Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I posted this message last week, but didn't get much of a response or anyone who has had this issue happen before.

Posted are pics of my female Super Salmon with these dime-size dry/white patches of scales on her back. She actually has a few of these blotches on her body about a foot apart from each other.

Room temps are between 75-80, hot spot is between 88-90. Hot spot is handled by an overhead ceramic bulb and is set into an overhead sleeve in a Vision cage. There is no direct contact of heat with any part of the cage.

I have NEVER administered any type of medication to this boa either. I've had her for 4 years. She had a litter for me last year, and this year I am breeding her, but don't think she is gravid yet.

She is also housed with one other female boa and a male boa. They have been together since November. The other two boas have no such issues and are perfectly normal.

Has anyone seen this before?

Ive had this happen to one of my girls too.Feel the area if there are no scales then she shed them off and will be fine.I would watch it though just incase.

It's most likely a pre-shed injury. When snakes go into a shed the skin is very delicate. As the old layer of live tissue separates from the new layer of skin coming in below, the skin is particularly delicate. If handled roughly or if the snake does something that is abrasive to the skin, the lower layer can be harmed and what you see if this happens looks exactly like what you have there.

I would apply a topical antibiotic and it will very likely be just fine.

Did the Boa very recently shed or is it just about to?
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Jeff Ronne Sr
The Boaphile
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