new heat pad burned snake

Ive had my Ball python for 3 years and used a heat rock with good results. I was encouraged to change to a heat pad (the kind that sticks to the bottom of the tank) I week later I noticed that "Dawg" was staying in his water bowl, something he has never done. His belly is burned and is not healing. I have tried neosporin to keep it from getting infected which seems to work but its just not healing. What can I do? Any advice would be of great help. Thanks, T

First thing is to get your BP to the vet asap to get those burns looked at. It's good that they're not infected but you need to get them healed as soon as you can. Also, what kind of enclosure/substrate are you using and do you have anything to control the temp. of the heat pad? If not, you may need to get a rheostat of some type to help with that. Make sure to keep an eye on those temps., heat pads can get very hot! In addition to using a rheostat I also place a piece of reptile carpet inside the enclosure (over the heat mat and under the substrate) but that's just me. Good luck with Dawg!

Thanks for the prompt reply. I agree that Vet assistance would be best, but is not locally available. Dawg lives in a large aquarium. The substrate is news paper, easy and readily available. The heat pad is now covered with a towel to prevent direct contact.

You still should have a thermostat or at the least a rheostat to control the temps. UTHs can reach 130 degrees or more. Get your snake to a vet before he gets infected.

also, heat rocks are a big NO NO even if it worked for you. they concentrate their heat in too small of an area and can easily burn an animal. you should definantly take your snake to the vet even if you have to drive for a couple of hours, belive me it is worth it for your snakes health. and i would recommend a thermostat over a rheostat but they both work.

Just for clarification - since you said you covered the heat pad with a towel to prevent direct contact. Is the heat pad INSIDE the enclosure or outside stuck to the bottom?

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Originally Posted by rabernet

Just for clarification - since you said you covered the heat pad with a towel to prevent direct contact. Is the heat pad INSIDE the enclosure or outside stuck to the bottom?

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good point. i also would like to know the answer to this, because UTH means UNDER TANK heater.

The pad is on the bottom of the aquarium, on the outside...



Thanks for all the input today. I think I found a vet that'll look at Dawg tomorrow. I'll know in the morning. Thanks again.

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Originally Posted by tony008088

The pad is on the bottom of the aquarium, on the outside...



Thanks for all the input today. I think I found a vet that'll look at Dawg tomorrow. I'll know in the morning. Thanks again.

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good. we just wanted to make sure. i'll be praying for your snake to heal quickly and good.:please: