Help again please, rubbing scales off!

So those that have read my last post about my snake spazzing out, he seems better now. The only thing that's weird now is that he is trying to rub his scales off. There is a bare spot on his neck/head area that has no scales left and I guess it's sensitive because he trys to pull away and hide himself when I touch him there.
The scales on the underside are very flaky and kind of loose looking, I can't describe it, they just aren't really tight to the body.
So, I read about some kind of shedding spray that helps snakes shed and have nice skin after. Has anyone tried this. He isn't ready too shed yet though, but because he's scales are dry and flaky off, maybe he needs something to help him feel better.
I'm thinking that he is really dry because prior to his mite treatment, I rubbed canola oil on him thinking this would suffacate the mites etc, but I think that's what wrecked his scales and dryed them out. I have been keeping the humidity up, but it's not helping at all. I even put a moist hide box in there but he won't go in it. I'm worried he will hurt himself more by rubbing his scales off. They are stuck to the glass and I also see them on the paper towel. He doesn't appear to have belly rot or anything. Any suggestions?

Canola oil is not good for your snakes skin I am sorry to say and that may very well be what is causing this. Don't even bother with the shedding spray, that stuff is garbage and will not really help.

Hi,

Can you get some close, in focus pictures?

I have no idea if it could be the mite treatment you used irritating his skin or if there are still some mites. The damage should make him start a shed cycle though as that is part of their healing process.

Until then some neosporin without painkiller might help the raw patch.


dr del

If I were you I would take him to the vet. Your snake has got to be stressed. Can I ask why you put Canola Oil on him?

Might try soaking him in a tub for a little bit.

Last week I found mites in three of my tubs, so everyone got a bath. Today I found one mite but it is feeding day so in two days everyone will get a bath again.;)

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Originally Posted by DellaF

If I were you I would take him to the vet. Your snake has got to be stressed. Can I ask why you put Canola Oil on him?

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Yes you can ask me. I read it on some site, not sure which one? I was in a panic with the mites so I started googling! I also read to put mineral oil on his retained eye cap, so I did that as well, it was a very tiny dab on a Q-tip. It could be possible that that cause him to start rubbing himself all over the tank, because that's what he did after I applyed it to his eye, then maybe, it got on his head which then caused the bald spot??
Man, I feel like such a bad snake owner. I try my best but I keep screwing up because I'm given the wrong information. We don't have a vet right now, I suppose I should look for one.
I can take a picture but I don't know how to post it??

You have to use a pic hosting site like photobucket and then copy the url here.

Dont feel be, we all have to learn one way or another. The main thing is you are trying to do better.:gj::gj:

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Originally Posted by ocean girl

Man, I feel like such a bad snake owner. I try my best but I keep screwing up because I'm given the wrong information. We don't have a vet right now, I suppose I should look for one.

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A bad snake owner would not be here looking for help. :)

www.reptileveterinarians.com might help you find a good vet. It will tell you who is in your area and there are some reviews.

Hope he gets better poor guy. I'm not trying to bash you. I'm new with BP's to so this is a learning experience for me to. I hope it doesn't happen to me :please:

As I have said to you before, if you're on here looking for the answers and trying to improve, we're not here to bash. We're here to help, and willing to do what we can as long as you're willing to take the suggestions we offer.

I agree that maybe trying a 15 minute soak in luke warm water (shoot for 85 degrees F which you can measure with the probe of your digital thermometer if you're not sure and if the thermometer probe is sealed...) But as dr del said, you should see him start going into the shed cycle soon enough as it is part of the healing and rebuilding process.

Good luck! And thank you for continuing to try to work with this little guy. In the end, I'm sure your dedication and hard work will pay off. Just don't give up on him yet!

I think the very best thing for the snake right now is for it to have a chance to rest and be left alone. I completely understand the need to hold and examine because you're worried and want to fix everything. But the stress of that can only make things worse and there's really nothing you can do.

If I were in your shoes, I would set up a water bowl in the enclosure that is big enough and deep enough for the snake to soak in if it chooses to. I wouldn't force a soak on it at this point, because again, that will just stress it out. I'd then cover the whole enclosure with a dark blanket or sheet and leave it completely alone. You can peek in during the evening when the room is lit just enough to allow you to see in, but otherwise, don't disturb him at all.

In the meantime, try to find a vet in your area that is competent to treat snakes. Whether or not you choose to make an appt at this time, at least you'll have the information ready at your fingertips when you need it.

I've heard of many cases where using oil on snakes will cause them to shed off individual scales...it can turn into a huge mess...but it's something they will recover from. It'll just be a pain in the butt for you. Hopefully that's all this is.

You've got us now....a place to turn to for reliable information when you're nervous or scared about your snake. Don't panic, and don't rush into treatments and home remedies with the very first thing you read, even here. Wait until you hear from multiple people to be sure experienced folks concur with the advice given. Even then, you may get slightly conflicting advice (such as whether you should soak or not ;) ). Think it over carefully and figure out what makes the most sense, then proceed with purpose rather than panic.

Thanks everyone for your help. I actually don't pick him up much, only to change his paper. It's my son's snake and he likes to hold him when he wakes for school in the mornings and then maybe one other time after school. They mostly just sit on the couch and watch TV and the snake curls up under his shirt to keep warm. I like to watch him move around at night, he starts to get active around 10 pm. He doesn't appear stressed this pass couple days, he just hangs out in his hides.
As for soaking, I feel bad making him soak because when ever we have tryed in the passed he tries to get out, so I figure he hated it.
He does have a huge caserole dish to soak in if he needs too, so I don't know, should I make him soak??
I will try to post pics of him, as I did take some photo's today. Well, hopefully things continue to improve.