Scale injury?

[GarterSnake]

Hi! Not sure how urgent this is, but I decided to post it here just in case.

I have a Ribbon Snake that I acquired in August, and I just recently got him to start accepting f/t silversides. Today I had him out of his cage and noticed that some of the scales along the back of his neck are slightly raised, like a fish with dropsy. There is no skin visible underneath. I was thinking scale injury, because he kind of thrashed around and got stuck behind his water bowl when I was spot cleaning his cage yesterday. I quickly freed him, but maybe it could have resulted in swelling? Just wanted to see if it was anything that needed attention. The area is too small and my snake is too uncooperative for any useful pictures.

[guidofatherof5]

If it is some rubbed off scales a little antibiotic ointment might be good to keep any infection out.
Since it's on top of the snake you could always leave it alone and let it heal naturally.
It's your call.

[d_virginiana]

I'd probably just keep an eye on that and let it heal on its own, especially if you don't see any breaks in the skin.

[GarterSnake]

As far as antibiotic ointment goes, what's safe for snakes?

[d_virginiana]

As far as antibiotic ointment goes, what's safe for snakes?

Neosporin withOUT painkillers (the kind with painkillers is toxic to most reptiles and fatal for frogs), betadine, and Hibiclens are all pretty good and not overly harsh on the skin.

[ConcinusMan]

Does it appear to be fluid-filled pockets sort of like a blister? Make sure your substrate is dry and clean and dab some iodine on the area. Also, mites can cause scales to lift up so check for that and ticks. It could be subcutaneous parasites too. Pics would be very helpful :cool:

[GarterSnake]

I'll check for mites and try to get a pic. There doesn't appear to be any fluid underneath. And sorry to sound stupid, but what are "subcutaneous" parasites?

[guidofatherof5]

It a parasitic nematode (looks like a worm) that lives under the skin. Usually seen as a small bump just under the skin.
I've had a few snakes with them. The ones I've seem have occurred between the dorsal scales and belly scales in the lower 1/3rd of the body. I've never seen any around the neck area but don't see why they couldn't occur there.
The first one was removed by my Vet. after that I've done it myself.

[GarterSnake]

Well, this morning his skin is dull and his eyes have gone blue and cloudy. Looks like he's going to shed. I guess I'll just leave him be till he does. Also, a search of his cage turned up no mites. :)

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds good. Does he have a large water bowl?

[GarterSnake]

He has a large bowl and a moist hide.

[guidofatherof5]

That should do it;)

[GarterSnake]

Well, he just finished shedding, and it was a complete shed, including both eye caps. :) I'll check his scales to see what their status is tomorrow.

[guidofatherof5]

That is a good update. Thanks.

[GarterSnake]

Sorry about the late update, I thought I had already posted it for some reason.:confused: Oh, well. He's doing fine, after his shed, his scales went back to normal.