Belly discoloration

I've got a ball python who has recently developed some discoloration on his belly (near the tail). It's sort of a brownish and seems a bit dry--I initially thought it might be a burn but I can't see how that could be. I do use an UTH, but there is a lining underneath his substrate which wouldn't allow him to be in a position to be burned by it. Sorry for the lousy picture quality (hard to get him to hold still long enough to snap the shot):

http://imgur.com/S1V9S.jpg

http://imgur.com/NIL3v.jpg

Thanks in advance for any ideas...

Looks like either a burn or scale rot to me. What kind of "lining" do you have under the substrate? And scale rot is generally caused by laying on bedding that's too wet/dirty for too long. Does he ever tip his water dish over or is his substrate ever really moist?

In any case, I would say you should bring him to a vet asap before it gets any worse :( In the meantime, you should put him on clean, dry newspaper or paper towels.

I agree with the above, a burn or scale rot, either way, I think your best bet is a vet visit.

that looks like scale rot to me

Looks very much like scale rot. But also could be a burn. Make sure you keep the Burn/Rot very clean tell you get your BP to a vet!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by UrdnotWrex

I initially thought it might be a burn but I can't see how that could be. I do use an UTH, but there is a lining underneath his substrate which wouldn't allow him to be in a position to be burned by it.

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I'm guessing by this that you don't have a thermostat to keep the uth at the correct temperature :colbert:
It looks like scale rot to me too and I'd be to the vets sooner than later for your snakes sake.

It can be worse if its belly rot.
Iodine solution and keep it in a dry cage for a while and it should heal up.

If it doesn't get it to a vet