torn up belly scales :(

[kuester]

I noticed my corns belly scales on the ends of them seem torn up and browned... any ideas why?

[jjhill001]

Pics??????????

[KyleKennedy]

Sounds like scale rot. But you would need to post pics so we can know for sure.

[SSSSnakes]

Sounds like scale rot. But you would need to post pics so we can know for sure.
Exactly what I was thinking. Keep it clean and dry and on newspaper and it should clear up after a shed or two.

[kuester]

Ive tried uploading pics to this site before but it didnt work... The enclosure was just refreshed with brand new aspen about a month ago. Hes never had shedding problems(in the 10 years ive had him) so i didnt mist his cage at all. But the last shed was in pieces so i mist him once every 10 days.

[kuester]

His humidity is not high also his substrate is not wet.

[jjhill001]

Could be the heat pad is malfunctioning causing burns.

[kuester]

He has a ceramic heat emitter...

[PatrickT]

Hard too say without pics. Could also be that he simply scratched somewhere and some scales got "lifted" upwards.

[Rattlehead]

Upload the pics to a site like photobucket. Then copy the link to the photo and paste it here if you have difficulties uploading directly to the forum

[kuester]

Ive tried doing it through photobucket before didnt work. I do it all on my phone. Its like almost every scale and it wasnt there like a week ago..

[prairiepanda]

I find the easiest image host to use via phone is imgur. Very streamlined process, with or without the app, and no fuss over making an account.

Do you have a water dish in the enclosure big enough for your corn to soak his whole body in? That would be more effective than misting if you're wanting to improve sheds. But considering he's never had a shedding issue with you and his most recent shed was suddenly bad, it could be related to whatever is going on with his belly scales right now rather than an issue of dryness. Unless you've moved recently or changed something in the enclosure.

It does sound like scale rot, but that is usually(not always) localized in a small area. We can't do much more than speculate without pictures. If you really can't get pictures up at all, then a trip to the vet will get an answer.

[Obsidian_Dragon]

You can make a humid hide--stuff a tupperware container with damp sphagnum moss, and cut a hole in the top for access. That way he can have higher humidity and his leisure. I do this for my snakes and it works great.

Some damage to belly scales may just be wear and tear, depending on what you have in your enclosure. That was the case for my garter snake--he sheds it off every time.

[kuester]

I switched cages. He went from heat pad to ceramic heat emitter. And when i spot clean(check everyday) i move some of his decor around slightly. And yes his water dish is large enough for him to fit in.

[kuester]

http://imgur.com/Q56Pb3k
http://imgur.com/Dhl3zww
http://imgur.com/lBK1nQB
http://imgur.com/0RUJKb4
http://imgur.com/M8SRtQL
http://imgur.com/r8I5LEG

[kuester]

That was my attempt with imgur

[kuester]

Imgur (http://imgur.com/Q56Pb3k)
Imgur (http://imgur.com/Dhl3zww)
Imgur (http://imgur.com/lBK1nQB)
Imgur (http://imgur.com/0RUJKb4)
Imgur (http://imgur.com/M8SRtQL)
Imgur (http://imgur.com/r8I5LEG)

[prairiepanda]

Thanks for the pictures! Looks like a mild case of scale rot to me(although if someone with more experience disagrees I would go with their diagnosis). Can't say whether it's bacterial or fungal, but treatment with diluted hydrogen peroxide would address it either way. I would recommend keeping him on paper towels instead of aspen until the condition has cleared up. If he's due for a shed soon, I would expect the brownness to disappear along with the shed skin(the scales will still have a torn look to them, but should look clean)

[kuester]

Thanks. He is about to shed, second time this month. He hasnt even eaten at all this month. How do i mix and apply the treatment?

[kuester]

The aspen bedding is brand new should i really remove it and put in paper?

[Rattlehead]

The aspen bedding is brand new should i really remove it and put in paper?

Keep the enclousure as simple as possible until you find the origin of the problem and he starts to heal. Consider a visit to the vet.

[Albert Clark]

Paper towels would be the way to go to slow the advance of the early scale rot condition. I would consider using chlorhexidine solution or betadine as a first line treatment. Make sure you make the appointment with the vet also bc he may need additional treatments. Paper towels should be the solid white without any printing on them. Do a thorough deep cleaning of the enclosure prior to placing the towels and the animal back in. Good luck.

[kuester]

Id like to try the in home treatment first. But have never had to do it so i need instructions. If it doesnt clear up i will certainly bring him to the vet. Also should i dispose of the bedding or keep it for when hes better?

[Albert Clark]

The bedding can be tossed. The main way scale rot begins is with less than pristine sanitary conditions. You must clean up any urine, urates, and feces as soon as you see it. You have to keep the floor of the enclosure clean and dry. Dampness is a medium for scale rot to take hold. Betadine solution should be diluted to a tea colored strength and poured into a tub enough to cover the ventral scales. Allow the animal to crawl around the tub to get the solution into and onto the scales (VENTRALS). Rinse animal and betadine off with clear water and dry.

[kuester]

I check for excrement everyday. If there's anything in there i clean it up. I refresh and scrub the water dish everyday and i replace the bedding once a month. The cages could be cleaner. Is it okay if the snake dips his face in this solution or flicks it with his tongue?

[Albert Clark]

No, that's not going to be a issue at all. Be sure to rinse him well with warm water. Try to mix the betadine in warm water as well.

[kuester]

Okay thank you very much also should i wait until after he sheds or do it now?

[reptiledude987]

wouldnt hurt to do it before and after. just to make sure hes good and clean.

[kuester]

How long should i let him remain in this solution before removing him and rinsing him?

[Albert Clark]

I would say about 20 minutes or so. Just wipe him off first when you take him out then rinse right afterwards.

[kuester]

Thank you. I disposed of the aspen bedding and replaced it with passion paper towel today. Will buy betadine tomorrow and do his first soak. Is this a guaranteed way to get rid of the problem?

[kuester]

So before i got the betadine. I noticed he was starting to shed. So i waited to see if hed shed it off and he did. Theres no more abnormal coloring coloring on his belly scales. The scales that had it are a tad bit mishapen but no torn up or colored look to them. Is my lovely corn in the clear now? Or should i still do the betadine soak?

[Albert Clark]

Don't do it if the condition isn't there any more. Just keep watch over him and keep him on paper towels for awhile. Keep the enclosure very clean also. Nice work. Obviously caught it early and was able to eradicate it. Hopefully.

[kuester]

Okay thank you very much! I'll keep you updated. Ive had him for almost 11 years and never had an issue so i was quite surprised when i noticed it.

[kuester]

I kept him on paper towels until today. If the condition comes back any recommendations? Besides the betadine should i put him back onto the paper towels?