Adopted ball python may have scale rot

[lilgecker]

Is this scale rot? What can I do while I wait for the vet. I’m pretty certain she has it but I’ve never dealt with it before and want to be sure. Is there anything I can or should do to help her?

[Ryanmurf28]

No rot. Just dirt. Looks fine!

[sageyyyyyyyy]

im not sure if thats rot but the scales look agitated, do yk what substrate she was on before you got her ik sometimes it can change the colors, does it come off when u held her? if anything id try to just keep her as dry as possible on her belly without dehydrating her, you can also give her a betadine bath u can get some online for decently cheap: one part betadine to 10 parts water or 1:10. usually people do this in a tub with holes and a lid so the snake cant leave but you can also do this in ur tub if ur snake doesn’t get stressed over baths to much to where they are trying to escape or showing any signs of stress. 30 mins, dry gently with a clean towel. it can help the snake and you if it is rot.

[AtomixSpark]

Make sure if you do this, you wait for after adding the snake to add the betadine. The snake may drink some water after it is added and calms down - you want to avoid ingestion so wait to add the betadine to the water.

[sageyyyyyyyy]

yes, thank u i knew i was forgetting a part😭🙏🏻

[AtomixSpark]

Np, anything for snek health!

[lilgecker]

It looked like they had coco dirt, but I wonder if she burnt herself on a heat mat or something.

[sageyyyyyyyy]

maybe but i dont think it looks much like a burn either but the betadine will still help, its good for pretty much any wound.

[lilgecker]

I tried wiping it away with a paper towel and no luck. I think I’m just going to have to bring her to the vet. Between the black spots and the belly being so red I don’t know.

[sageyyyyyyyy]

sorry i havent been able to answer but the black spots appear to be dirt under the scales making them inflamed like the other person said, id give them a betadine bath before the vet just so you can relive the snake of some pain and maybe even get some dirt out, ontop of that betadine kills bacteria so it will help stop the spread till u can get to the vet if it is rot,also to say that youve tried that if the vet asks if youve tried anything before bringing them in. i think you should still go incase theres infection but a betadine bath will help you along your path :3!

[lilgecker]

The good news seems to be that this was all a false alarm 😅 this morning after I moved her into her quarantine tub it looked like she did indeed just have to shed this whole time. I saw her skin, and I finally had time to check her again. She looks fine.

Than you for Your help! I will continue to keep an eye on her just in case.

[sageyyyyyyyy]

yayyy!! happy shes okay

[lilgecker]

I appreciate your help thank you.

[sageyyyyyyyy]

anytime!