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Scale rot potentially?

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  • 07-31-2023, 02:31 PM
    Sean44116
    Re: Scale rot potentially?
    https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0104.jpeghttps://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0115.jpegThat’s good to hear and relieving. I’ll just keep the humidity up a bit and wait for him to shed and see where we’re at. I’m sure as you’ve all said with a shed and some time it’ll all clear up. Just wanna make sure my guy is all good he’s my first and I plan on having him for as long as humanly possible. I already love the dude and it’s only been 2 weeks!! (Some good pictures of the guy)
  • 07-31-2023, 03:44 PM
    sp0420
    Re: Scale rot potentially?
    I know its been answered pretty thoroughly but just thought I'd share my insight. Sometimes I've noticed damaged scales that look similar to the one that was kind of brown. The pink marks look to me like it was pressing on something in the enclosure. I see similar marks a lot on the underside of animals from laying on coconut husk. From my experience I've seen scale rot on the belly from a snake that was allowed to maternally incubate a clutch. Scales were brown and discolored and peeling and not just in one area. It takes some pretty nasty conditions for a pretty decent amount of time to cause scale rot. At least in my experience.
  • 07-31-2023, 05:46 PM
    Bogertophis
    @ Sean44116: if ever your snake has a minor wound- especially with a skin break- the best topical meds are either Vetericyn brand ointment or spray "for reptiles" (because it's water-based & won't cause future messed-up sheds like the oil/petroleum-jelly based ointments do) or diluted* Betadine (aka povidone-iodine) that's diluted to look like weak tea & dabbed on the wound.

    Right now, I'd just watch that little brown spot, but it's likely just one or a couple roughed up scales- a snake-version of a scab that will slough off in coming sheds. If you're inclined to dab the aforementioned medications on it, that won't hurt anything & might help.

    As already mentioned, snakes get minor dings all the time- the 'curse' of a white snake is that every little thing shows up- :)

    I agree w/ above post- pink areas are often places where the snake pressed on something- and when they curl up tightly, you'll also often see a lot of bent scales where they got folded (it compares to the inside of our elbow- if we had scales, they'd be folded & creased also). But you're doing the right thing to ask- none of us knew everything to start- not even close.
  • 08-01-2023, 01:17 AM
    sp0420
    Re: Scale rot potentially?
    Spot on advice. Also thanks for the typo edit (embarrassing lol).

    She wasn't mine at the time but was given to me after eggs didnt go full term. That's pretty much exactly how I treated it. Paper towel betadine soaks and non pain killer generic neosporin on the belly. She healed up nice after a few sheds and I still have her. Great snake nice clutches and pounds rats.

    Im pretty sure I learned about those methods from reading posts here and it worked out great for me. This forum has definitely been a valuable resource for me. Especially when I first got into the hobby. There's just so many questions no matter how much research you do beforehand.
  • 08-01-2023, 04:38 PM
    Sean44116
    Re: Scale rot potentially?
    https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0223.jpeghttps://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0224.jpegHello guys so I did a check today the pink spots are all pretty much gone but I found something I don’t like. Some brown on his belly. I don’t think it’s substrate in his scales but what do you guys think?
  • 08-01-2023, 05:31 PM
    Bogertophis
    I'd wait for the shed- not all scale-grime comes off easily. (Did you actually try to rub- wash it off?)
  • 08-01-2023, 05:48 PM
    Sean44116
    Re: Scale rot potentially?
    I tried a little bit with a wash cloth and rubbed and didn’t have much luck but I also was trying to be fast cause the blueness is gone which I’m thinking for what I’ve read that he is very very close to shedding and I didn’t want to disturb him. I swear that wasn’t there a day or 2 ago but I’m not entirely sure to be honest. I was so focused on the pink blemishes and the one brown spot that I didn’t pay much attention to his stomach in all honesty
  • 08-01-2023, 05:56 PM
    Bogertophis
    If he's that close to shedding (as we say, "gone back to clear") I'd just wait. We've had others thinking the same thing & off it all came with the shed. ;) The main thing is to boost his humidity a little now until he sheds- you want 65-75% humidity, & a humid hide is always welcome too.
  • 08-01-2023, 06:15 PM
    Sean44116
    Re: Scale rot potentially?
    Alright I’ll wait till he sheds and see what he looks like and get back to your guys. I’ve been keeping the humidity around 65-70% for the past couple days for his shedding I’ll continue to do the same and see what happens. I mistakenly made the humidity 80-85% a couple days ago thinking that was the correct amount from a couple friends who have ball pythons. I hope this didn’t cause the soil to be too moist therefore causing rot from the humidity. We shall see tho I’m hoping he sheds tonight fingers crossed. Thanks again for your fast replies I really appreciate it. I’m getting to stressed over this little guy I just care for him to much!
  • 08-01-2023, 06:48 PM
    Bogertophis
    A few days at 80-85% is very unlikely to cause a problem- assuming his home is kept clean. Many bacteria love warmth + moisture, & don't forget, these are wild creatures that get rained on in the wild. But we all understand (& thank you) for wanting to take the very best care of your snake. And never forget: snakes are FAR more easy to keep healthy than to get them well again once they get sick. So we're all about "prevention" here. You fit right in. ;)
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