Scales falling off?

Hey, my normal bp got a first degree belly burn and I took him to the vet about 2 weeks ago. He gave me a treatment Nd whatever but I noticed some of his scales mostly belly scales are falling off as little clear pieces not on the burned are. He's going into his first shed since the burn. Is this normal for clear scales to be falling off like this from the burn or whats going on?

He's also on a astroturf or (outside carpet) if that makes a difference

Did you apply Neosporin or any other oil based cream?

If so this is what caused the scales to fall off and why Neosporin should never be used on snakes.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Did you apply Neosporin or any other oil based cream?

If so this is what caused the scales to fall off and why Neosporin should never be used on snakes.

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I used what the doctor gave me called silver sulfadiazine cream usp 1%. Is that what is causing it?

No, that is the best stuff actually. if you didn't apply anything else it might just be part of the healing process.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

No, that is the best stuff actually. if you didn't apply anything else it might just be part of the healing process.

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So I should have nothing to worry about? No need to take him back up to the vet.. Just wait out the shed and see how he looks?

For a burn and since you were using the cream I'd say it's just part of the healing process. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Unless the area starts looking tender again, puffy or infected I think yours is healing fine.


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Also astro turf is pretty much used for outdoor decks and what not so it drys out really quick.

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Originally Posted by Reptilecam

Also astro turf is pretty much used for outdoor decks and what not so it drys out really quick.

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He's never had problems shedding, always one complete piece. What do you prefer is better for him

I use Aspen shavings but you could use cypress mulch, paper towels, newspaper and a lot of other pre made products. Its up to you just a sugestion.

Actually I've seen the carpet and astro hold humidity alright. But my main issue with it is it holds bacteria to a nasty level. Which is not good with injuries and infection. My preference for animals that are recovering from burns or injuries is papertowel. Which would get changed daily. The thing about carpet or astro turf is unless your buying a new one daily it's hard to keep hospital clean. It sounds like he's healing nicely so its a pretty Moote point as of now. And if he's never had a shed issue then there's no reason to switch things up.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

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Originally Posted by Homegrownscales

Actually I've seen the carpet and astro hold humidity alright. But my main issue with it is it holds bacteria to a nasty level. Which is not good with injuries and infection. My preference for animals that are recovering from burns or injuries is papertowel. Which would get changed daily. The thing about carpet or astro turf is unless your buying a new one daily it's hard to keep hospital clean. It sounds like he's healing nicely so its a pretty Moote point as of now. And if he's never had a shed issue then there's no reason to switch things up.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

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Well I was using Eco earth, it's a coconut fiber substrate if you've never heard of it. But had to go to AstroTurf since the cream would make the fiber stick. I was changing out the coconut fiber every month is that right? And should I go back

I like the eco Earth alot actually and a monthly cleaning is good with spot cleaning once or twice a week.

AstroTurff seem like it would be awfully harsh on a belly burn.

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Originally Posted by Slim

AstroTurff seem like it would be awfully harsh on a belly burn.

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I'm just doing what the doctor told me. He said I needed something that won't stick. I actually just switched it back to the coconut fiber a few minutes ago.

You could go for paper towels and then go back to the coco fiber after everything is all healed and ready to go.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

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Originally Posted by Homegrownscales

You could go for paper towels and then go back to the coco fiber after everything is all healed and ready to go.


Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com

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ill do just that then. thanks everyone for the help:)

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Originally Posted by Tunechi

I used what the doctor gave me called silver sulfadiazine cream usp 1%. Is that what is causing it?

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That cream does have petroleum in it. I don't know if thats what causes the scales to fall off. probably does

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I have had the same problem with scales falling off, and I don't think it's part of the healing process. I think it's due to the petrol based creams. For lack of a better product I would stick with chlorohexidrine gluconate solution on the skin, and use systemic antibiotics in any reptiles affected with scale rot. Neomycin is toxic to reptiles anyway. If i did need something I would make a glycerol based cream with amikacin

just make sure that your using the cream in the amount and however often the vet told you to. for substate i personally would use paper towels and change them every other day as carpet seems like it would be rough rubbing on him and the others would get caught in the wound. i wouldnt worry about taking him back to the vet atleast untill he sheads. not knowing how bad the burn is it might clean up alot with the shead. pics would help