My BP has blisters on her belly

[Shelby]

I need help.. I just opened my BP's tank, and I saw she went to the bathroom, so I picked her up, and looked on her underside to see if she was dirty.. she wasn't, but I saw that a section of her belly scales were swelled up with some sort of clear liquid.

As I said, she went to the bathroom.. she ate on saturday, so I hadn't looked at her up close between then and now. She shed a few days before she ate..

I've had her in that setup for a few months now, so I don't think it was the under tank heater burning her.. so I have no idea what it is. What should I do?

[Jeanne]

Sounds like your snake was burned by the UTH.

[Shelby]

Ok.. then why did it take this long (months) for blisters to show up?

What should I do to help her? Would soaking help? I have nolvasan.. how about that? I just disinfected her cage.. if it's the UTH, then that didn't do anything, but it doesn't hurt either..

[led4urhead]

Do you have any pictures? How long was the snake in with the p00? Have you seen any signs of parasites ( mites, ticks )?


The first thing i would do is clean the cage completely, change the substrate, and give her fresh water. Then .. if you do suspect a burn try to figure out how it could have happened. Also, a trip to the vet might not be a bad idea.

[Shelby]

I have no digital camera.. one's on it's way though, I'm expecting it in the next couple days.

the poo (actually it was only urates and urine, no solids) just showed up today.

When I first got her, I removed two or three ticks from her. I have seen nothing else.

I already did everything you mentioned for cleaning the cage.

[Jeanne]

I would seriously advise you to take your snake to the vet. UTH can develope hot spots, even human heat pads.

[Shelby]

The first time she shed for me (she's only shed twice with me) she was kind of stinky in one section of her belly. She was a little wet, she probably soaked herself as she was shedding.. but I wonder if it was an infection, or belly rot or something? I wonder if this is connected... though she was all better after that first shed.. I feel bad now.. poor thing.

I put my hand on the UTH.. it didn't seem hot to me.. but snakes may be more sensitive.

[Jeanne]

Shelby- yes your snake is more sensitive than you. And please please please take your snake to the vet. In your last post you said her belly was kinda stinky after a shed, and wet..... maybe there is a connection. Take her to the vet!

[Shelby]

I do have a reptile vet.. I'll take her.

In the meantime, what can I do for my poor snake?

[Jeanne]

Not sure what to advise you to do in the meantime. I would not want to tell ya to do one thing and have it be wrong, especially cause we have no idea what is wrong, could be belly/scale rot, could be burn. But, I would keep her warm, and as dry as possible and get her in IMMEDIATELY.