Scale rot? Bigger health issues? Help, please.

Background: I have a 10 year old male. I adopted him from a friend about two years ago. I've had corn snakes & boas, but this is my first ball python. I initially had issues getting him to eat, but in the past 6 months, he was doing better & feeding consistently. Last month he ate two fairly large rats (1 one day, another the next) & regurgitated both a day later. Since then, I've only tried to feed him once (unsuccessfully) & he's lost some body weight, which I was already concerned about. I had the feeling the regurg was because he was too cold... So, I switched his bedding to paper, covered the sides of the glass tank & made sure the temp levels were warmer.


Meanwhile, I've been trying not to handle him at all except when I take him out to clean the cage. But, I feel like I may have not been handling him enough, because in the past week he's developed an upsetting scale issue - all along his spine area the scales look like they were ripped off. He's also got a wound-like pink spot on one side & a larger one near the end of his tale. I've been putting neosporin on the sore spots for the last few days, but I'm not sure it's helping.


I realize I should probably take him to a vet & I'm trying to find one in my area to take him to this early this week... Regardless, I'd like any thoughts or suggestions as to why he's suddenly gotten in such bad shape... This whole thing is really upsetting me, I feel like I've missed something critical & now it may be too late....

Here's a pic: http://postimg.org/image/41evrvznf/

I'm so sorry your snakes not doing well. Can you give is some details of how you have his enclosure set up? What are the temps in the cage? How are you measuring those temps? What heat sources are you using? Etc. once you give us more details of his environment we will be able to help you more with your problem :)


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[QUOTE=AlexisFitzy;2220478]I'm so sorry your snakes not doing well. Can you give is some details of how you have his enclosure set up? What are the temps in the cage? How are you measuring those temps? What heat sources are you using? Etc. once you give us more details of his environment we will be able to help you more with your problem :)


Sure. I have him in the tank his previous owners had him in - glass with screen top. However, right now I've got it wrapped in material on the sides & its on a bookshelf. This is mostly because I live in a rather old (1800s) house that's a bit drafty especially in winter. I keep the temps in the cage around 78-85 (digital thermometer one side, regular one other side). There's two heat lamps, one under cage heating pad, two hides (one on each side) & a brick decoration for shedding. Small water dish currently - I took the big one out in case it is some sort of bacterial issue. Paper lining for the past month or so.

Here's another pic that shows one of the cut-like spots:

http://postimg.org/image/4fg7rhjqz/

Yeah, he does look skinny. Maybe the back to back large rats were to big of a meal with too low of temps. His injuries look like they might of come from him being stuck behind a decoration and ripping himself trying to get out (it looks like its running a line down his side to me). Neosporin will help, so would a betadine rinse. If it is from that, it should heal (poss. scarring) with proper treatment.

But with his loosing weight, you might want to double check your set up and get a fecal done, just in case. Lots of stress can keep them from eating. Also try offering him a live wealing/ small rat or mouse... he may have decided that large rats are too big for him now.

Sorry it took so long to get back. Those scratches/cuts definitely look like he might've gotten stuck in something and the scales got damaged and pulled off when he got out. My male did the same thing except it's not down his back it's just in one spot but his scar looks just like the ones on your snake. It will heal eventually, just kept it clean, and every time he sheds it will look better and better :)

And for him not eating, I would let him rest for a week or two since he had some regurges and then start offering smaller prey items like a small rat. And does your snake ever stop eating in the winter time during breeding season? My male hasn't eaten in almost two months and your 10 year old male is definitely sexually mature.


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Thank you very much for the replies.
I got him to a snake breeder friend who examined him today & agreed with you both - it's just a long scratch, no scale rot!

In terms of feeding though, he's definitely way too skinny & was also a bit dehydrated. My friend got him to feed with a particular rat that ball pythons apparently really enjoy. Now here's hoping he won't regurg them again.....

Previous to this, he refused to feed for 6 months & then finally ate in the fall, which is why I was trying to feed him through the winter. Weirdly enough, he didn't loose any weight during the 6 months, but then got too skinny in the past month.

Thanks again, I'm so glad it's not as bad as I thought.

Yay! Glad he's okay :) these guys sure can give you a scare can't they?


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Originally Posted by Sheshameow

Thank you very much for the replies.
My friend got him to feed with a particular rat that ball pythons apparently really enjoy.

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Probably an African Soft Fur (ASF).

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Now here's hoping he won't regurg them again.....

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Keep his temps correct and only feed once a week. He didn't lose that weight overnight, he won't gain it back overnight.

With him actively losing weight over that month, I'd be concerned about parasites. May be time for a vet visit for a fecal exam.