Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I have a few ball python that has developed a scale rot. Their stomachs have turned a pinkish hue.. and many of the scales are "bulging" out, and some are falling off. I haven't had a heat source for the snakes for maybe a month, but the room temperature in my house has been 70*F- which I know isn't what you're supposed to have your snakes at.

The ball python will flip their water balls and soak in water for hours at a time, sometimes even for a day. I'm sure this has something to do with the snakes developing the scale rot.

I have put these snakes in a big 55 gallon tank with a heat lamp. I have removed the water bowls and put one small one in for drinking water. I have swabed down the snakes with 50/50 hydrogen peroxide and H20, and will keep doing so. Also have read about iodone.

Please any help would be greatly appreaciated.

Thanks,
Brandon

Sub optimal temps and a damp substrate are the perfect conditions for scale rot.
Try soaking them daily in a solution of povidone iodine and water (the colour of weak tea). Betadine is the common brand name. Get the Betadine solution rather then the cleanser which also has a detergent. The Betadine has a much broader range of activity against bacteria and fungus then the peroxide. Peroxide is also a little harsh on new tissue and will impede healing.
Try to gently remove as much dead tissue as possible. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment. House them on newspaper and provide their optimal basking temp. of 90 - 95 F. The temp. will boost their immune system.

Scale rot can turn into a fatal systemic infection. I would still encourage you to seek out veterinary care for a possible course of systemic antibiotics.

Nice post by TB. Chlorhexadine is a good substitute for iodine if that's more available to you. I prefer it myself for the initial cleansing, but both work.

Ian

can other snakes contract this bacterial infection (scale rot) if it comes in contact witha snake with the diesease?

>>can other snakes contract this bacterial infection (scale rot) if it comes in contact witha snake with the diesease?

Not easily unless the other snake was housed in the same enclosure with the same conditions. It is the conditions of low temp and dampness that really predisposes a snake to scale rot. Simply being exposed to the bacteria is unlikely to cause it if the snake is kept dry and warm.