IDEA: scale rot, mouth rot, ticks, worms, etc.

Alright, let's get started. I included some comments/questions in brackets.

WARNING: Self diagnosis and treatment of your animal is NOT a substitute for veterinary attention. All illnesses are unique, therefore generalization may lead to the death of your animal. If you are unsure about ANYTHING please do not hesitate to post on the forums and seek assistance from our knowledgable community.

[in alphabetical order]
Blister Disease and Scale Rot
CAUSES: unsanitary enclosure, excessive substrate dampness, excessive humidity

SIGNS:

TREATMENTS: Veterinary visit. [Are there any home remedies for this?]


Inclusion Body Disease aka IBD
CAUSES: infected reptiles

SIGNS:

TREATMENTS: None. Euthanasia is advised.


Internal Parasites or Worms
CAUSES: infected reptiles, infected prey

SIGNS:

TREATMENTS: Veterinary visit is REQUIRED. He/she will prescribe the necessary treatments.


Mites and Ticks
CAUSES: infected reptiles, infected prey, outdoor exposure

SIGNS:

TREATMENTS: Veterinary visit or Provent-a-Mite spray. PAM can be acquired online or possibly at pet stores. Temporary solutions include utilizing petroleum jelly or a long warm bath to suffocate the mites and ticks.


Respiratory Illness aka RI
CAUSES: low temperatures, excessive humidity, prolonged stress

SIGNS:

TREATMENTS: Veterinary visit is REQUIRED. He/she will prescribe necessary antibiotics and vitamin supplements. You should provide increased temperatures.


Stomatitis aka Mouth Rot
CAUSES: infected mouth wound, unsanitary enclosure

SIGNS:

TREATMENTS: Veterinary visit. [Are there any home remedies for this?]


I've left all of the Signs area blank because at the moment I don't even own a BP (it'll come Thursday!) and therefore am unqualified to write those sections. I am, however, fully capable of doing research on the causes and treatments of the above illnesses. Feel free to add on more to the sections I've already completed. And we need PICTURES of these things!

Also, do you guys think regurgitation and incomplete sheds should be included? They arn't really illnesses per se but are common problems...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ktzero3

incomplete sheds

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There's nothing wrong with a snake that has incomplete sheds.

-adam

If we are trying to keep the size of this sticky down, then I would leave out shedding and regurg/feeding issues since these are easily "diagnosed" and if you read the care sheets, you'll know how to avoid them.

>>My contribution>>

You're right about the causes of scale rot, but minor cases are apparently easily treated and the snake recovers fully without meds or a vet visit. My girl developed these pink spots, and I took advice on another forum to use a topical antibiotic (Polysporin) on the spots until her next shed, at which time they shed off completely. I had been missing some of her urates because they were camouflaged against the white substrate. So the cause needs to be corrected too (changed the substrate). Serious cases would require injectible antibiotics from a vet.

I don't know if blister disease is the same thing.......??

I would post my pics but it says I MAY NOT post attachments.

smulkin has a good RI article under the medical section

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/4/9/rot2.jpg
https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/files/3/8/4/9/rot1.jpg

Figured it out (hopefully).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sadie

I would post my pics but it says I MAY NOT post attachments.

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http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=28289

There's a link that will show you how to post pics here. :)

EDIT: Doh! Nevermind! LOL ...but maybe someone else will make use of it. ;)

Wow, GREAT pictures Sadie. This is exactly the kind of thing I was hoping for!

But... do you mind elaborating a little bit on the antibiotic? Where did you obtain it (is it similar to neosporin?), how often was applied, etc?

Thanks again.

Thanks! Hope they're useful.

Yes, polysporin is like neosporin. It's just an over-the-counter ointment, commonly included in first aid kits. I'm sure you could pick it up at any drug store. Good for minor people scrapes and bites too.

I used it twice a day, which was more than enough.

Are OTC ointments such as neosporin safe if accidentally consumed by BPs?

Oh.. and may I have permission to use your pictures for the sticky?

i would hope so because ive accidentally consumed my fair share lol (dont ask)