Belly discoloration

[UrdnotWrex]

I've got a ball python who has recently developed some discoloration on his belly (near the tail). It's sort of a brownish and seems a bit dry--I initially thought it might be a burn but I can't see how that could be. I do use an UTH, but there is a lining underneath his substrate which wouldn't allow him to be in a position to be burned by it. Sorry for the lousy picture quality (hard to get him to hold still long enough to snap the shot):





Thanks in advance for any ideas...

[blushingball419]

Looks like either a burn or scale rot to me. What kind of "lining" do you have under the substrate? And scale rot is generally caused by laying on bedding that's too wet/dirty for too long. Does he ever tip his water dish over or is his substrate ever really moist?

In any case, I would say you should bring him to a vet asap before it gets any worse In the meantime, you should put him on clean, dry newspaper or paper towels.

[AkHerps]

I agree with the above, a burn or scale rot, either way, I think your best bet is a vet visit.

[bailey23]

that looks like scale rot to me

[hunter94]

Looks very much like scale rot. But also could be a burn. Make sure you keep the Burn/Rot very clean tell you get your BP to a vet!

[snakesRkewl]

I initially thought it might be a burn but I can't see how that could be. I do use an UTH, but there is a lining underneath his substrate which wouldn't allow him to be in a position to be burned by it.

I'm guessing by this that you don't have a thermostat to keep the uth at the correct temperature
It looks like scale rot to me too and I'd be to the vets sooner than later for your snakes sake.

[Nzyme]

It can be worse if its belly rot.
Iodine solution and keep it in a dry cage for a while and it should heal up.

If it doesn't get it to a vet