Crease Down Ball Python's Belly?

[progerian]

My ball python is almost a year old and looks absolutely beautiful. She eats well, sheds well, and is very active.

My question however, is she has this crease down her belly starting about 1/3 of her length from her head. Its not a very deep crease but its definitely noticeable. Has anyone encountered anything like this? Please respond so I'll know to relax or take her to the vet! haha.

Thanks guys.

Jason

[lord jackel]

What color is the crease?


Also, what type of substrate are you keeping him on?

[progerian]

Hes on CareFresh Bedding. Cage is a constant 80 degrees. I dont know how to embed pics but I'll try.



if that doesnt work, here http://a876.ac-images.myspacecdn.com...ccd383e29b.jpg

[jamesw]

That is nothing to worry about, but your temps are.

[lord jackel]

Based on the pictures (it appears brown in color?)...if so then I have 2 thoughts.


1. Scale Rot - early stages. Usually a result of too moist of a substrate and/or high humidity. The constant dampness causes the scales to rot - it is bacterial so you will need meds.

2. A light burn - do you have any heat rocks, or a UTH that isn't on a thermostat, exposed light bulbs in the cage?

Either one means you need to get him to a vet to check him out.

Maybe someone else will have other ideas.

[lord jackel]

That is nothing to worry about.

Why do you say this?

[progerian]

The line down the middle isnt brown, its pretty much the same color unless you get it in bright light. Its slightly pinkish or reddish in the very center. Its not a burn, it goes down about 2/3 of his body. My heat sources are a lamp and an under tank heater. I just got him a new bigger log to hide under but I dont think it could be that.

[lord jackel]

If it is pink it could mean he is about to shed...when is the last time he shed?


That is good news as the pictures look brown (at least on my computer) and it gets dark in the middle area.

[progerian]

Its not pink like before she sheds. Usually when he sheds her entire underside gets pink. Here its like someone took a pink pencil and drew a line down the middle of the crease. The brown is just the shadow in the picture. Here are 2 more pictures. in the second picture you cant see the crease because of the light but you can see the color of the line.

[lord jackel]

You are right these pictures are much easier to see what you are talking about.


Unfortunately, now I don't have any ideas what it is. I am sure something simple but will have to wait till someone with more experience pops in with some ideas.