BP Belly Scales

[ladywhipple02]

Question: I recently adopted a BP that's had a rough life. He's pretty skinny... very skinny compared to my adult female. He has beautiful coloration, however, lots of yellow and flames, with an extremely clear belly. But there are some scales on his belly that are off-colored. It looks like there's something on them, something the color of rust. It's around the rims of scales, and maybe underneath. These scales also look incredibly dry... under light, the rest of his scales shine while these are very dull. Anyway have an idea? He doesn't seem to favor these areas. But it still worries me. I've tried rinsing him in the bathtub and it won't come off. Let me know what you think... this poor guy's been through hell and I want him to have a good, loving home.

P.S. He was extremely dehydrated, hence the rinsings. Could this be a factor? Are his scales just really dry?

[Python-77]

When in doubt take him to a vet, has he shed since you got him? He may have been housed in somthing that caused some discoloration that may go away when he sheds.

[Adam_Wysocki]

Could be scale rot ... ditto on the vet suggestion.

-adam

[ladywhipple02]

If it is scale rot, what are some things I can do to help him? If it gets any worse, I'll take him to the vet, but what about measures I can take now? His bedding isn't damp or wet... any suggestions?

[Schlyne]

You might be able to put a little bit of neospoirin (without any painkilling additives) on there as an antibacterial aid. I'd still get him to a vet.

[tigerlily]

I agree with the others, go to a vet. It needs to be identified correctly before treatment. It's not something that can be helped by adjusting temps and such. You'll need medication from the vet. In addition to the vet, I would watch the humidity and make sure the bedding is very dry. Good luck!

[Adam_Wysocki]

If it gets any worse, I'll take him to the vet, ...

If you don't know what scale rot looks like, how would you know if it "gets any worse"? Scale Rot or "Neocrotic Dermatitis" is a bacterial infection that could spread to the tissue underneath the ventral scales without appearing any "worse" to a cursory examination of someone not experienced enough to know what to look for.

A professional trained to diagnose and treat your snake is a far better option for your snakes well being than "free suggestions" over the internet ... remember, you get what you pay for.

Good luck with your snake.

-adam