Scale discoloration

[marisa]

My GTP has been really ignored this past two weeks while I have dealt with my family issues. Aside from morning misting, and a feeding last weekend...that's all I have done. Normally I take a half hour or so a day just staring at him which gives plenty of opportunity to see any problems.

Anyways just now I gave him a nice extra afternoon spray and he was having a drink off the side of the enclosure, exposing some of his underside.

I noticed a large amount of "brown" scales. The are not on the belly, as that is perfectly clean white. They are where the belly meets the side of the snake....almost looks like he got some dirt on him except he has no access to dirt and uses paper towel substrate. He IS in the middle of his change....could this be part of it? Just discolored scales changing from one color to the next?

They do not look like wounds, infection, mites, or anything else. Just noticablly brown scales. I will get pics soon but my roomates have my camera in Nova Scotia right now. :(

Marisa

[reptiguy420]

sounds like it could be a possible fungle infection...but im not for sure.....maybe scale rot?Good luck

[Holy Mackerel]

Marisa,


Did the discolouration correct itself?

[Shad0w]

Sounds like something fungal?

Lets see the pics Marisa

[coolhl7]

sounds fungal from too much humidity or exposure to standing water or excessive spray....I just had this happen with my ETB and completely cured with decreased humidity, no direct spraying, and apply naftin gel (prescription in USA) everyday until gone (usually with next shed).

[marisa]

Well humidity is definitly not the issue. Like I said, the two weeks this started appearing, he was actually getting LESS spray than normal.

His enclosure is literally kept spotless. I am not just saying that either. We give it a full clean every 7 days, *new* water bowl, no standing water,mold, etc ....EVER. His perches are removable so those also get cleaned weekly. He uses paper towel substrate.

I will get pics this weekend when we have him out for cleaning. :) Thanks guys.

Marisa

[Shad0w]

could it be that SOMETHING is leeching out of your perches?

[greg schroeder]

I can't say for certain what's up with your snake, but here's a link to a picture I took of one of my snakes. This guy has a few healthy brown scales on his sides and belly.

brown scale picture link (http://members.cox.net/sonysnakes/brownScales.jpg)

[marisa]

That is what they look like....his are even a bit darker, and he is getting a bit of a black wash as well...black/brown scales here and there, but its mostly near the belly.

He is doing outstanding and shed perfect. So I am starting to think this is all part of his change as I have read Biaks can sometimes do that (get darker scales for a period of time) so for now, a close eye and an extra clean cage unless things start looking suspicious.

I am still trying to get pics. It's difficult with my camera. :P

Marisa