scales off

[saluki1]

I have a ball python less than a year old which seems to be losing its scales. It is not shedding. There are patches along its back from head to tail which are missing scales. It's not continuous and not occurring on the belly. I was told to rub baby oil on, but have read repeatedly not to do that. There is no shed happening whatsoever, it's just patches of missing scales. Any thoughts or advice are appreciated, thanks.

[mainbutter]

pictures please?

[Crazy4Herps]

pictures please?

x2

I'd hazard a guess at infectious stomatitis, but it's impossible to know anything without pics.

Until you can get pics up, my only advice is to consult a vet ASAP, lower humidity to mid 50's, put him on paper towels, keep the cage as clean as possible, and don't listen to anything any non-professional has to say until you figure out what the problem is.

[dr del]

Hi,

Wouldn't it be necrotising faciitis if it was on the skin and not in the mouth?

It could also just be the top layer of the scales which are coming off rather than the whole scale - applying any oil based substance to the snakes skin could have caused that ( some kind of shedding helper for example ).

It could also be damage from scraping under something when exploring or trying to escape etc.

Your right in saying that without pictures anything we say is simply a guess.

And also on the clean cage, paper towels and asking a vets advice.


dr del

[saluki1]

I don't know if I'm doing this correctly. I took a photo. The duller, almost gray patches are the area it seems the scales are falling off.

[dr del]

Hi,

Well that doesn't look nearly as bad as I was imagining.

That is just the top layer of the scales coming off not the actual scale itrself from what I can see.

That should be fixed after the next shed.

As to what caused it however I would still keep trying to think if the humidity was off during the last shed, he can scrape his back on anything rough or if you had applied anything oil based to his skin at any point.

But Unless the picture doesn't capture the problem I think there is no real need for a vet visit.


dr del

[dr del]

Whoops,

I meant to say we normally see that in smaller patches rather in that amount of area which is why I suggested trying to see if there was anything causing it.


dr del

[saluki1]

Thanks for the help. If you were in Sacramento, I'd buy ya a beer! I got him/her three weeks ago and there hasn't been a shed yet. He/she's eaten twice and not defecated. that's got me a little worried too. I had a BP years ago that lived about 13 years and I didn't experience either of these things. He seems terrified of water which I don't understand. But thank you so much for replying. I really appreciate it. Have a great weekend.