*update on ball python scale's peeling*

[Claire&snek]

Hi guys, for those of you who remember I had a problem where my ball python's scales were slightly peeling. Well, it h as not gotten better and I can't tell if it is slightly worse or the same but I am getting slightly worried.

- To take one scale and describe it is just the clear thin layer of maybe half a scale. These are only found in one part of the snake's belly. It is only the belly and only in one spot (with a few strays elsewhere on the belly).

- I have been misting the cage at night so I don't think it is dehydration...

- I don't want to rush to the vet if it is unnecessary.

- She is eating fine and hasn't shed in a while but by now signs of shed should have shown.

What do you guys think?

[Bogertophis]

Kindly refresh some information so we can try to help you:

What are the cage temperatures (lowest & highest) & humidity readings? What do you use to clean her cage with? (Any residue left she might be contacting?)

How long have you had this snake? This could be caused by nutritional deficiencies, IMO- & that could be from poorly-fed prey animals, or internal issues that cause poor nutrient absorption (including parasites, or just organs that don't function as well as they should)

What is the substrate being used? Misting the cage, without using a substrate that HOLDs moisture, is NOT the best way to hydrate- it tends to be very short-term humidification at best.

While I don't think this needs a "rush to the vet", it might help to get a stool check one of these days. (must be fresh- check for parasites)

Have you ever used any topical antiseptic ointment on this snake? Topical use of Neosporin or similar ointments not designed for snakes has been known to cause scales to "de-laminate" this way.

[Claire&snek]

Ok...

Temperature stays around 73 at night and during the day unless I turn on her light which makes it around 75. (it is also winter time right now).

Humidity can range anywhere from 40-70. I use paper towels for substrate.

I need to do a full cage clean-out which I plan to do this week because it has been almost 3 months since the last time I've done a full cage clean-out.

She has not had any ointment or lotion ect. directly on her and non that I can think of that would touch her indirectly either.

She eats about every 2 weeks but I might start making it every week and a half.

She does not poop that often but when she does it is a healthy consistency.

I will try to send a new pic of her belly tomorrow when I get the chance.

Thank you so much...any advice is much appreciated.

[Claire&snek]

When you say, "organs that don't function as well as they should"...is that a concern or something that can be left alone and not worried over?

And how old does the poop have to be to be fresh enough for a parasite check?

[Claire&snek]

(Also, I forgot to mention that I've had her for a little over 2 years.)

[Bogertophis]

Her home is on the too-cool side for a BP- most keep the cool side above 77* (day or night- & winter or not) What are the warmest temperatures?

Humidity is also too low (at 40, anyway). Lowest should be about 55%, higher when she's in shed.

Paper towels do NOT help humidity one bit- other substrates can though- have you thought about changing? OR- provide a large humid hide with moist sphagnum moss (& keep rehydrating the moss about every 4-5 days)

How old is this snake? She probably needs to be eating more, or more often, BUT make sure her temperatures are warmer FIRST: (she might just be malnourished)

[Bogertophis]

When you say, "organs that don't function as well as they should"...is that a concern or something that can be left alone and not worried over?

And how old does the poop have to be to be fresh enough for a parasite check?

Just a generic explanation- some humans & some animals just have better digestion than others, for example. Nothing you can likely do about it -except worry. (Also not common.)

Fresher is better, but you can usually refrigerate it for up to 3 days- some vets may have a different opinion though, so it's better to ask yours in advance.

[Claire&snek]

She is coming up on 3 years old.

I feed her a medium rat every 2 weeks...(in fact I'm feeding her tonight).

I just weighed her and she is about 1131 grams