Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, Ok,

I know this is the Indigo forum BUT noticed Spilotes related post as well. I have an adult 8.5 foot female that I noticed some bladders of water / fluid underneath her skin when she was in shed. After her shed the areas looked pretty raw, I been treating it with bentodine soaks, but I fear this is not enough. She's now only eating about half the time I offer her food & normally she'll take whatevers put in front of her.

Any idea what this may be?? She's in a 4 X 6 glass cage with a screen top,warm end about 84 cool end low 70's, pine shavings as substrate, a big damp hide box with plenty of water. I'm prety much following 'Spilotes protocol' but the book but this thing has me stumped!!! Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Dean

We've been seeing a few snakes with internal bacterial infections that actually cause external lesions, which may be the case. Or, has the snake been subject to too mush moisture causing blister disease?

Regardless, it may be best to get him to a vet for treatment before things decline any further, as you may need antibiotics to alleviate the synptoms. I would use small amounts of tripple antibiotic ointment on the effected areas as opposed to subjecting him to large amounts of betadine, but others may not agree.

A little more info on his daily care might help. Pine shavings can be toxic to many animals, and it would be wise to switch to either Aspen or Cypress. Many types of animals develop skin irritations from pine, and most definitely from cedar which is worse.

Freight

Does it have a good set of branches/plants to climb on? If not I would suggest getting plenty of stuff to allow it to a) get off the ground and still feel secure, and 2) get closer to a warming lamp if it wants to.

Is a daily coating of antibiotic ointment on the sores in order?

In my experience the imports are very shy. I wonder if getting thick plants that allow it to climb, but also stay generally hidden would help?

Joe