Medical help to a snail

[helptoall]

Hi, Im looking for info about the following: how to disinfect a wound ,how to give nutrient to a snail which is in bad shape and wont eat,how to stop bleeding from a wound,how to support/treat organs which has been demaged by illness or trauma.

Any info,articles,ideas,personal exp you have might help.. its for treating an ijured snail ive just found..thank you

[etana]

Hi again helptoall. I am glad to see you still helping these little ones. Have you considered a career as an exotic vet or an animal nurse?

First of all to what extent is the snail's shell damaged? If the lung is collapsed due to there not being enough shell around it, I don't know of anything you could do, and the snail will die. However many people have been known to put little casts on snails with most of their shells left. I seem to recall Zorst using the kind of wound tape that can tolerate water for long enough without falling off, so the snail has time to repair it from the inside.

Here is someone who managed to treat inflammation in a snail with castor oil:

petsnails.proboards.com/thread/15994/treatment-mantle-collapse

As for wound cleaning, I've used only clean water. I don't know what else is safe for snails, but I know for example saline solution will only make it worse for them (as salt is poison for snails, which I'm sure you knew already).

I don't really know how to stop the bleeding in a snail. I've only washed the wound and let the snail rest. If I remember correctly I've not had anyone die from even a severe foot wound.

You can't really force feed a snail. One individual attempted it with a syringe, but had to euthanise the snail anyway. He will not eat as long as he's in shock, and you can only keep him moist in the hopes of helping him not dry out. If he is too weak to rasp, he might still be able to suck, so you can make watery purees and offer small quantities. Also if you have another, healthier and happier snail, having him around the ill one often contributes to them attempting to eat again.

Snails can be given antibiotic shots, here is a thread where that is discussed:
petsnails.proboards.com/thread/15959/deeply-retracted-snail-help
However there's very little knowledge about it and a lot of potential side effects.

Best of luck and let us know what happens. If I find any more links and articles I will tell you.


(Damn I see myself posting about getting to vet school in that last thread, I've been battling illness and couldn't do it yet. Some day maybe!)

[jolovessnailies]

That is a great idea Etana love, you should become a vet or something similar Helptoall sweetie, you are so good at it. I too would like to thank you for helping these little ones in their time of crisis. Good luck love, yes, please keep us posted.

Jo xx

[helptoall]

thanks... the snail ive rescued 3 days ago today lost a big piece of his shell... all the inner axis so whats left is only parts of the sehll that covers the lungs.. I know this is very bad so im again trying to think of ways to help him.. I read about the castor oil,do you think it might help in this case? do you know if its 100% safe to use?

[jolovessnailies]

Oh sweetie, you are wonderful helping the little snailie like this, I must admit I wouldn't know where to start. I too would be asking questions on here because all injuries tend to be different and need different remedies. I hope he is going to be alright love and thank you for the updates.

Hugs
Jo xx

[etana]

Sorry to be replying late. Did the snail survive this far or pass away yet?

I do wish I had more answers for you Helptoall. I think that the person who used the castor oil decided that if it helps a potentially dying snail then there's really nothing to lose. I don't know what is a safe dosage or anything.

Are you making notes of what happens with the snails you help? You must be gathering quite a bit of knowledge.

[jolovessnailies]

How is he at the moment sweetie?

Hugs
JO xx