Melaleuca oil (tea tree oil) safe for snakes?

[shelliebear]

I bought a triple antibiotic ointment today, no painkillers, but it does have melaleuca (tea tree oil) oil in it. I know it can be toxic if ingested in high amounts, but is it ok if applied topically to my ball python's scales (scale rot)?
All of my other snakes are in good health, BTW. Just trying to get Madison better.
Thanks for the help.

[shelliebear]

I did some Google searches but came up with nothing for snakes; it's all dog and cat information since they groom themselves and can ingest it.
I guess I'll give it a shot on Madison's sores.

[rabernet]

If tree oils in general cause respiratory problems with snakes (pine, cedar, etc), why would you even risk that?

And if ingestion is bad for dogs and cats, what's to prevent her from getting into her water dish at some point, then drinking the water and ingesting it?

I haven't kept up with what's going on with your snake beyond the initial pictures that I read, but did you ever take her to a vet?

[shelliebear]

I change her water bowl pretty often, but I think you're right. I haven't tried it yet.
I bought a non-brand name Triple antibiotic ointment and got it home and noticed it had the tea tree oil. I was really annoyed.
I have a vet appointment booked for the 4th of next month. That's when the reptile doc is in.
I'm also going to buy betadine solution (10%, right?) to soak Madison in, but how often should I do that? How long do I leave her in?
Can I find betadine at any drug store>?
I've been putting polysporin on the wounds, without painkillers. My neosporin that my parents went and picked up for Madison at the store has painkillers in it, and the non-brand name has tea tree oil XD Just my luck. I'll have to be more careful reading the ingredients next time.
Tea tree oil is a vital mineral oil though, I read. But I'm no expert, you guys at BP.net know more than I do, so that's why I bug you all with questions. Sorry about all of the q's.
Thank you for your reply, Robin.

[Lucas339]

i know someone who keeps his snakes on melaluca mulch with no ill effects.

[broadude]

i know someone who keeps his snakes on melaluca mulch with no ill effects.

While Robin has a valid point about certain tree oils, my concern is with the oil itself. Oil and snakes do not mix (experience from when I was a noob and a bigger noob told me to soak them in mineral oil and water to help them shed).

[kitedemon]

The amount of oil in chips is a lot smaller than the refined oil tree phenols are curious things I know a few breeders whom use melaleuca chips but I have never know anyone to use tea tree oil. I likely would not either as it is a strong smelling oil and can cause irritation in mammals without any studies on cold blooded friends there simply is no information. Don't guess.