ball python scales falling off (pics)m please help

[sunshine14343]

I found an image online of another snake that shows the problem that i am having. hopefully the image/quality is better than what i was able to capture.
http://fire-eyes.org/gal/d/45984-3/_N9H4131.jpg
http://fire-eyes.org/gal/d/45981-3/_N9H4125.jpg
thanks again for your reply, i appreciate it

Did you run your fingertip over the area in question ? As I said, if the scales are gone you can feel it.

To me it still appears to be spots where the scales have changed colors, which may or may not change back when he sheds again.

If it is a patch where the scales are truly gone, and you notice they have spread or there are more spots where he had scales before, I would suspect an injury or infection.

If you still cannot tell by feel if the scales are gone, have someone hold a flashlight at an angle to the area in question and gently coax the snake to flex it's body along those spots. With the aid of a flashlight you should easily be able to see the scales as you move the snake's body. If you cannot see scales in the areas, then you know for sure you are dealing with something more serious.

Gale

[kitedemon]

The examples you posted if this is similar to what your snake has is just a few missing scales. Usually associated with rubbing trying to get rid of a stuck shed. As long as the skin isn't broken and it isn't spreading it isn't anything to worry about.

keep an eye on it and if there is changes go to a vet. But the examples are just a few missing scales likely from rubbing. Check you edges of the hides and enclosure to make sure there is no sharp bits if there are file sand scrape them smooth.

[Jared2608]

Well, I think you've had the best answers you can get. What I will say is well done for looking for advice, and good on you for not trying the athletes foot cream without asking! Just today I read about a guy on one of the South African reptile forums that crushed his corn snakes tail with his office chair(the ones on wheels), and somehow got it into his head to take a kitchen knife and amputate the damaged part of the snakes tail! Self medicating can be VERY bad!

I've always been under the impression that if there is no infection or outright scaring, a sakes skin will heal itself during a shed, but I may very well be wrong. My advice is that if you're really worried, go see a vet, and put your mind to reast!

[Generationshell]

Like I said nothing to worry about. Don't believe me? Here are some pics of when my bp had this. From a bad shed. Like i said it goes away

You can clearly see the spots similar to your ball python.







Hope this helps :]

[Merriah]

My little boy Harvey has one small spot on his back and a larger spot (like 5 scales on his belly). Both spots are white. I'm pulling his super scratchy stick until next shed. It has an end that I've seen him going over again and again, and I think that is it. I will trim it and sand it. He does way better when I let him swim in his bin and I give him a washcloth massage followed by a mineral oil massage. He is used to his spa treatment, as his mommy is a massage therapist! Happy snake, happy mommy!

[StillBP]

My little boy Harvey has one small spot on his back and a larger spot (like 5 scales on his belly). Both spots are white. I'm pulling his super scratchy stick until next shed. It has an end that I've seen him going over again and again, and I think that is it. I will trim it and sand it. He does way better when I let him swim in his bin and I give him a washcloth massage followed by a mineral oil massage. He is used to his spa treatment, as his mommy is a massage therapist! Happy snake, happy mommy!

You realize that you responded to a almost 6year old thread right and the op hasn't been on in the same almost 6 years

[Merriah]

First of all, can you imagine having all of your skin fall off at once?!? Second, try to do it in a cold dry winter when the humidifier can't keep up? I've seen a bad shed, and I help with giving them some swimming, but this time he actually shed too much! Losing scales? Dang it! It's hard to get it just right.

[Merriah]

You realize that you responded to a almost 6year old thread right and the op hasn't been on in the same almost 6 years

Gee, so sorry, I was looking for advice and providing my own recent experience. I will not post again if it's a problem.

[Craiga 01453]

I can't even respond to what you post....
It's painful to read and I feel horrible for your snakes

[Stewart_Reptiles]

You realize that you responded to a almost 6year old thread right and the op hasn't been on in the same almost 6 years

Gee, so sorry, I was looking for advice and providing my own recent experience. I will not post again if it's a problem.

If you are providing advice doing so to someone that has not been own in 6 years makes little sense.

If you seek advice than I suggest you create your own thread so you get more views as people very rarely revisit old thread that are no longer relevant since the OP has not participated in years.

Now sound advice are always appreciated but putting mineral oil on a snake is not one of them, it's not a good idea it will loosen up scales and the scales will start falling off.

When you have stuck shed a simple warm damp wash cloth to rub the stuck shed of is all that is necessary.