Missing scale

[Dawn.]

I just noticed that my ball python has a missing scale on his back and I think it got knocked off somehow and it looks like an open wound what do I do?

[Bogertophis]

For any small wound, the best choice is Vetericyn- a topical antiseptic MADE for snakes that won't mess up their future sheds the way vaseline/aka petroleum based ointments made for humans will. (Vetericyn is the brand, it's water based, sold online or in some pet stores & you want the version sold FOR reptiles- they make products for other animals too.) In a pinch, you can use a tiny amount of Neosporin (for human use) or similar topical ointment, or a bit of diluted Betadine (povidone-iodine) dabbed on.

If it looks deep enough that it might get infected or is bleeding, it would be best to keep your snake on white paper towels while it heals up.
Without seeing it, & only going by your description, it's probably no big deal. Not something you need a vet for.

[Bogertophis]

BTW, I just deleted your other duplicate thread.

[Dawn.]

Oh yeah lol sorry abt that I wasn't sure if it went up at first or not, I'll try and find that online it doesn't look too bad so I'm hoping it won't get infected, I think it got knocked off when he slid into his humid hide

[Bogertophis]

Most snakes don't go thru life without minor injuries, any more than we do. It's not an emergency but it's good that you caught it, & better still to use a little antiseptic just to make sure it heals up okay. You probably don't need to change substrate (to paper towels) either, unless the damaged scale is on or near his ventral (belly) side. He won't likely rub against it if it's higher up on his body, but if there's any noticeable sharp or rough edges on his hides or other decor, I'd be sure to smooth them out.

[Bleh]

My young BEL looks to be missing a scale. And only noticed this after I recently allowed her to soak after a scruffy shed... it was almost as if the soak helped soften the 'scab' and better expose the dodgy scale.

She's OK though. Smashed two meals since. Cleaned the area, took a photo for future comparison if needed and just monitoring for any changes that would spur me on to visit the reptile vets.

But the taking a photo is the point I wanted to make. It's definitely worth it as slow progression could result in forgetting what the original concern that raised then alarm, was like!

[Jamiekerk]

These are what I have for my reptile first aid kit for minor injuries, small injuries to scale rot this has sorted anything I’ve had out. (Don’t use for ri etc) only good for physical bodily stuff


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