Is this minor scale rot?

From what I've read, both myself and my 5 month old BP, Schemer, seem to be out of luck. It only seems to be on one scale, and this is the first ever problem with his health I've had. I'm uncertain if this could have been caused by the bathing I gave him prior to shedding(he finished shedding about a week and a half ago), but if that was the case it was a win-lose as he came out with a perfect shed(nearly, but still pleasing) shortly after being introduced to his 30 gal setup. The only other change I've added is double-layer paper towel substrate to cut back on expenses, plus maintenance seems to be both faster and easier. I have noticed that humidity has been on the low side since I put him in there, around 40%(which is why I resorted to the bathing when he started shedding). I do plan on fixing this soon, however. I've been trying various things but am still looking for the perfect solution. I change his substrate immediately after defecation/urination so he's always clean. I change his water dish(6 inch diameter heavy bowl) every other day, as he never soils it. Temps are correct - providing the necessary 10 degree gradient - with a 88-90 degree basking spot(heat pad) regulated with a rheostat & digital thermometer, ambient around 82-84 and cool side of 78-80.

Here's some pics, different angles of the same spot.

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/881/1000741v.jpg
http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/881/1000741v.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7042/1000752z.jpg
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/7042/1000752z.jpg

I noticed this a week ago - shortly after shedding, and it wasn't there prior to shedding - and it doesn't seem to be spreading. I just decided to observe it, but I have my worries. I've improvised in the meantime based on what I've read about people doing, so that it doesn't get worse. I've been applying a q-tip amount of chlorhexidine to that singular scale and applying antibiotic ointment in that order once a day since. From what I've heard, this solution works for the smallest of cases and heals by the time the next shed has passed.

So, any info or advice? Thanks in advance.

From what you've described, your setup is darn near perfect and you're doing things right. As far as the spot, it looks like it could be very mild scale rot.

At any rate, I'd say just continue to treat it like you've been doing, and so long as you don't notice it getting worse, then don't worry. It will correct itself in a shed or so, as long as you keep the husbandry good like you have been.

The chlorhexidine is fine.

As for the antibiotic ointment, I'd see if you can't get your hands on silver sulfadiazine. It's probably the best antibiotic ointment you can use on your snake. Many of the OTC -sporins contain petrolatum or mineral oil which can cause some issues with scale loss.

In the future either leave your snake alone or use a humid hide. While bathing a snake does not usually lead to scale rot, it is stressful for the animal and really doesn't need to be done.

How much does that silver sulfadiazine go for, and where can I find it? Walgreens, Target, specialty stores, online, etc?
I'd also like to know if everyone else agrees with this. Not that I doubt you, but from what I've read on here(from most people) as long as it doesn't have painkiller in it any antibiotic ointment is fine.

Oh, I just fed my snake, will it matter if I avoid treating him for a day or two so he doesn't regurgitate, or should I still apply the treatment? He had a rather large meal, so I don't want to cause stress.

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Originally Posted by Hydrolicious

Oh, I just fed my snake, will it matter if I avoid treating him for a day or two so he doesn't regurgitate, or should I still apply the treatment? He had a rather large meal, so I don't want to cause stress.

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since it's very minor, I wouldn't be worried about missing one treatment due to the snake having just eaten. Give the snake 24 hours to digest and then resume applying treatment, you should be fine :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hydrolicious

How much does that silver sulfadiazine go for, and where can I find it? Walgreens, Target, specialty stores, online, etc?
I'd also like to know if everyone else agrees with this. Not that I doubt you, but from what I've read on here(from most people) as long as it doesn't have painkiller in it any antibiotic ointment is fine.

Oh, I just fed my snake, will it matter if I avoid treating him for a day or two so he doesn't regurgitate, or should I still apply the treatment? He had a rather large meal, so I don't want to cause stress.

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Nevermind, I was able to get some for free through my dad's medical channels(he's a family practitioner; ie, a DO). That'll be coming in the mail in about a week or so. I looked this up and it really seems to be the best, apparently. :bow:

It actually looks like its starting to fade. It's not brown all the way around that spot anymore, and there are only a few specks of brown in the vicinity. Looks like the treatment is working. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skiploder

As for the antibiotic ointment, I'd see if you can't get your hands on silver sulfadiazine. It's probably the best antibiotic ointment you can use on your snake. Many of the OTC -sporins contain petrolatum or mineral oil which can cause some issues with scale loss.

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I second this! Silver sulfadiazine is the only reason my Crested Gecko lived after he was attacked by a cat. That stuff is seriously amazing.