Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just purchased this little girl and she arrived with some blackened scales on her forehead. Can anyone tell me what it is or how to treat it? It is definitely not mites, I am certain because it wont rub off and the black spot is the actual scale itself. I'm thinking she was bit by a mouse a few times (or possibly another snake by accident) but I need to know if anyone can tell me if this could be a scale infection or fungus. She seems very healthy and ate without hesitation. She is not aggressive surprisingly and will not offer to strike at me and is easy to handle. I've looked at photos of scale rot and her underbelly is not discolored at all. I have put neosporin (without the pain relief) on it for 2 days now and it has not changed. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks very much!
Jason

Below is a link to a photobucket pic of her head.
http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa21/cutegayjason/?action=view¤t=evitahead.jpg

Image

It's hard to tell from the photo but it looks almost like natural scale coloring, but could also be an old injury. It doesn't appear to be a fresh injury scar.

If the area isn't swollen and/or you can't see bare skin around or underneath it you're probably wasting your time treating it with a topical medicine. Scales from old injuries are sometimes harder than normal. Are they?

Going striclty by the photos, it doesn't appear to be anything unhealthy or health-threatening, but that's gotta be your persoanl call because you have a better view from seeing it in person, firsthand.

It could lighten with each shed or it could stay that color the rest of the snake's life.

I'm not real experienced with tree boids so this could possibly be something that's species-specific. I kinda doubt it, but you never know. Anyway, try posting your question in the Tree Boa forum. Here's the link to it: Snake Forums > Boas: Tree Boas

Best wishes!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

www.natures-signature.com