Scale Rot?

[prattypus]

I have a red side I got from Scott in the fall, and she wasn't brumated. This last feeding, I noticed that there is some localized discoloration on some of her scales. It looks greyish black- almost if she got caught and somewhat crushed by something. She is still eating, drinking, and moving as ever, so I am going to see what the collective thinks. If a vet visit is in the cards, so be it, but I just wanted to see what some others think. I will post some pics as soon as my camera gets here.

[adamanteus]

Pictures would help. Is the discolouration to the ventral scales?

[prattypus]

I stand corrected. After pulling her back out, the injury seems to be almost circular in fashion. There is discoloration and some indentations on the ventral scales, with more discoloration goin up both sides of dorsal scales.

[adamanteus]

That's a rather unusual place for scale-rot... I'd really like to see pictures.

[guidofatherof5]

Holding off my opinion until I can see a photo.

[prattypus]

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m38/prattypus/IMG_0029.jpghttp://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m38/prattypus/IMG_0031.jpghttp://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m38/prattypus/IMG_0037.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

That looks like an injury to me. Have you been treating it with anything? How was the last shed? A Vet. visit might be in order but these guys are a lot tougher then we give them credit for. This stuff is cheap and works wonders.
http://www.thamnophis.com/thamphotos/data//500/medium/cream.jpg

[prattypus]

I may have to see about getting that stuff. I can't think of what could have gotten a hold of her. Last shed came off clean. I think I have to reevaluate what's in the enclosure- carefresh, coconut shells, and a water bowl. Wonder if it was a brawl with the others.

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks for the pictures. Can you post one from the bottom? So we can get a better look. Any discharge from the site?
I don't think it's from a fight, too much damage. Keep us informed.

[drache]

regular neosporin or generic antibiotic ointment will work as well
hope you can figure out how it happened

[jitami]

Could she have burned herself on anything? That is an odd injury. Perhaps squeezed herself between tank and tank lid?

[adamanteus]

I agree... this is an injury, not scale rot.

[jitami]

Oh, and if you use neo-sporin, use the kind without pain reliever! The anesthetic(pain reliever portion) is harmful to reptiles.

[adamanteus]

Excellent point, Tami... and one that could easily be overlooked.

[crzy_kevo]

i thinkk it look much like a burn but if there is nothing in the tank that could have done that trhen maybe she did squeeze herself between the lid

[jitami]

Excellent point, Tami... and one that could easily be overlooked.

And one I learnt here :) Sorry I don't remember who brought that to my attention, but I know I always buy the triple antibiotic plus... and the plus is, of course, the pain reliever. Next tube I buy I'll skip the "plus" :)

[prattypus]

I will try the ointment. there isn't a heater available to them now, so I don't know how she would have burned. She does like to ride the ridge around the tank, though- so maybe she got hung up on it. Thanks for everyone's help!!

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds like a logical deduction. They do try to squeeze into the smallest of places. Good luck with her.