Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My friend had a BP and she decided to give it to me bc she didnt want to care for it anymore. I took it but she informed me he hasn't eaten in over two months and on his stomach he has what looks like a big scab, around 4 inches long. when i put a mouse in the cage to try to feed him the mouse was touching the scab and the BP let out a hiss as if he were in alot of pain. THis is my first pythion and need some help so if you havve any info please let me know

Scab could be so many things being on the belly I would be suspicious of a heat rock burn. Many inexperienced Python owners use heat rocks and snakes get burned on them. First don't leave live rodents in with your snakes unattended (I know you didn't here), because they can do some serious damage. Go Frozen or Fresh Kill if you can it's a lot safer, otherwise drop in live ones, watch closely and remove after a short period of time if untouched. Your biggest fear on the scab is an infection, gram negative type. Belly will pinken, snake loses appetite, problems get worse fast. You can use a triple antibiotic or similar product on it until you can get it to a herp vet and get this looked at. If the wound is real bad there are other products they can use that we use on burn victims to protect while new skin grows. Normally a non eater for two months is not a big deal but a wounded snake needs nutrition to heal, and we need it to eat and also to keep the tank on the warmer side, so if you were winterizing go back to summer temps ASAP. Heat will be key to healing. Get it to a good herp vet, it's worth the $70, then get it on more heat than cold, and keep the tank very clean as any bacteria now will come in contact with that wounded belly. Keep working to get her to feed, try everyhting though with a good wound you want to stay with small easily passed foods like pinkies and fuzzies, which are also less threatening.

Keep us posted by all means call or email me direct.

Mike
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Mike and David at 3-D Pythons
www.3dpythons.com

Thank you very much for the help, As of right now I am applying Repti Wound - Healing Aid to the scab.I will keep you informed thanks for the help