:( Scale rot or burn?

[leaveittoweaver]

So my recently acquired ball python appears to have come down with either a burn or scale rot. I will admit I did not have a thermostat for the first week I had the snake. But I did buy one and it has been in use ever since. He has not eaten since I had him and before I had him he had not eaten since November due to breeding apparently. I tried offering him a frozen thawed mouse but he was not interested so I will be trying pre killed next and some other tricks perhaps before I have to feed him live.

He has not pooped or anything since I've had him either and his temps and humidity are in the right range. I use an accurite thermometer to monitor this with a probe as well which is why it confuses me that he would have scale rot. He looks like he's shedding and the shed on his belly is brown. I started using neosporin(without the pain reliever) today. Here's some pictures, any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

I feel like such a horrible Mom Especially since I know better then to go without a thermostat for even that short a period of time. If I didn't have the money for the thermostat at the time I should have waited to get the snake til my next pay period when I did. Also his whole belly is not like this, it's mainly halfway up and then it stops.

[Skittles1101]

Ouch, that looks to me like a burn...and will need a vet check Good luck!

[fluffy3]

Oh that looks painfull Im not sure how much pain snakes feel but that doesnt look good! Vet A.S.A.P!! and good luck

[leaveittoweaver]

Thanks guys! I'll try to find someone. You would think being in the capital region of New York, that would be fairly simple but it's proven not to be heh.

[leaveittoweaver]

Sorry to double post but could someone tell me how long to soak him in the betadine solution and should I do it like you would when soaking them to remove shed? Thank you!

[Skittles1101]

I wouldn't home treat for a burn that bad....

[cinderbird]

That animal needs to see a qualified vet. This is not an injury you can treat yourself. That is a severe case of scale rot or a really bad burn. You can see the scales flaking off. That's not normal.

You mentioned something about it being difficult to find a vet in the capitol region of NY? I believe BPs are illegal in NYC so you might want to look outside NYC for a vet.

[lasweetswan]

Oh dear.....poor baby

[leaveittoweaver]

That animal needs to see a qualified vet. This is not an injury you can treat yourself. That is a severe case of scale rot or a really bad burn. You can see the scales flaking off. That's not normal.

You mentioned something about it being difficult to find a vet in the capitol region of NY? I believe BPs are illegal in NYC so you might want to look outside NYC for a vet.

The capital region is not NYC area, it's the Albany area. I'm just home treating until the appointment as it's better then nothing.

[llovelace]

Until you find a vet
1. Soak the snake daily in a tub with some betadine added (tea colored), for 30 minutes pat dry.
2. Apply a thin layer of neosporin (without pain killer additive)
3. Use paper towel substrate.
4. Make sure it has water, but NOT a large dish for him to soak in.
5. Monitor wounds for increased redness, swelling, and or drainage.

I hope this helps, and please keep me informed of it's progress.