Often, when their habitat is too wet and cold, the substrate (bedding) never fully dries, creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that often lead to scale rot—perfect for the bacteria, not so perfect for your pet.
- What does scale rot look like in snakes?
- What does snake rot look like?
- How do you know if a snake has scale rot?
- How long does scale rot take to develop?
- How do you fix scale rot in snakes?
- Why do snakes get scale rot?
- How does a snake get scale rot?
- Will scale rot go away by itself?
- What does ball python scale rot look like?
- How do you stop scale rot?
What does scale rot look like in snakes?
Check regularly for early signs of scale rot: Skin or scales are cracked and crusty. Raised or swollen scales. Red, brown, or otherwise dark discolored skin, especially near the tail or on the abdomen.
What does snake rot look like?
Discoloration. A sign of the infection may manifest itself on the visceral area of the reptile. To diagnose any symptom of scale rot, turn the reptile on its back and examine its stomach. If the abdominal region has spots in the form of brown, red or blackish scales which look crusty, your snake might have scale rot.
How do you know if a snake has scale rot?
- Skin or scales are cracked and crusty. - Raised or swollen scales. - Red, brown, or otherwise dark discolored skin, especially near the tail or on the abdomen. - Loss of appetite.
Beginners Guide To Treating Scale Rot In Ball Pythons - Benjamin'S Exotics
How long does scale rot take to develop?
One of the earliest signs of scale rot is discolored scales. As such, you'll want to pay special attention to your snake's scales on a regular basis as this discoloration can pop up quickly, sometimes in a matter of a few days! There may be a discoloration of the scale's underneath of your snake's body.
How do you fix scale rot in snakes?
If your snake has scale rot, you can help them by gently cleaning the affected area. You can use a chlorhexidine solution or a trusted reptile wound solution to gently clean the affected scales twice each day. Alternatively, you can soak the affected scales in a diluted betadine solution.
Why do snakes get scale rot?
If your snake's enclosure has too much humidity for them, it can lead to problems with their scales (such as scale rot). The enclosure's humidity level plays a role in your snake's ability to shed correctly. If your snake cannot shed completely, the places skin is retained are susceptible to scale rot.
Everything To Know About Ball Python Scale Rot - Benjamin'S Exotics
How does a snake get scale rot?
If your snake's enclosure has too much humidity for them, it can lead to problems with their scales (such as scale rot). The enclosure's humidity level plays a role in your snake's ability to shed correctly. If your snake cannot shed completely, the places skin is retained are susceptible to scale rot.
Will scale rot go away by itself?
If you notice scale rot on your snake, you may be able to treat it at home. Many owners do this successfully (depending on how serious it is). However, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian. Your snake may need antibiotics or debridement as part of their treatment.
Scale Rot In Snakes (4 Treatments That Work)
What does ball python scale rot look like?
The scales that are most often affected by scale rot are those located directly above the cloacal region of your snake's body. The scales may look greenish-black, brown, yellow, or red. Be aware, though, that the red ulcerations seen with scale rot can look similar to shedding.
How do you stop scale rot?
- Daily cleaning – Clean up any spilled liquids, shed skin, or eliminated waste at least once a day. ... - Weekly cleaning – Once every week or two, you should perform a more in-depth cleaning, following the sterilization procedure outlined earlier.