Could this be a small section of scale rot?

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Noticed this very small spot on my ball pythons stomach and was wondering if it looks like scale rot. Does this warrant a vet visit?


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Originally Posted by BallBoa

Noticed this very small spot on my ball pythons stomach and was wondering if it looks like scale rot.

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Do you have reason to believe that it may be scale rot, like really damp substrate?

To me, it looks more like that one scale got caught on something & bent backwards while your snake was cruising around. Can't say for sure though- I think I'd try using a topical antiseptic* on it at least twice a day for at least a few days & see if it improves or gets worse, rather than running to a vet just yet. (Vetericyn ointment for reptiles, or diluted Betadine -aka povidone-iodine- are the best choices for this)

It’s concerning because it looks like there is or was reddening which maybe is irritation or bleeding. What are the types of enclosure you have him in ? Can you describe husbandry parameters , substrate, and enclosure articles entirely? The good thing is it appears very localized , good thing you caught it early it seems. Anything like this is alway suspicious. Are you feeding live prey? Monitor it firstly and see if it remains localized. You’ll have to navigate the enclosure and your husbandry and try to eliminate possible causes first.

Enclosure is an ars 70 series tub in my pvc rack. Substrate is coconut husk that mostly stays pretty dry but some parts do get a little bit damp. Humidity usually in the 60%-80% range. None of it is ever wet. There is a decent amount of ventilation holes drilled in the side. Substrate never gets dirty as I always spot clean as soon as a i see any feces. I have since switched her to dry paper towels. I have never fed her any live prey.

I am concerned about it because even though it is a very small spot, the scale appears visibly shriveled and discolored. It looks like the photos I see online of scale rot, just very localized.

I’m thinking of buying this? Vetericyn Plus Reptile Wound and Skin Care. Spray to Clean Cuts and Wounds on Pet. an Alternative to Iodine for Burn, Ulcers and Irritation Relief. Safe for All Ages (3 Ounces) https://a.co/d/5NQ1yNH


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Yes, that's the right stuff- use as directed on pkg. I'm not seeing "shriveled" :confusd: & the pinkness could be the result of the scale being bent (bruised). If you've feel better taking your snake to the vet, by all means do what your "gut" says. And if you don't have a good herp vet already, this site can help you find one: https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

80% humidity would be too high, unless for a short time while snake is in shed. While your snake has this unknown issue, it would be best to keep him/her on white paper towels anyway.

Thank you, I appreciate the help. Maybe I am overreacting just a little bit. I will buy the ointment and see what happens over the next couple days.


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Originally Posted by BallBoa

Thank you, I appreciate the help. Maybe I am overreacting just a little bit. I will buy the ointment and see what happens over the next couple days.


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That's ^ ^ ^ what I'd do- keep an eye on it (which you'll do while applying the medication anyway). Vet visits can be costly, but more than that, they stress your snake, & sometimes a snake that's eating & doing well may stop eating due to the stress, which in turn works against the function of their immune system, which they need to heal an infection. I have no "crystal ball" to foresee the "right" answer- I'm just weighing the pro's & con's. ;)