Slimy film on skin

Jxjaxj · 09-20-16, 05:42 PM

My argentine boa just shed 2 days ago. I noticed today that there is slimy film on part of her skin. Can anyone let me know what it could be or if it is even something to worry about? Thanks a lot for your help.

chairman · 09-21-16, 06:03 AM

It looks like it could be an injury, possibly a burn. Are there any light bulbs or ceramic heat emitters in the cage?

Jxjaxj · 09-21-16, 10:02 AM

Yeah, there is a ceramic heat emitter but it's controlled on a thermostat. It doesn't get past 88 degrees under hot spot. Also, the slime in the skin is just on a small part of the snake skin on the side of her body and towards the middle of the snake. Would it be possible for her to touch the ceiling with the middle part of her body? Also, there is a screen on top of the cage so the bulb isn't actually in the enclosure. If it is a burn, what do I have to do next? Go to a vet? Thank you so much for your help!!

dannybgoode · 09-21-16, 11:13 AM

How close to the mesh is the ceramic? Even under stat control the surface temperature of a ceramic can hit 500f-I know I've measured mine when it's heating the basking spot to around 90f.

Jxjaxj · 09-21-16, 11:58 AM

It is sitting on the screen. The height of the enclosure is about 16 inches high. The argentine boa is exactly 4 ft long. I just never even seen her go near the ceramic heat lamp either. Does it look like a burn to you also? If this is a burn, what would you guys recommend? Thanks again for your help!

chairman · 09-21-16, 11:58 AM

Yes, the snake could have burned itself just in that one spot. You probably need to adjust the CHE so it is a couple inches off the screen.

First aid is easy, you can usually just give the enclosure a good cleaning, put in brand new substrate, and let the snake heal on its own.

A more aggressive treatment option would be to apply an analgesic free topical antibiotic (like Neosporin), cover the spot with a burn pad, and use bandages that stick to themselves (not skin) to hold everything in place.

I'd probably just go the cleaning route and make sure the injury doesn't get worse. Snakes heal from minor burns just like people, only slower.

toddnbecka · 09-22-16, 01:00 AM

May have made contact with the hot screen right before shedding, while the new skin was still delicate. I'd put a bit of antibiotic ointment on it to prevent infection, but it should heal up just fine.

Jxjaxj · 09-22-16, 10:34 PM

Thanks a lot guys for your help! I already ordered the wire lamp fixture to replace my current heat lamp. It is the one made for ceramic heat bulbs and has wires as the structure of the lamp fixture. It should also keep the bulb higher away from the screen lid of tank. This is only a temporary 40 gallon breeder tank I'm using with 3/4 of top covered by a damp towel, until I order a bigger PVC enclosure soon. I just got her recently, (2014 born). Will the burn scar forever or go away after a few sheds? I had 2 other questions. She has white patterns throughout her body and for about 3 areas of the white, it is light brown lines instead of white lines. Is that just her natural markings or could that be from previous burns? Just asking because I notice that the line is kind of brownish around the slimy burn area. Other question is, if my boa is currently about 4.5 feet, is she ok in this 3ft long by 18 inch wide by 16 inch tall tank for the moment or too small? I will get a bigger one soon but just asking for the time being. Attached is the image of the brown line mark from my question. Thanks so much again everyone for the advice and help!!