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  1. #2
    BPnet Lifer Bogertophis's Avatar
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    I'd personally worry more about the pink belly than the "scratches", which I think are just the normal surface imperfections that are now highlighted because debris (substrate) has become embedded in those tiny crevices. Snakes do nick their scales some when they crawl about- that's why they have scales in the first place- to protect their body. The pink belly can be a normal pre-shed thing, or a burn (!) from UTH, or a serious infection (septicemia), so I'm glad you're getting him checked out & trying to determine what's going on.

    More info- how are you heating his enclosure? How are you controlling the heat? How are you making SURE it's the right temperature UNDER THE SUBSTRATE where the snake may go? Is there a "cool side" without heat, & if so, what proportion of the enclosure is unheated?

    If you're using UTH- it's very easy for excessive substrate (such as mulch) to become "insulation"- not allowing enough heat to rise THRU it, & instead overheating the temperature of the cage floor. When using UTH, it's essential to measure all surfaces that the snake can touch (assume he's going to burrow under the substrate!) You MUST check temperatures accurately, not take a thermostat's "word for it"- a t-stat tells you what it's set to, but probes can move & otherwise fail. (WHERE IS THE PROBE located?) Honestly, this looks like a burn to me- but that's not a diagnosis.

    And "news flash"- there's plenty of bacteria in there even if you don't see fecal matter left behind. I'd suggest keeping him on clean white paper towels as substrate for the time being.

    You didn't mention how he's acting? Is he eating? (Septicemia is very serious, but I think your snake would be showing symptoms beyond just the coloration.)
    Last edited by Bogertophis; 04-15-2023 at 11:04 AM.
    Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.
    Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

    The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Gandhi

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