Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My panther had some trouble shedding the spike scales from his back, and now some are smaller and black. The black coloration also covers several small scales around the base of the spikes, and i have noticed a stick fluid (pus?) collecting in this area. I have been swabbing with alchohol and neosporin and the pus seems to have dried up, but the scales are still oddly shaped and colored. Does anyone know what causes this (i assume some sort of infection) and, if so, what I can do about it?
Thanks!
Ian White
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The black spots and scales are skin necrosis.
It can be caused by bateria, fungi, or probably in your case
poor blood flow to the extremity scales from an incomplete shed.
here's a page with some limited info-
http://www.roland-brakel.be/geval_1.htm
If there is pus make sure to keep it clean and try removing any
dead tissue if possible (sometimes the black scales can be gently pulled off to expose some nasty stuff underneath.
Keep him warm and hydrated, and it should heal up o.k.
garrett

Without actually culturing bacteria from a biopsy or sample of the area you may not know specifically what bug is causing the infection, but you can treat it by scrubbing away any dead tissue with Betadyne or another antiseptic like Bactine (doesn't sting), and putting on a protective layer of Polysporin or triple antibiotic. The healed areas may look a bit more normal eventually but it may take several sheds. As to what caused it, could be many things, but watch future sheds and check the temp right under the basking light at the height of his back to make sure it was not a burn.

n/p
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buy the ticket, take the ride...