Need advice for sick snake

[Malum Argenteum]

Don’t think it’s a burn as I’ve tried a handful of antibiotics you rub on the belly.

Mader's (herp vet book, for those unfamiliar with it) seems to recommend against using topical antibiotics on dermal S. aureus since in humans it increases the pathogen load dramatically by reducing beneficial competitor bacteria (p. 239). Since A. aureus is opportunistic, the primary pathogen may have been since eradicated by one or more of the drugs used. Not sure how likely this is in this case, but worth considering.

Maders also recommends against using Ceftazidime as a first-line drug to avoid creating resistance (p.1143), FWIW. I'm sure there is a ton of pressure on vets to simply get the situation under control quickly (both for the animal and maybe even more for the owner, many of whom are less than interested in big-picture considerations and who use Google Reviews as catharsis), but I thought the recommendation worth passing along here.

Best wishes for the snake and for you.