Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got a rescued ball python baby. And it's skin was so dry that it crinkled (audibly) when I held it! I heard a pop and a few minutes later realized that its underbelly split! it is a very tiny split an no blood or organs are hanging out. What do I put on it so that it heals shut? should I take any special precautions such as changing the substrate?(reptibark) thanks again please respond quickly! I already made him soak for a minute and raised the humidity up

Are you sure that's not just the umbilical scar? Where on the belly is the split? Post a picture and people on the forum can identify if it's an umbilical scar. Neosporin or other antibacterial cream is fine for treating small skin injuries. You may want to change the substrate to paper to keep any debris out of the belly split.

A trip to the vet is a good idea to be on the safe side (take in a fresh fecal sample if you can as well to check for any parasites). Also, with any rescued animal- quarantine!!!

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Lora

Since it's skin is so horribly dried should I put a little neosporin on most of the snakes skin to help rehydrate him? It very well may be an ambilical scar. It seems to be in the right area. Thanks for all your help

I would only apply the neosporin to an injury. Just continue with regular soaking and raise the humidity in the cage to rehydrate the snake. If the snake may be trying to prepare to shed and any oily substance you put on the skin could make this more difficult.
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Lora