one big hello

[smurfsta99]

just joined an would like to say hello. now down to the serious side i have a 5 yr old female common boa that i breed off every year. but in the last week her skin has peeled leaving bloody flesh, my excotic vet does not know what it is can anyone please help.

[Chu'Wuti]

OMG. How awful! Welcome to the forum, but I'm really sorry you joined for the reason you did!

Quoting from "What's Wrong with my Snake" by Rossi & Rossi:

Burns, bite wounds, abrasions, retained skin from an attempted shed, skin tumors, parasites, excessive moisture of the substrate or high humidity, and filthy cages may all predispose snakes to dermatitis (an infection of the skin), by allowing the entry of bacteria. (p.41)

In order to figure out what's happening, we need more info:

Would you please describe the conditions in your enclosure in detail? (e.g., temps/ranges, basking areas, humidity, substrate--be very detailed)

Also, how long is your snake & what is her diameter at her widest spot, how much does she weight, what is she eating (size/weight & frequency)?

Post photos, too, please.

If this is caused by a bacterial infection, Rossi & Rossi suggest soaking paper towels in a dilute Betadine solution, putting them in a container, and putting the snake on the saturated toweling for 30-60 minutes, then applying Polysporin ointment. Change substrate to clean and dry artificial turf or plain paper toweling. You should also increase the temps (not enough to burn the snake but warmer to help the snake fight off the infection and ensure plenty of fresh water--increase your replacement of water to daily, because both the infection and the extra heat will dehydrate the snake.

I'm sure others will have some suggestions, too, but maybe this will help you get started on treating your poor snake. Be sure to post the extra info so we can figure out what's happening.

[Wolfus_305]

Hi
Welcome! I hope everything works out!
Pictures always help!
Kenn

[Kmef07]

dont do the astro turf thing. it is way to abbrasive for the animals skin. i tried this once and it was not good at all there are a lot of guides that recommend it because it is easy and looks nice but it is not a good idea. just my 2 cents. hope everything works out for you and welcome.