URGENT - What's wrong with this snake

I received the following photo and description from a boy I know that has a BP. Can you offer some advice? I know the first choice is a vet visit but I'm looking for any other info you can provide. Thanks.

"I am having a problem with my ball python. I know the picture isn't the best, but I will try to describe. About 1/3 down on the snake the ventral (bottom) scales swelled, about another inch down the scales deflate beyond the normal. The scales are an off pink, Im sure it is not an old shed. When I went to pick him up before I realized the problem there was a type of clear puss on my hand. If you know anything about this or could help I would greatly appreciate it."

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c296/caylorjc/BP.jpg

scale rot.

I agree.
Sounds like scale rot.

one of two things a burn or scale rot aka blister disease

I looked up scale rot and it describes the scale color as brown. His description of the color is off pink. Still scale rot? What about the clear puss?

Thanks.

Whatever the problem, this snake needs to see a vet. IMMEDIATELY if not sooner.

Jim Smith

He needs to check his temps...my first guess is burn. Will need vet and antibiotics.

most likely a burn.

Thermal burn...Is your friend using a thermostat? or a heat rock?...

My guess is a burn if the scales are pink.

I know I just got into this, but it looks and sounds like a burn. Burn or scale rot, see vet and make sure you have a thermostat.

Hard to tell from the picture and not knowing how long the animal has been in this condition, but you can definitely bet on burn or scale rot which means 2 things for certain

1# The husbandry needs to be re-assed IMMEDIATELY

2# Due to the extent the animal need to be taken to a vet ASAP

In the mean time your friend needs to make sure his heat source is controlled, replace the substrate with clean paper towel (keep the enclosure clean), clean the area up with some betadine and apply some triple anti-biotic ointment while waiting to have the animal seen by a vet.

Thanks for all of the replies. I passed along the information. Hopefully he will follow through.

Thanks again.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

Thanks for all of the replies. I passed along the information. Hopefully he will follow through.

Thanks again.

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tipple antibiotic ointment WITHOUT PAIN REVILER. do not use the kind with pain relief in it.

This is sad... I hope the owner seriously changes his care taking cause this is not good.

Poor little guy.. All burnt up :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigBlue56

This is sad... I hope the owner seriously changes his care taking cause this is not good.

Poor little guy.. All burnt up :(

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Yeah no kidding. Tell this kid he needs to take it to the vet immediately, then give it to someone who actually wants to take care of it if its survives.

Theres no way it could have gotten THAT bad unless he completely ignored caring for it for a long period of time.

Feel terrible for animals like this with owners like that.

Quick update

Snake was taken to the vet the following day. Vet could not be sure either but prescribed antibiotic shots - 5 over 15 days. Snake died after 2nd shot.

At least an attempt was made and some valuable lessons learned.

Thanks for the help.

thats just sad, due to the kids lack of knowledge the snake died

That's too bad.

But JohnNJ...a big thumbs up for following through on your end and letting us know what the scoop was AND for letting the other guy know what to do also.