A pet hospital in Texas has garnered significant attention on social media after successfully removing three golf balls from a snake. The remarkable procedure took place at the South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital in San Antonio, with veterinarians sharing footage of the unusual case on their Instagram account.
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On September 21, the hospital posted a video that showed the surgical team carefully extracting the golf balls from the snake without resorting to surgery. In the clip, one veterinarian can be heard encouraging the reptile, saying, “Ok buddy, come on. Spit it out,” while another colleague quips about possibly making a viral video out of the treatment.
The snake, which was heavily sedated during the process, appeared passive as the vets manipulated the golf balls through its body and out of its mouth. Following the successful extraction of the first golf ball, one veterinarian expressed relief and sympathy, saying, “Sorry about that, bubba,” before the team turned its focus to the remaining two golf balls lodged inside the snake.
In a statement accompanying the social media post, the hospital expressed its confusion about how the snake ingested the three golf balls, writing, “This snake somehow managed to swallow THREE golf balls. Thankfully, surgery was avoided.” The team also highlighted the difficulty of predicting what kind of cases may arrive at an exotic animal clinic, noting, “You never quite know what’s going to come (slithering) through the doors in exotic animal medicine!”
The viral nature of the video has led to nearly 100,000 likes, with many viewers praising the veterinary team for their efforts. Comments poured in from users expressing their relief and admiration for the staff. One user commented, “I love these lil cuties, good on you for helping them 💕”, while another expressed concern for the snake, questioning how it could have mistaken golf balls for food. The support for the team was palpable, with comments showcasing appreciation for the successful rescue.
After receiving inquiries about the snake’s recovery, the South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital provided an update indicating that the reptile is doing well. “The snake was presented to us after ingesting three golf balls. Due to their size and location, there was concern that they could cause serious gastrointestinal obstruction if not removed,” the veterinary team explained. Fortunately, because the snake was heavily sedated, the practitioners were able to expertly guide the golf balls through the gastrointestinal tract without needing to perform a surgical procedure.
The hospital reported that the operation was ultimately successful, with the snake recovering smoothly from sedation and showing no complications. In their statement, they expressed satisfaction with their ability to resolve such an unusual case without resorting to more invasive methods. The veterinary team continued to emphasise the seriousness of foreign object ingestion in reptiles, highlighting the risks involved and the important nature of their work.
This incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with pet ownership, especially for exotic animals. The mix of curiosity and potential danger faced by non-traditional pets can lead to unexpected situations. The South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital’s success in this peculiar case reinforces the vital role that veterinary professionals play in ensuring the health and safety of all animals, regardless of their species.
The story of the snake and its peculiar dietary choice has garnered attention not just for its bizarre nature, but also for the compassion and expertise demonstrated by the veterinary team. It is a testament to the challenges faced in exotic animal medicine and a celebration of a successful outcome for an unusual patient.