Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Last night I was holding my White lip python. I noticed there was some red colored irritation on his underside on a series of scales. It only lasts for about 4 inches, and the rest of his subcaudal scales are perfectly white. I bought this white lip WC from LLL. I understand that buying WC is playing with fire, but Im prepared to take this to the vet if necesarry. I included a photograph, and Ill probably post this in another forum to generate more feedback. Im pretty worried about my white lip. The photo is pretty dark, bad camera.

Does this look like dermetitis? I keep her really humid, 80-90% most of the time. She just went to the bathroom so Ill collect that for a sample. She just fed two days ago. I dont know how I missed this, but it seemed like it came out of no where. Is this a parasite?
I thank ANYONE who is willing to help!!
god bless.

This is most likely a condition called "belly rot". It can be either bacterial or fungal in nature and is usually caused by continually wet conditions and/or unsanitary cage conditions.

You can try treating it with Betadine solution and a triple antibiotic ointment and see if it helps. It may take some time for it to heal. If it's no better after a couple of weeks or seems to get worse, then you will need to see a vet.

I would say try to dry your enviroment up somewhat and do as Oldherper suggested and try treating with a dilute (consistency of weak iced tea), Betadine solution to cleanse followed by a simple generic antibiotic ointment similar to Neosporin. I'd keep the snake on paper towels for a few days to let this clear up. You can provide some slightly damp paper towels in one corner to try to keep humidity up. If it doesn't clear up in a few days or begins to spread get it into a vet.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper
Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, IL
Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at
Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL