josh

Hi,

Just after feeding my cornsnake tonight, I noticed a small, red mark right
behind it's head. It looks almost like a scale has come off, but I'm not
100% sure that's what it is.

I took a picture, which you can find here :
http://www.rit.edu/~jrl5207/snake1.jpg

I'm not sure if this is a serious problem, or something that will heal on
its own...anyone have any ideas? Or is there anything I can do to help it
along? (or should I see a vet?)

Thanks for any help!

Josh

metalreptile

My first question would be....could a mouse have bitten him? Do you feed
live or pre-killed?

Roger

chaoscat

Looks like he sc****d off a scale. I'd just keep a close eye on it to make
sure it doesn't get infected. I've noticed with my snows and blizzard, they
tend to get that a lot-perhaps something having to do with the lack of
pigment also makes their scales easier to sc**** and damage.

-cat

slither factory

Josh,

From the photo, that is what it looks like. To be safe, put some Neosporin
or some other over-the-counter anti-bacterial ointment on it and keep an eye
on it.

For the most part, reptile injuries to their skin/scales can take quite a
while to heal, and with each progressive shed, it will start to look better.

If it should get any worse, or look like it is starting to spread, consider
taking it in to a qualified reptilian vet.

Keep us updated.

~Wade

jim smith

Can't tell too much from the picture. I would suggest you apply
Neosporin for a few days. Not sure what could have caused this, but it
doesn't look serious!

Good Luck!
Jim Smith
--
Blaming the gun for murder, is like blaming the car for hit and run!

josh

Thanks all for your replies! You've helped me become less worried about the
little guy

Yes, I've been feeding him live mice for about 6 months without incident.
Without stemming a live vs. frozen debate, could this have been a wake up
call to not feed live? (Or at least, to trim the mice's nails before
dropping them in the tank...)

Also, a couple of you mentioned using Neosporin on him to help the healing
process. Should I just lightly apply it right out of the tube, or do I need
to dilute at all?

Thanks again for all of your help, I really appreciate it!

-Josh

jim smith

Just use a q-tip and apply a small amount to the wound. Rub it in and
use the q-tip to remove any excess.

DO NOT use the q-tip more than once. Each time you apply the
Neosporin, use a new q-tip. Bacteria can be passed on to the tube and
you can spread the bacteria! Don't use your finger as you can pass
bacteria from you to the snake and vice versa.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith
--
Blaming the gun for murder, is like blaming the car for hit and run!

rev brian

It's not the mice nails that do the damage. I don't think a manicure will
help. those 2 front teeth that do the damage. may caps for the teeth or F/T
mice

zetekitoxin

I can't stand it anymore. I *must* nitpick!

reptile vet = vet experienced in treating reptiles
reptilian vet = vet that has reptile-like characteristics

And don't think you're the only one that I've
seen doing this, you were just convenient.

Unless that's actually what you meant?

-Z

zetekitoxin

YES!

-Z