
As for freezing - well Helix over here survive sub-zero winters in the cracks of walls etc. Now I'm not sure if they manage to find places that somehow stay above freezing point, or what temperature they can withstand before they suffer flesh damage/die. I alsoi don't know if they snails around your way are as temperature-hardy, but I wouldn't rely on freezing to end your snail's suffering, being as it's an Aspersa.
Perhaps place it in the fridge to gently cool it into hibernation and then crush if you can face it? Alternatively placing in boiling water is pretty instant.
I'm sorry, it's not an easy thing to do, especially if you're not sure about it's chances of survival if left.
hugs xx
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Post by kab on Apr 24, 2008 23:24:01 GMT
if he was mine i would isolate him , keep him very clean and feed him loads of calcium , i have bought back from brixton market snails with very bad holes /breaks ,
not all make it , but they have amazing healing capabilities if you care for them well
good luck whatever you decide
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Post by zirliz on Apr 24, 2008 23:32:23 GMT
I had a baby A.fulica that fell off a table on to a hard floor and damaged his shell he pulled through so good luck
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Post by whodoesntlovesnails on Apr 25, 2008 2:10:38 GMT
well, he survived the night, and he is back to eating again, as he is stuffing himself with cuttlefish and cucumber. he is kept in isolation. i failed to mention on my reply on petsnails, but i set my alarm to go off every two hours so that i could spray him to keep him moist. he is looking better, for he is moving around lots, but more of his shell is chipping off, and the only shell left if by the lip of the shell. i have looked at petsnails for the reparing, but it is too hard to do it with such a tiny snail, he is the smallest one i have right now. i dont think i could do the crushing if that is what it came to, but i KNOW that one of my brothers wouldnt mind doing it. the membrane is still there, so that is a plus. i am praying that he lives. sorry my pictures are so terrible, they were taken on my computer.
thanks for your replys everyone
-miley
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Post by AlienSnail on Apr 25, 2008 7:40:19 GMT
That's great news that the membrane is intact, he has a better chance of surviving and not drying out. It's great that he's survived the night and you've been a wonderful nurse for him. It does sound hopeful.....  |
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Post by .. Buse .. on Apr 25, 2008 8:03:59 GMT
Awww Poor Snail x
But Its Good He Is Doing Better Good Luck With Him/Her Miley
x
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Post by whodoesntlovesnails on Apr 26, 2008 0:40:50 GMT
well, i got some sad news, he/she didnt survive the second night. he was looking good, but then started slowing down every hour or so. then he curled back into his shell for a little while, and when i went to spray him, there was no response, and i picked him up (very carefully) and he wasnt squishy, but all dried out, it happened so fast. but anyway, he isnt suffering anymore.
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Post by AlienSnail on Apr 26, 2008 11:56:54 GMT
Aw that's sad news hun, just as things were looking hopeful.
hugs x
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Post by AlienSnail on Apr 26, 2008 11:57:16 GMT
Aw that's sad news hun, just as things were looking hopeful. You did all you could for him.
hugs x
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