Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My male Carpet's scales just round the vent were a bit raised a couple of days ago, and I've just noticed they are REALLY soft and easily lifted...there seems to be a clear liquid underneath.

It's almost like a blister.

Oh s**t now I can see flesh underneath, and there's a pink line going up his belly!

I'm taking his orchid bark out and replacing with newspaper, and cleaning with warm salt water...

What's going on? What could it be, do you think I need a vet?
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0.1.2 Western Hognose
0.0.1. Desert Kingsnake
1.0.0 Macklots Python
0.0.1 Coastal Carpet Python
1.0.0 Coastal x JCP (?)
0.0.3 Whites Tree Frogs

It sounds like an acid burn from urine.

1.Defiantly change to newspaper.
2.Keep the snake dry and warm.
3.Seek a veterinarian that can administer antibiotics for reptiles.

I believe your snake has been sitting in a urine soaked area of the bark you are using. The acid from this urine has burned the scales, skin, and caused blisters. This could be serious and needs a vet to analyze the damage.

I would not play with this condition. Infection from this is a variable that will take your reptile quickly.

Dann

Thanks, I'm taking him to the vets tomorrow and getting a ceramic heater instead of his mat...as I hear this can make matters worse.
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0.1.2 Western Hognose
0.0.1. Desert Kingsnake
1.0.0 Macklots Python
0.0.1 Coastal Carpet Python
1.0.0 Coastal x JCP (?)
0.0.3 Whites Tree Frogs

It could just be a straight burn. What is the temperature on the heat mat? Can you hold your hand on it indefinitely? Have you measured it with a thermometer (those $25 infrared temp guns that Proexotics sell are great for this - I strongly recommend them!).

I wouldn't rush out and buy a ceramic heater yet. Just measure the temp on the heat pad and use a rheostat to reduce it if it is too hot.

I would certainly get that snake to the vet anyway.
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Chris Harrison