Reptile & Amphibian Forums

One of my BPs managed to burn his tail on his heating pad wich was on the lowest setting. I just need to know how much betadine and how much warm water to mix. Thanks.
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2.0 Cornsnakes 2.1 Ball Python 0.1 Cal Kingsnake 1.0 Bearded Dragon 0.0.1 Leo Gecko 0.0.1 Marbled Gecko 0.1 Beauty Snake 1.0 Sulcatta Tortoise

Usually with reptile burns, Silvadene ointment is used or you can apply poly/neosporin ointments. Keep the snake on a sterile substrate--paper towels or butcher paper. If it's a bad/deep burn, a vet should address the problem. I would get rid of the heating pad & go to another source of heat; ie. overhead incandescent lighting &/or ceramic heat emitters.

Burns can be tricky and it's sometimes hard to tell if it's minor or if a veterinarian should be consulted. For starters, if you are unsure then error on the side of caution. Signs that it is serious are:
If any other symptoms occur, like anorexia
If the skin is broken, or breaks in a day or two
If a discharge occurs, clear or otherwise
If a discoloration further than a slight pinkening of the skin occurs
If the "burn" seems to be spreading or doesn't show signs of improvement.

Things to consider if any of the above have/do occur; The skin and immune system are compromised, thus infection will set in and will likely quickly turn systemic. Also burns loose the ability to control osmotic balance, thus fluids are lost through discharge or evaporation and thus dehydration accelerates, even if access to water is readily available. Small burns to us, may be huge on a small reptile.

In your case, you mentioned that there is a burn on the tail. It is quite likely that the worst of the burn is on the tail, and that the rest of the belly also has some compromised tissue.

Good luck with your snake