My Ball Python's scales a falling off

I have no idea what to do. A couple days ago, I noticed signs that my BP might be getting scale rot, the scales looked like the blood vessels had burst, making them turn red. I started applying Neosporin and it seemed to be getting better until tonight. Out of no where, her scales started falling off. It started with a few and now her entire cage is covered in them. The whole scale, at least on her back, have fallen off. I have no way to get to a vet that handles reptiles, and the only place I could imagine there being one is nearly three hours away and its currently 2:30AM. Is there anything I can do? Things seem to be going from bad to worse. She hasn't been wanting to eat for the past two weeks, and I thought that it might be the bedding, so I changed it to paper towels. I noticed that she was losing scales, when I picked her up to put her back in her cage after switching to paper towels, so I know that it can't be from them. She's going crazy trying to get those scales off, pushing her water bowl around and rubbing against her hide box. Is my only option right now, to let it run its course and try to handle it in the morning? I've never experienced anything like this before. I'm also thinking it could be the Neosporin that i'm using, because yesterday I had to get another tube. Its called, "Triple Antibiotic Ointment" and the original tube I used was actually called Neosporin. Is there a certain chemical that I could check to see if it has in it?
ANY help will be very much appreciated.

I've got no medical advice or experience of scale rot but the important bit of advice would be to not panic. Don't jump into any intervention without consideration/advice. Make sure she is clean and safe.

Can you post a photo of the ingredient list of the new ointment?

Would it be possible to phone a reptile vet for advice on what to do until you can get her to them?

I can't send a photo but I can tell you whats in it, Bacitracin, Neomycin Sulfate, and Polymyxin-B Sulfate.
And I don't imagine any vets are open right now, but I can try to call first thing in the morning.

I read that silver sulfadiazine cream is suppose to help wit scale rot but Idk with how bad your saying it is. Vet ASAP

I don't think that the scale rot is the problem, it was almost gone. I honestly don't know what caused this. After some looking around, i'm not even sure if she ever had scale rot, it might have been a bad reaction to the bedding that was previously in her cage.

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Originally Posted by AFancySkedar

I can't send a photo but I can tell you whats in it, Bacitracin, Neomycin Sulfate, and Polymyxin-B Sulfate.
And I don't imagine any vets are open right now, but I can try to call first thing in the morning.

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There's always someone " on call" for emergencies.

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Originally Posted by AFancySkedar

I don't think that the scale rot is the problem, it was almost gone. I honestly don't know what caused this. After some looking around, i'm not even sure if she ever had scale rot, it might have been a bad reaction to the bedding that was previously in her cage.

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What were you using as bedding before? Also I've read on different threads that neosporin is only for short term use, Idk if it's all kinds or only certain formulations. I would try silver sulfadiazine cream, it treats a variety of conditions and is safe for bp. Idk if you can get it over the counter or if it has to he a prescription.

Aspen but I suspect that it was crossed with pine, and I've been applying Neo. for less than a week. She only started losing scales today as well, I don't know what cause this extreme reaction.

Pine is poison to other reptiles. I would assume the same for snakes.

But the odd thing is, none of my other snakes are having any reactions from the bedding. Either way, i'm switching them all to paper towels for the time being.

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Originally Posted by AFancySkedar

But the odd thing is, none of my other snakes are having any reactions from the bedding. Either way, i'm switching them all to paper towels for the time being.

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Good idea. silver sulfadiazine cream 1% can be bought online. You may be able to find it in a store. I would pick some up or buy online. It will help the healing process.

Alright i'll buy some, would you happen to know if there is anything I can do in the time being to help her with scales falling off? I should mention that its not just a few, its a huge portion of her body that's missing them.

Scale rot is usually caused from not cleaning and a dirty cage.
The ointment is what is causing the scales to flake off, oil base always makes this happen.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Scale rot is usually caused from not cleaning and a dirty cage.
The ointment is what is causing the scales to flake off, oil base always makes this happen.

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Then it probably wasn't scale rot, I check multiple times everyday to make sure the cages are clean, any idea what could cause patches of red scales?

Here is an old thread about pine.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Pine-shavings

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Originally Posted by chrid16371

Here is an old thread about pine.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Pine-shavings

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Yeah I know that Pine is pretty bad, that's why I think the aspen I purchased might have gotten some mixed in.

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Originally Posted by AFancySkedar

Yeah I know that Pine is pretty bad, that's why I think the aspen I purchased might have gotten some mixed in.

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Where did you buy from? It doesn't have anything on package saying it could contain pine?

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Originally Posted by chrid16371

Where did you buy from? It doesn't have anything on package saying it could contain pine?

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I think that I bought it from Tractor Supply, and its definitely supposed to be aspen. I've purchased the exact same product on multiple occasions, except this time, the bedding seemed slightly different but I brushed it off. Maybe a mistake on their end that ended with pine getting mixed in?

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Originally Posted by AFancySkedar

I think that I bought it from Tractor Supply, and its definitely supposed to be aspen. I've purchased the exact same product on multiple occasions, except this time, the bedding seemed slightly different but I brushed it off. Maybe a mistake on their end that ended with pine getting mixed in?

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Yes probably a mistake but it could happen again. If you want to use aspen I would buy it labeled for reptiles it may cost more but safer. Pine usually takes awhile to see symptoms in reptiles, probably why you haven't seen your others have signs. I use care fresh small animal natural paper bedding. Some people says it molds but ice never had an issue. I don't use white bc I've heard it could have bleach. Its $20 for a 60L bag but it only rakes a quarter bag to do a v400 48x26 and a v211 24x22.

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Originally Posted by AFancySkedar

Then it probably wasn't scale rot, I check multiple times everyday to make sure the cages are clean, any idea what could cause patches of red scales?

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I wouldn't use neosporin anymore. The problem is that oil based products can actually cause scales to flake off. Might of been a reason it got worse, might not of. You did the right thing by asking questions and changing to paper towels. As far as what can you do until the cream comes is just keep an eye on him and keep the cage clean, if it gets worse go to a vet. If you think its bad enough for vet care now I would make an appointment. They may honestly give you the same cream I suggested but I'm not positive.

Read this thread. Sounds similar to your situation.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...Scales-Flaking

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Originally Posted by chrid16371

Read this thread. Sounds similar to your situation.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...Scales-Flaking

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Maybe it looks worst than it actually is then. Someone commented on that thread saying pretty much exactly what is happening to me, even down to the detail, which I forgot to mention, of every individual scale coming off separate from the others. If anything this has helped give me some piece of mind, thanks.

Ointments like Neosporin and Triple contain the antibiotic in a petroleum base (think Vaseline). You can use them short-term but as you found out, prolonged use will cause scales to slough off. The good news is that this is temporary and your snake will be ok as long as it's kept in a clean environment.

A better product to use on reptiles is Vetericyn, which you can find at Petco or online from Amazon. Get the gel rather than the liquid/spray as it stays put better. Since it's a water-based gel it doesn't cause scale damage, and it dries in a few minutes rather than being goopy like the ointments so stuff doesn't stick to it.

Silvadene normally requires a prescription to purchase. The only place I've found that will sell it without one is http://www.mountainside-medical.com/

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Originally Posted by AFancySkedar

Maybe it looks worst than it actually is then. Someone commented on that thread saying pretty much exactly what is happening to me, even down to the detail, which I forgot to mention, of every individual scale coming off separate from the others. If anything this has helped give me some piece of mind, thanks.

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Your welcome! I hated leaving you without a better answer so I kept looking around hoping someone had a similar experience. I found that and read through it and from the information you gave thought it sounded pretty much the same. I'm glad it helped! Just keep watching. Good luck!