Missing Scales? HELP

[Cinne]

Hey guys!


I'm a new member but I'm worried about my ball python, so I thought I would post before possibly taking her to a vet.


About half a month ago I noticed three small spots on top of her head after she had shed, at first I thought it was stuck shed, then I noticed it wasn't stuck shed, but that she didn't have any scales in those spots. Very tiny, and unfortunately I don't have any good pictures of it. I mentioned this to my friend after I noticed and we decided it was probably because of her tunnelling underneath her hide. Her hide was very heavy and she often moved it around, loved tunnelling underneath it and pulling her head back through the hole. She suggested I treat it with Neosporin without painkiller, so I did that yesterday. Today I was checking on her and I noticed the spot on her head looked bigger, and redder. I turned the light on and got her out, and I noticed she was missing even more scales on her head. I haven't treated her with Neosporin this time, because I figured I would ask you guys before I do it/take her to the vet. Heating is fine, her humidity can get low but I mist her every day. She's eating fine, her last 2 sheds have been perfect. I went out and got her a new hide that is much lighter in hopes that would help.


My question is, do you think I should treat her with Neosporin and see how it reacts before taking her to the vet, or go ahead and take her? I have a few pictures I can show, but they aren't the best quality. Thank you guys! If you have any more questions PLEASE don't hesitate to ask. I might have left a few things out, I'm a bit freaked out!

Before w/ smaller scales

Before w/ smaller scales

Current w/ bigger scales

Current w/ bigger scales

I can take more photos if needed!

[jbean7916]

Looks like shes rubbing her head pretty bad on something. I would recommend getting a lighter hide. I wouldn't treat with anything, just keep out clean as much as possible.

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[snakeg]

don't put anything on it. Just clean it with some soap and water. Should be fine. A rat bit mine on the head just like that not too long ago.

[Cinne]

I feed F/T by the way, so there's no chance of it being a rat or mouse bite.

[I-KandyReptiles]

Looks like shes rubbing her head pretty bad on something. I would recommend getting a lighter hide. I wouldn't treat with anything, just keep out clean as much as possible.

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I agree. Id remove anything she can run against and invest In a lighter hide.

Don't use neosporin as it turns scales to mush. If you are going to use anything, go pick up some Betadine.

If it starts to look worse I'd go to the vet.

[kitedemon]

It looks like the skin is intact (there is not cut) just tender skin. I'd just leave it be and find what ever caused the scales to pull loose, heavy hides are a possibility or a sharp edge some where I'd finger test everything no matter how small and sand down any sharp or hard edges I found. (1000-1600 emery paper works well for most things) and keep en eye on the opening to make sure it isn't changing. If it does it is time for a vet.

Since you are new it is a good idea to find out who the herp keepers take animals to locally and I would bite the bullet and make a visit. The reason is some vets will not see an emergency that they have not seen already. No new emergency clients. Fecal exams are never a bad thing so I would get a check up and fecal just as an introduction. Ask questions a good vet will listen and answer so you understand and will admit when they don't know. They will work with you. The horrible vets make up answers and worse treatments based on mammals avoid them at all costs.

[Cinne]

Hello guys! I just thought I'd let you all know she recently shed, and it looks like the scales are back! I applied Neosporin w/o painkiller twice, a week or two apart. She's doing fine and eating amazingly! Thank you all SO much for your help! I really appreciate it!