Bad shed

[Adinelli1092]

I recently purchased a ball python. He was shedding when I got him, and shed again 2 weeks later. I kept his humidity up but nonetheless he retained his eye caps, and I believe it has been like this for multiple sheds due to lack of humidity at per store. I have been able to get 2 layers off and there’s more, but it just won’t come off. I am not applying much pressure at all and being extremely careful. I have soaked him the last 3 days for about 30 minutes or so. And suggestions? Is it time for a vet visit?

[nikkubus]

Are you sure it's another retained eye cap, or could it be damage to the current layer because of the ones that were stuck? It may take another shed cycle or two to really get things right.

Is he eating for you?

I'd provide him a humid hide (a little ziplock tupperware the size of a sandwich with a hole cut in, filled with damp sphagnum moss works well) and keep a close eye on his face and mouth. If you see swelling or anything else abnormal I'd get him to the vet ASAP.

[Bogertophis]

I think you'd be wise to have him checked by an experienced herp vet. It can be difficult to tell what needs to come off & people have damaged the eyes, & even blinded their snakes trying to do this & going too far. There's not much we can tell from here either.

(nikkubus is right- sometimes snakes have permanently clouded eyes- & I'd recommend a humid hide too)

[nikkubus]

Also poked around and noticed you also recently posted about mites. Mites cause dehydration and could have a lot to do with the shed problems, and until he has recovered from that, he is going to have a tough time. Given that is going on as well, it's not a bad idea to get him in, make sure he doesn't need IV fluids, because he very well could be severely dehydrated. There is no telling how long he has been battling the mites, wearing him down.

[Adinelli1092]

Yes I was battling mites as well and luckily with perseverance and a lot of care I was able to get rid of them. I can see his actual eye under there and like you said I didn’t want to hurt him. The other 2 came off with ease after the soaking. He moves around fine and is active. And he did eat for me the first 2 weeks even with the issues. I think the mites just really got to him. It has only been about 2 weeks since he has eaten.
i am also having a hard time finding a vet anywhere near me that does any form
of reptile.

[Adinelli1092]

Thank you for your help. I live in a rural area, and there are not stores around me that would sell moss. I’m not close to any big chains either. Is there anything else I could use for a humid hide? And how do I go about finding a vet? I have checked every vet within an hour+ of me and no luck.

[jmcrook]

Chewy.com, Amazon, reptile basics, the bean farm, etc for items not available locally. I’m also in a ruralish area and have nothing close by but petco and I’d rather not go there. Pretty much the entirety of my husbandry supplies have to be ordered online.
As for vets, same deal with me here. Closest decent reptile vet I could find was 2.5hrs away. Not ideal but necessary care is necessary care.
https://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661
Check out this site to search for a reptile specialist nearish to you.


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[Adinelli1092]

Thank you very much. I actually just ordered that stuff from chewy. And I was afraid I was gunna run into that issue. As you said necessary. A little update though he was super active about 40 minutes ago i offered food and he took it. He had it down quick too. I’m guessing he is feeling better after getting the mites cleaned up, and eyes must not be bother him to bad to eat correct?

[jmcrook]

If you can post a picture we can offer more insight. Tapatalk app for your phone or tablet is the easiest way to go


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[Bogertophis]

Yes I was battling mites as well and luckily with perseverance and a lot of care I was able to get rid of them. I can see his actual eye under there and like you said I didn’t want to hurt him. The other 2 came off with ease after the soaking. He moves around fine and is active. And he did eat for me the first 2 weeks even with the issues. I think the mites just really got to him. It has only been about 2 weeks since he has eaten.
i am also having a hard time finding a vet anywhere near me that does any form
of reptile.

Mites can be very difficult to fully get rid of, so don't let your guard down for a while, okay? Their life cycle of leaving tiny eggs that can re-ignite their "community" means you need to stay vigilant for about a month, because their numbers can increase exponentially & they really can harm a snake faster than you'd think, even kill them- especially a small or young one. We're on your side & truly hope they're completely gone, but just seen too many owners that "thought they were", only to have them make a come-back.

That's wonderful & encouraging that he's eating for you despite the issues & you're obviously a caring owner- He's on his way to getting fully healthy, thanks to you.