Is this scale rot?

Sprite2k · #1 12-11-2006, 01:26 PM

http://img185.imageshack.us/my.php?image=002kv3.jpg

http://img99.imageshack.us/my.php?image=006pr3.jpg

and if it is, what is the way of treatment?

Phoenix · #2 12-11-2006, 01:36 PM

I can't really tell from the pictures, but if it is a rust colored lengthy area filled with pus and peels away to expose raw tissue, probably so. This requires immediate vet attention, no OTC treatment - can be fatal if left unchecked because it rots from the inside-out and leads to secondary infections. See Caly's care guide. Good luck.

Eclyps19 · #3 12-11-2006, 01:47 PM

Yeah that definitely looks like scale rot. I battled a case about 5x worse than that without a vet, but I think i just got lucky. your best bet would be to take your snake in.

If you can't get an appointment ASAP, you have to do the following.

-Remove all substrate and put down paper towel
-Mix a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, which needs to be applied to the rotten area (once per day)
-Get heaps of neosporin without painkiller and glob it all over the rotten area (twice per day)

Sprite2k · #4 12-11-2006, 02:00 PM

what's OTC? :S

Phoenix · #5 12-11-2006, 03:58 PM

over the counter.

ralphthesnake · #6 12-11-2006, 07:33 PM

Yeah that definatly looks bad. What is your current substrate/setup? I would definatly get it to a vet right away. I would recommend nolvasan (chlorhexadine ointment) rather than neosporin, but it's just a difference of opinon. Either way immediate vet care needs to come first. They will likely give betryl (sp) or amakacin (sp) injectible and then advise you on topical treatment. Good luck with it. If you can give us more information on your habitat we can advise you on how to prevent this in the future.

monkeywrench133 · #7 12-11-2006, 09:10 PM

You might want to check out this thread, Its got some good info.

http://www.redtailboas.com/forum/health-issues/28270-scale-rot-progress-treatment.html

Robbin has a lot of experience with snakes, and some veterinarian training, so I would not recommend the trimming skin part to novices.

edf01 · #8 12-11-2006, 09:50 PM

I am going to piggyback on this topic, I was giving my boa a bath today since she is going into a shed, and I noticed this on her belly. I am not sure if its scale rot or just because she is gonna be shedding soon. I did look at th epics posted above, my snakes scales don't look like that, but I may have noticed the scale rot in a very early stage.

I tried to get good photo's.... I hope you can see the slight discoloration I am talking about. Since I am used to ball python's and my ball python bellies are completly white, th eboa's belly looks different. There is definatly brown discoloration present, no blisters or puss tho.

( i kno wthe black mark is her pattern coloration)

( this is slightly blurry)

I do plan on taking her to the vet soon reguardless of what anyone says. I do have a few questions tho-
1- should I wait til she is done shedding? I think it may be stressful to the snake if she's shedding. Her eyes were cloudy two days ago, now they cleared up, so I am expecting a shed soon.
2- I dont feed my snakes during the whole shedding cycle, so she is going to miss a feeding. Should the snake be fed b4 going to the vet so the snake is not hugry? if that's the case, i'dhave to wait atleast 2 days to see the vet.

Either way, she is going to go, but I am just wondering if its scale rot in the early stage and what I could do for her. Actually, I know what to do for her if you guys suggest it may be scale rot since I read the replies above. I am using cypress mulch for substrate since I am having humidity issues ( new cage is ordered, will be arriving in 2-3 weeks)

anyways, any feedback is appreciated! And I hope piggybacking is alright- I didn't want to post a new thread if there was a recent one just posted...

edf

Eclyps19 · #9 12-11-2006, 11:02 PM

yes, early sign of scale rot. you can follow the directions i gave above, as your snake is not in any immediate danger (but if left untreated it will get bad). It'll clear up soon if you follow those steps.

edf01 · #10 12-12-2006, 08:10 AM

Okies! I definatly will do! I'll by the ointment stuff today.

How about the vet trip? Should I wait until she is done shedding? Should I feedher first or wait to feed her? Like I said, I was planning on takingher to the vet anyways. This would comein handly to know if something else would ever come up that's immediate and any of my snakes happen to be in shed.

Thankyou sooo much for repling and helping me catch the scale rot quick! I really appreciate your advice and knowledge.

edf