Scab?

[unfairy]

I have a young bp that recently killed a rat that was too large for it following some poor advice (I have a degree in Biology, so I don't need a lecture on the ethical nature of feeding my animals live food). During the encounter, I was concerned that the rat pup would injure my bp, so I had gloves on and helped make sure the rat didn't bite him. I am proud to say that he tried to eat it for 10 minutes before deciding it was too big to eat. Since then I have successfully weened him onto rat fuzzies. However, a day or two after the pup kill, he developed what I can only describe as a nickel-sized scab on his back. After a week, the scab simply fell off on its own and left a white spot. He just formed his eye-caps and I'm simply assuming that the spot will go away with the shed. However, I just had my internet turned on and I decided to google this and can't find any information.

It did not bleed, he does not appear to be in any discomfort or pain, and the white spot under the scab is/was definitely not infected. The scales that made up the "scab" simply hardened and fell off in one piece. For all intents and purposes, he appears to be perfectly healthy. I'm just curious what I witnessed as I am relatively new to caring for herps.

[VEXER19]

Doesnt sound like a scab. Have any pics?

[unfairy]

Not at the moment. Right now, it's just a distinctly white spote on his back. The scales in question just hardened and fell off in a week. I was assuming it was a minor injury because of the rat. Could it be a burn? He sometimes hogs the heat pad.

[VEXER19]

I could see it being a burn. But not a bite, a nickle sized wound is pretty big for a bite. Was there any red or blood that would make you think this was a bite? Where the scales all intact without punctures? What is you set up with the heat pad. Have you put a temp probe on it to get the actual temp? And your snake isnt sitting directly on the heat source I hope. There needs to be something between them other than the glass or depending on your setup.

[unfairy]

No, I had no real reason to believe he was injured by a bite. It was just the only change. They have plenty of substrate, but sometimes he digs to the bottom in their hiding spot and I have to pull him off and even out the substrate again. I figure that this is a sign that their tank is too cold, but I've been working on that. Is there perhaps a trick to keep them from trying to lay directly on the pad?

The main reason I didn't think it was a burn was because it's on his back, which he clearly doesn't lay on.

[VEXER19]

I put down repti carpet under my substrate just incase of burrowing. But I would have to agree that it is strange for it to be on the top of your snake. Very curious to see a pic of what your dealing with. If u remain concerned about it then I would take it to a vet or show someone with experience. Obviously vet is prefered.

[unfairy]

Actually, I just pulled him out for his bath and noticed that the white spot is noticeably smaller than I remember. Either I was mistaken on size or it's healing. I'll assume the latter. He looks great aside from shed-dullness.

[VEXER19]

Well that's good. If it keeps going away with each shed I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just check it oftgen and make sure it doesn't get worse or bigger. I would measure the spot every other day just for an accurate record of wund size. Good luck.

[Ezekiel285]

Actually, I just pulled him out for his bath and noticed that the white spot is noticeably smaller than I remember. Either I was mistaken on size or it's healing. I'll assume the latter. He looks great aside from shed-dullness.

Sounds like it's very minor if its an injury. Also I hope you aren't giving him a bath before his shed. That could take away the oils that build up between their new skin and old and actually make the shed a lot harder. The only time a bath is needed is if the old shed has stuck pieces or something.