Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I got an 8' albino burmese python yesterday morning, and it's beautiful! Sorry I don't have a camera to take pics! I have a question though, when it came some of the scales had pink areas, I didn't know if it was just the albinism or bruising, on top of that some, by some I mean several, areas have scales that have been pushed upwards towards the head and are red now, some seem to be scabbing, and on a couple areas there is what appears to be red blood (not wet and oozing or anything) But rather a scab from some small abrasions, since it is my first experience with a snake of this size (the biggest since him being my ball pythons and columbian boas, both of which I've never noticed any of these things) I don't know what to make of it, I expected a blemish free Burm when I purchased it, and I don't know if I'm asking for too much! The snake is in otherwise good condition and pretty active, and I'm so excited to have him in my collection! If any of these things seem ordinary or out of the ordinary I'd love to hear your feedback, thanks!

Justin

That sounds similar to something we currently have. we got about a 12 ft burm- rescue- horrible condition- massive scale rot, mits, skinny, URI- The red/blood type stuff youre talking about- can't feel anything, cant wash it off, cant pick it off, not wet, not oozing, just a little red spot- could very likely be the start of scale rot. I wish i could post some pics of what ours looks like- i'll have to dig out the camera.
Beth
congrats on the burm by the way- they're one of my favorites- behind african rocks and emeralds!
-----
The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

I have seen this several times on my large pythons. It of course is especially noticable on the albinos. Mine seem to have gotten this bent scale line from sleeping (so to speak) in the same position for long periods of time.
I've not had one of these scale lines become infected, ooze, or anything like that. Most went away with a shed but on my huge female albino Burm (old 17' bohemoth) the scale lines never went away. She wasn't an unhealthy snake and never refused a meal.

Basically what I am saying is that a girthy (healthy) large sized python (again in my experiences) sometimes got scale lines from staying to long in the same position. Just watch for any signes of infection, or rot.
I really hope all this makes sense.

Best of luck and congrats on the new Burm.

P.S. Scales rot usually only occurs when the snake has been kept is very poor and/or wet conditions and usually starts on the belly.
-----
Christine
Tails With Scales Reptiles
Looks, brains, and venom . . . . how do I stay single?