Missing scales?

[BlueOrleans1290]

I'm wondering if she had some sort of infection there...maybe a low blister that allowed this skin to come off with the shed. But that's a pretty big patch to leave open to further infection, so as I said, "wound care" (antiseptic) asap. Wouldn't hurt to see a vet, I agree- in which case, all our questions are "good practice" for what they'll be asking you. I guarantee she wasn't bitten by a f/t pinkie.

Your sand has dyes added? I'd avoid that, just in case. Nothing but "natural". And she might "like" to burrow in aspen, but get it out of there now- she shouldn't be rubbing aspen into this open wound. Probably not sand either, but ask the vet when you call. Usually snakes with wounds are kept on clean white paper towels while healing for best results.

FYI, something I have seen in the past are shriveled- oddly textured scales caused by a fungal infection of the skin. Never seen it cause this, but might be possible? To clear it, you'll need the right topical medication, so it would be preferable to not "guess" & really get to the bottom of whatever this is.

What should I use as her substrate? She usually hangs out in the sand. I hardly see her on the aspen unless she's getting water. Should I be really concerned about this? I mean I am but should I be REALLY concerned?

[Bogertophis]

What should I use as her substrate? She usually hangs out in the sand. I hardly see her on the aspen unless she's getting water. Should I be really concerned about this? I mean I am but should I be REALLY concerned?

If you lost some skin, would YOU want to rub wood fibers or sand into it? Not good for healing, apt to cause infection.

[BlueOrleans1290]

If you lost some skin, would YOU want to rub wood fibers or sand into it? Not good for healing, apt to cause infection.

Oh nonono I didn't mean be concerned about the substrate, I'm taking that out for SURE, I meant about the infection in general..😅

[BlueOrleans1290]

There is a CHE, but itson the aspen side and the highest I have it to go is 87 to keep ambient temps up on the cooler side

[Bogertophis]

Oh nonono I didn't mean be concerned about the substrate, I'm taking that out for SURE, I meant about the infection in general..😅

Well yeah, you don't want this to get infected. It doesn't appear to be right now, so that's good. But scales protect their body, just as the outer layers of our own skin protects us- when it's removed, there's a risk. I'm actually surprised that it doesn't look more "raw"- doesn't appear to have bled.

When I saw this thread title, I assumed "oh just a few scales gone". It's also a concern that you said there are more scales missing underneath that connects to this injury. I really suspect she's a "ledge-climber", as that fits with where her injuries are. Silly snakes... they do goofy things sometimes, even when they get hurt doing it.

[BlueOrleans1290]

Well yeah, you don't want this to get infected. It doesn't appear to be right now, so that's good. But scales protect their body, just as the outer layers of our own skin protects us- when it's removed, there's a risk. I'm actually surprised that it doesn't look more "raw"- doesn't appear to have bled.

When I saw this thread title, I assumed "oh just a few scales gone". It's also a concern that you said there are more scales missing underneath that connects to this injury. I really suspect she's a "ledge-climber", as that fits with where her injuries are. Silly snakes... they do goofy things sometimes, even when they get hurt doing it.

Ah yes, well I've taken out all of her substrate and everything now and she is settled in with the paper towels. Thank you so much! You're a life saver!

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But yes! It hasn't been raw or bled at all, its just kinda there

[Bogertophis]

Ah yes, well I've taken out all of her substrate and everything now and she is settled in with the paper towels. Thank you so much! You're a life saver!

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But yes! It hasn't been raw or bled at all, its just kinda there

You're welcome, snakes do some strange things sometimes & it can be hard to sort out what happened. I can give you my best guesses because I've lived with a lot of snakes & seen a lot of others, but none of us knows everything- that's why this forum comes in handy, to share experiences. I just hope she heals up okay. In the past, I've used shredded paper towels for some of the neonate rosy boas I used to raise, they loved exploring thru it, & it's just safer for that strange wound your little boa has, while still allowing her to "hide". By the way, you can also layer a paper towel OVER the shreds too (make a "shred sandwich"), to add privacy, & then set her water bowl on top of the upper towel- that will also help keep the shreds out of her water bowl, because they'll wick out the water & she'll end up all damp. I forgot to mention that earlier. She's a cutie, btw.

[BlueOrleans1290]

You're welcome, snakes do some strange things sometimes & it can be hard to sort out what happened. I can give you my best guesses because I've lived with a lot of snakes & seen a lot of others, but none of us knows everything- that's why this forum comes in handy, to share experiences. I just hope she heals up okay. In the past, I've used shredded paper towels for some of the neonate rosy boas I used to raise, they loved exploring thru it, & it's just safer for that strange wound your little boa has, while still allowing her to "hide". By the way, you can also layer a paper towel OVER the shreds too (make a "shred sandwich"), to add privacy, & then set her water bowl on top of the upper towel- that will also help keep the shreds out of her water bowl, because they'll wick out the water & she'll end up all damp. I forgot to mention that earlier. She's a cutie, btw.

Will do! Thank you

[Bogertophis]

What should I use as her substrate?...

see my post #17
For the time being, plain white paper towels, & to give something to "hide" in, take a couple towels, layer them & tear into shreds- fluff the shreds (like a tossed salad) & let her have those to hide in, while you get to the bottom of whatever did this.

I sure wouldn't want this to spread.

[BlueOrleans1290]

see my post #17
For the time being, plain white paper towels, & to give something to "hide" in, take a couple towels, layer them & tear into shreds- fluff the shreds (like a tossed salad) & let her have those to hide in, while you get to the bottom of whatever did this.

I sure wouldn't want this to spread.

AGREED! I hope you know I'll do everything in my power to get to the bottom of this. I'll fix everything, and find out what did this.