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Q: Milksnake missing scales
Posted By:

Traylyn22

My milksnake just shed and is missing scales.  Prior to this last shed, she had several very sensitive dry patches on her skin that are still there.  What can this be and how can it be treated?  Lastly, do the scales grow back?  There's one right by her eye.

Points: 150
Topics: General Health , Skin
Tags: Scales, Shed, Skin
Administrative: Show/Hide

Member Comment 2/17/2009 8:19:56 PM

redhood23
when you say missing scales, do you mean they came off during shed?
 
Assisted Answer 2/17/2009 8:23:16 PM

FyreFocks
So these missing scales were there prior to the shed? Is there any discoloration around where the scales are missing? What kind of prey do you feed your snake? Is it possible it was bitten during a feeding?
 
Author Comment 2/17/2009 8:32:35 PM

Traylyn22
Well, the one above her eye came off with the shed...the dry spots were there beforehand.  I was feeding her live mice, but switched to frozen.  I checked and they didn't look like bites.
 
Member Comment 2/17/2009 8:34:18 PM

FyreFocks
What are the temps at; ambient and basking, and what is the humidity? Is everything else normal; feeding, shed, defecation?
 
Author Comment 2/17/2009 8:39:04 PM

Traylyn22
The temp is fine.  I keep it at 80-85 during the day...and 70-75 at night.  The humidity is good too.
 
Assisted Answer 2/17/2009 8:40:54 PM

FyreFocks
Have you thoroughly checked for mites? Could it be scale rot? That wouldnt be something im familiar with. What type of substrate do you use?
 
Accepted Answer 2/17/2009 8:49:52 PM

redhood23
you say the one above the eye came off with shed, next time before shed let the snake soak. check for mites, switch to newspaper for a bit(if not already using it), turn the humidity up a bit more, and if you are using a basking light, get rid of it for the meantime.
 
Assisted Answer 2/17/2009 11:08:42 PM

Sonja K. Reptiles
Are you able to post a pic? Is there like an open wound? or is it just dull - like the sheen is missing?
 
Assisted Answer 2/18/2009 6:25:36 PM

gfx
One of my Cosalas knocked a head scale off somehow. I expect it'll grow back. Or it won't. Her husbandry is correct.
 
Member Comment 1/16/2011 11:34:52 PM

abi21491

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