:( Scale rot or burn?

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.

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/DSCF2549.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t...r/DSCF2545.jpg

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

Oh dear.....poor baby :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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.