scale rot?

[DaNeal31]

I got my little guy 2 weeks ago
He was a bit pissy and had a stuck shed so I didn't handle him much but I did feed him. Last week when I finally really looked him over I found brown areas on his belly. I took him to the vet who said by looking at the scrape on the slide it was a mild case of scale rot. I'm on day 5 of betadine soaks answer silver sulfadiazine cream. Today it's not looking better and maybe even a little worse. She said she didn't think it was bad enough for antibiotics since the white cell count wasn't high. I'm thinking about a second opinion? Does this sound right? I'm a new snake mom so... His temps are at an ambient 84, waiting on thermostat to use the uth, and humidity is at about 60. Per the vets advice he's on paper towels at the moment. He is eating just fine. And if someone could please tell me how to post pictures I will. Thanks!

[BCS]

Is it possible for you to take a photo of the area? And exotic vets are specifically trained for exotic animals, so don't doubt her too soon.

[DaNeal31]

I have pictures but I can't figure out how to post them???

[Stewart_Reptiles]

I have pictures but I can't figure out how to post them???

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Post-Pictures

[DaNeal31]

Well I got a picture into my gallery but I'm stuck there. I think it's cuz I'm on my phone. So maybe you kind folks would go look at it and tell me what you think. I'd really appreciate it!

[MandMac]

Did the vet discuss making changes to the enclosure?

[DVirginiana]

So are you currently using the heat mat without a thermostat? If so, unplug it until you get the thermostat. You don't want unregulated heat mats on at any time, but especially not when his belly is already irritated. If his ambient temp is 80-85 going without a heat mat for a few days won't hurt a thing.

When you say it is looking worse, what do you mean? Does the affected area look bigger, texture change, color change, ect.?

[BCS]

If it is getting worse with the medication the vet gave you, I would guess that it is a burn. What is your set up like? What temperature is your heat mat? Do you use a thermostat for the heat mat?

I have never dealt with scale rot or burns but I would guess that that is a burn. I went to your gallery and saw the photo. I have an idea of what scale rot looks like, usually it looks really scabby, as a friend of mine has dealt with it a few times. I could be wrong, depending on how far along the wound is.

[Albert Clark]

If the vet herp vet confirmed the condition microscopically then that is a pretty good indication his diagnosis is correct. Remember ball pythons have a slow metabolism hence they heal slowly. It might certainly look worse before you see it look better.

[DaNeal31]

I'm not currently using my UTH as my thermostat died and the new one is on the way. Im maintaining the temps with just the che. The vet said everything was good in the tank to just keep him on paper towels for 2 weeks. The uth was turned off after I found the issue on his belly. So if it is getting worse I think I can say it's not a burn cuz he has no belly heat at the moment. The slide did show bacteria present. I'm told it will shed out but that could be another 4 weeks.

It looks like the area might be bigger. As you see in the picture there is well defined dark brown areas. Now at the end of that is a lighter brown general discoloration.