Hurt Ball python with horizontal cuts.

Has anyone ever seen anything like this before from a heating pad? We are suspecting that someone came into the classroom and somehow did this purposefully.

To be from a heating pad, in my opinion, that snake would have to go unmonitored on a wildly-fluctuating heating pad for much longer than your time frame indicates. He is checked on at least once a day, correct? This looks like days of burn, to me, but I've never encountered anything like this.

However, my gut does say that this is manually inflicted, which makes me even more sick, if possible. I'm so sorry for you, Silver, and for the pain this is causing you and your animal.

The heat pad cannot regulate its own temp. You need a Thermostat to keep any type of heating element in a safe range. Be glad it didn't start a fire either.... It looks like a pad malfunction related burn to me. It looks very much like other heat related burns Ive seen but a lot more severe.

Glad its going to the vet. I suggest putting him in a temporary hospital enclosure with the bare minimum set up. Hide, water dish, and paper towel substrate. Keep it dry and sterile. Keep us posted.

And you say he's his 'normal active self'? Active ball pythons means they are stressed out. Ball pythons are nocturnal and are generally only active at night. A hiding ball is a happy ball during the day. So being active is definitely not the norm.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Yes, I've seen burns like that from heating pads. Maybe not quite as severe, but since the snake was housed in a school who knows how long it was on the heating pad.

Can you please describe the exact thermometer you are using to measure the temperatures?

If it's one of those circular dials that you stick on to the glass, throw it away.

You need one of these. If you don't have one of these, with that little silver/black probe secured directly over the glass, it's no surprise the heat spiked and it wasn't caught.

http://www.buyagreenhouse.com/store/images/313BC.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bobbafett

For those on tapatalk here is the picture:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/05/25/9y4y5e7e.jpg

Just looking at this makes me want to cry.

---

Oh. My. God. :(

That is the worst burn I have ever seen posted. You have been given good advice so far, so I will just reiterate. Vet asap. That poor snake is probably miserable. No, they won't move off it. Yes, heat pad, or heat tape HAS to be on a thermostat, it will get hot enough to do that unregulated. Hydrofarm is the cheapest option for a thermostat. The best, but more costly choice is a herpstat. Please keep us posted on the vet visit and his recovery. Poor baby, I hope he's ok.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NormanSnake

Making the person feel bad about what they did is not going to get that snake any help. At least they did come here to ask for help.

---

I am not trying to make the user feel bad, nor should they feel bad. Its the schools ball python, it wasn't in his hands. At least he is taking the initiative to take care of it outside of the school. I hope this animal gets to the vet.

So whatever teacher or staff/students of the school that was responsible for this, the comment was directed at their neglect. Not the OP

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mrl249

I can't see the pics ! :(

---

Not sure you want to....:(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by seang89

Lazyness and Cheapness lead you down this kind of path. I feel pity for the snake.

---

Sure sounds like it was aimed at the OP. My mistake.


Sent from my Samsung Galaxy SIII using Tapatalk 2

That could definitely happen from a heat pad. I've seen unregulated heat pads hit 135 degrees. I hope the vet is able to ease its pain, that is the worst burn I've ever seen. :(

For reference, the heat pad should ONLY hit 90-95 (closer to 90 is better, and anything over 95 is too hot). You have to measure it with an accurate thermometer and have it hooked up to a thermostat. Those are not optional. Not impressed with your teacher.

Oh wow, that's a nasty burn. Definitely needs vet attention ASAP.

In my (admittedly limited) experience, the pet store-bought UTH's seem kind of prone to malfunctioning. Even when working normally they can and will get over 120 degrees F. I would honestly replace the UTH entirely and order a Hydrofarm thermostat ASAP. In a pinch a lamp dimmer or rheostat can be used but I would get the thermostat.

Some other things you might want is an indoor/outdoor thermometer with a probe (can be found at walmart for like $12, big apple herp sells them too) and an infrared temp gun (I think you can get a relatively basic one for pretty cheap). You can't really 'guestimate' if the hot spot is too warm or not. We're warm blooded and don't feel hot and cold like reptiles do. Stick-on thermometers are useless. You want it on the source.

Good luck OP. I hope your snake will be ok