spurs/scales that stick out

So, here's some better pictures of picard. He has some broken scales on his stomach-- I don't typically see when people post pictures of their snakes bellies. Is this a problem? Did he have a rough enclosure? I don't see mites but is that a sign at one time he had them? Or is this normal "wear and tear"

http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/24/11/18/img_0010.jpg

http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/24/11/18/sdc10010.jpg

http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/24/11/18/img_0011.jpg

http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/24/11/18/img_0012.jpg

Janeway

She has "spurs" all over, particularly on her stomach and sides... she has at least a dozen displaced scales that stick straight out. Will that fix itself after a shed?

http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/24/11/18/sdc10011.jpg

http://i44.servimg.com/u/f44/14/24/11/18/sdc10012.jpg

Possibly close to shed? Bump up the humidity.

I'm not sure what's up with his belly, but the "spurs" look like rodent bites to me (though I could be wrong about that)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

I'm not sure what's up with his belly, but the "spurs" look like rodent bites to me (though I could be wrong about that)

---

I think the belly shot looks like it's close to shedding, some of mine get "crinkley" before shed, but I agree, those "spurs" on the side look like bites or scratches. After the next shed see if it improves.

Well I was told they were feeding on frozen/thawed. So, I don't know how it could be rat bites -- but maybe that's why he switched.

I don't know :confused: I'm hoping it'll get better after a shed.

The picture of his belly isn't that great. But, it's like a lot of his scales have been "chipped away". It's not just crinkly -- it's like the outer parts of some scales are just gone. There aren't any open wounds; I was just wondering if this could be results of mites? I've never had a snake that got mites before so I don't know what the after effects would be.

Not sure, once I treated the mites on my snakes, they were perfectly normal after their first shed. Maybe long term damage from mites it's possible. Either way, I'd just make sure he has proper humidity and heat and make sure he doesn't have any open wounds. See ifit maybe clears up after his next shed.

The belly pics look like he has either a very slight burn or minimal scale rot. How are you heating the cage? What kind of substrate?

As for the scales, I cant see the pics too well. Is the scale just sticking up? Or is the scale swollen like it has fluid under it?

Woah scale rot on the belly...wash him with baby shampoo and wait till he sheds lol I did this for a few of my rescues when its very little.

I've got aspen bedding, and I'm using a reptile heat mat on low on one side of the tank. I've got a gradient of 75-85 in the tank. He was like this when I got him :( I've only had him for a few days.

If I can't treat the scale rot does he need to go to a vet?

___________

also yes, it's just a scale sticking up. I checked for open wounds, fluid build up, and possible abcesses. He seems fine. I also checked around the eyes and mouth and neck for mites -- I didn't see any which I guess is good.

___________

Thanks for the replies. I was concerned. I'll get some baby shampoo tonight. If I'm going to bathe him -- I've got a water thermometer, recommended temp? like 85ish? Never bathed a snake before, I've never had this problem or problems with shedding.

THANKS !

You need to get the hot side temperature up to 88-92 degrees.

See if you can get some Betadine solution to soak your snake in. That should help. And yes if the scale rot (if it is scale rot) does not go away a vet trip is in order.