Bad news about Greebo

[marylittlegoth]

Some of you may know that our 8 year old Boa Constrictor, Greebo, has had problems with his jaw for some time, having an abcess which keeps coming back. He has now had various courses of anti-biotics and two lots of surgery on his mouth, removing three fangs and part of his jaw.

Unfortunately, after two initial bacterial cultures which came back negative, the vet himself paid for a further, apparently more in depth, culture screening (our vet is a most amazing guy and a reptile specialist). Unfortunately, although it hasn't really taken hold of any part of him except the problem with his jaw yet, Greebo has a micro bacterial infection (I think I got that right) which is effectively a snakey form of TB. We are going to have to have him put down. This is not something that can be cured.

We're gutted, obviously, and so is the vet, as apart from this Greebo is in fine fettle, still eating, although this is thanks to the surgery that reduced the abcess on his jaw, and enjoying a good life. However, this will not continue. We have agreed with him that we will keep him at home for as long as possible, as his jaw doesn't bother him that much, but when his jaw gets big we will take him to be put down.

We have a week or two left with him.

I'll see if I can find any pictures to post. When we got him, he was a malnourished, undersized 22 inch strip of a thing, with seriously dry skin. 6 years later he's now a happy, 6.5 foot, relaxed, comparatively friendly (for a reptile) animal.

We're going to miss him.

Comments

[daevid.livejournal.com]

Sad news :( It is always the hardest decision to make... I know my parents had that with our dog when i was a teen... tumour... not nice.

Pictures would be nice to see though :)

[lillies-remains.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry, I really feel for you. I think you have made a very brave decision which can't have been easy. Thinking of you.

[shadowstone.livejournal.com]

*HUG* I'm truly sorry about grbo. He always seamed so content when I saw him. HAving kept reptiles myself I know that no mater how much care you take, no matter how much love you lavish on a beasty sometimes the just get ill and nothing can be done. At least you know you did all you could and at least you ahve some time to say goodbye *HUG*

[http://users.livejournal.com/_pyromancer_/]

Sorry to hear that. I'd a cat with liver cancer once, same arrangement, we kept him for as long as he was comfortable, and then we had to go to the vet.

There's a tribute to him at the top of one of the Camden Underworld Inkubus Sukkubus gig reviews on my IS website, he died the day before the gig.

(*HUG*)

[doctorrdave.livejournal.com]

I'm really sorry to hear that mate. He was, as you say friendly and lovable (for a snake). Will you replace him, or are you going to be reptile less for a while? Either way, thoughts go out to you and his Majesty as well. Lets hope that you get as long as possible with him.
I will hopefully see you guys tomorrow night.

[selerox.livejournal.com]

Oh no! :(

I liked Greebo, always chilled out and sat under his rock :(

[nixie-fairy.livejournal.com]

Sorry to hear about Greebo Mary - at least you have a little while more of him. I have loved and lost beloved pets before and it isn't easy nor is the decision.
Rememeber if you need anything - I am only up the corridor. x

:(

[angryangeltoo.livejournal.com]

I am sorry hunni, it's always horrible news when this happens.

xxxxxx

[morricat.livejournal.com]

I'm very sorry about Greebo. It's awful to lose a loved pet :(

[http://users.livejournal.com/melancholyrose_/]

I'm sorry to hear that, it's never an easy decision to make but sometimes one that is unavoidable.