Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I have a baby texas rat who just shed for the first time a couple weeks ago. She is all pinkish - white (albino). However, in the last couple of days, I have noticed dark stripes all down her underside. Also, her skin on her underside is peeling and falling of. Her shed went fine - it all came off in one piece. If you know anything that will help, please let me know.
Thank you!

Hello--
What are you using for substrate in the enclosure? Also, how humid/moist is it in the enclosure? Prior to her shed, did she spend time soaking in her water bowl? I'm trying to ascertain conditions which might lend themselves to what you are describing. A pic of the affected area would also help.

regards,
althea

Right now, I'm using aspen bedding. I was using wood chips made specifically for reptiles. It isn't humid, but she did soak in the water before shedding.

Aspen is good. You may want to use newspaper or white paper towels until this condition is under control. I assume it is her scales which are falling off, rather than just some stuck shed? Since the enclosure wasn't overly moist, you may want to consult a reptile vet.

There can be many causes for what you've described, and she may need medication. Stuff shows up on white snakes differently than other colored snakes. I had an albino cal king once who drove me crazy.Not long after his adult self came to live with us, he had some strange marks on his belly that were diagnosed as sepsis. Some antibiotic injections and he was fine. Let me know how your snake is doing.

regards,
althea