deborahbroadus Moderator

Joined: 16 Jul 2006 Posts: 6855 Location: Baltimore, MD
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:43 am Post subject: Descriptions of Skin Diseases in Snakes: |
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Blister Disease/Scale Rot
Blister disease is common in many captive reptiles. It is most often associated with the maintenance of these animals in damp, filthy environments. At the first suspicion of this disease, you must seek veterinary help. Treatment involves use of topical and injectable antibiotics. Further, the underlying sanitation and hygiene problems must be corrected. Blister disease is preventable if you are aware of it and if the enclosure in which captive snakes are housed is kept dry and scrupulously clean.
The first sign is usually a pink to red appearance of the bottom-most scales. His belly scales may turn yellow or brown, these scales become swollen and infected by bacteria and fungi and he will develop a series of tiny white or yellow bumps. If left untreated, these bumps can quickly turn into lesions, open sores, and pustules, and recovery will be more difficult. If your snake develops signs of blister disease, a thorough tank cleaning is necessary. You should remove all substrate, sterilize the entire tank, and move your snake into a different tank (*I have a hospital tank for that purpose). You should bathe him in a warm water/Chlorhexidine mixture (follow directions) and let him air dry. Keep his environment (substrate) dry. HUMID DOES NOT MEAN WET. If this treatment is unsuccessful and his symptoms worsen, a trip to the vet is imperative.
Mouth Rot
Bacteria or Fungi
Mouth rot is a progressive bacterial infection involving the oral lining of the snake. It may begin with increased salivation. Often saliva bubbles from the mouth as a whitish discharge. Close inspection of the oral lining reveals tiny pinpoint areas of bleeding. The oral lining becomes increasingly inflamed and pus begins to accumulate within the mouth, especially among the rows of teeth. As the disease progresses, the underlying bone becomes infected and the teeth fall out. This infection needs to be recognized in the early stages in order to successfully reverse it. Symptoms are: red, inflamed gums, refusal to eat, frequent opening of the mouth, and formation of a whitish discharge in the mouth. If your snake has mouth rot, place him in a sterile tank and raise the temperature to 95°F with a cooler spot of about 85°F till you can get an appt with the Vet.
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