Steve's head

[ChareiHeals]

So, the other day i was taking pictures of Steve, and he had some dust on his head. Today I check on him and I see this.

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I don't have the slightest clue as to what it might be or what has caused it, but it looks like a scale is completely missing from his head. The nearest reptile friendly vet is a 4 hour drive away, and I just can't make that drive in negative temps with a blizzard on its way to us. If you guys have any guesses or suggestions as to what this might be and how to treat it, I will be eternally greatful.

[guidofatherof5]

When did Steve shed last? Could he be in a shed right now?

[ChareiHeals]

I haven't seen any eye cloud at all, i'd say it's been since right around christmas/new years? I'm about to tear his tank apart and make sure there aren't any bugs or anything in there. I'm seriously concerned.

[d_virginiana]

Does it feel scabbed up, or does he act like it hurts when you touch it?

[ChareiHeals]

I haven't tried yet. My husband's about to pull him out. I'll keep you posted.

[ChareiHeals]

He doesn't act like it hurts, and it doesn't feel like there's a scale "missing". it feels normal, it just looks discolored.

[ChareiHeals]

20130109_180003.jpg

Here's what it looked like after I touched it.

[guidofatherof5]

Not sure what to make of it. Not tender, swollen or any discharge makes me think it's nothing to worry about but something to watch.

[snake man]

Did you try looking for the scale in the tank?

[d_virginiana]

Try touching the area with a wet q-tip and see if the color goes back to normal. Sometimes mine will crawl through something in their cage and discolor a couple scales. Looks really odd until I wash it off.

Did you try looking for the scale in the tank?

If the actual scale had come off there would have been blood or scabbing or something I would think...