Scale rot refers to many illnesses that fall under the umbrella of skin conditions that affect reptiles, such as ulcerative dermatitis. Skin problems are uncomfortable for reptiles and usually worsen if left untreated. If you suspect that your pet reptile has a skin problem, always consult with your vet to receive the right treatment for them. Fortunately, this ailment is easy to detect and can be cured with medication.
Stay on top of your pet’s health by understanding the symptoms of scale rot and what treatment options are available.
Scale Rot Refers to Various Skin Conditions
Scale rot refers to reptile-specific diseases that cause blistering, peeling, lifting of scales, and other painful symptoms that affect your pet’s quality of life. It may also refer to a cluster of symptoms that affect the healthy condition of the skin in reptiles and range from bacterial infections to burns. It is an unpleasant disorder that usually worsens if left untreated. In fact, scale rot can spread so rapidly that it becomes fatal. It is also contagious and can infect other reptiles. If you notice abnormal changes in the appearance of your reptile’s skin, it is best to speak to a trustworthy reptile veterinarian about the problem.
Scale Rot Generally Stems from Unhygienic Enclosures
Scale rot in reptiles can be caused by many underlying factors, but in most cases, bacterial infections are responsible. One of the main causes of scale rot in snakes and lizards is an unsanitary enclosure. While reptiles are considered low-maintenance pets, their environment should be regularly cleaned to remove the buildup of dirt and bacteria. Exposure to soiled areas will increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth and affect the skin.
Another factor responsible for the formation of dermatitis in reptiles is poor temperature and humidity regulation. When too much moisture is present, the bedding becomes damp, and this creates the ideal conditions for fungal and bacterial growth. You can control the temperature inside the terrarium using a heat mat for reptiles or a heating lamp for larger pets. A cool environment and constant dampness will lead to scale rot.
Always ensure that you feed your pet snake or lizard a balanced diet. If they’re deficient in vitamin A or C, they are at a high risk of developing scale rot. While poor nutrition isn’t considered a direct cause, it does weaken the animal’s immune system, making the body less able to fight infection.
Scale Rot Symptoms Include Blisters and Discoloration
The first step to protecting the health of your reptiles is knowing how to identify scale rot. When this disease is caught early, veterinary treatment, along with a clean enclosure, could resolve the issue. Symptoms of scale rot include:
- Cracked and raised scales (not from normal skin shedding)
- Inflammation
- Skin discoloration
- Blisters
- Open wounds
- A foul odor
It is important to be aware of the pain scale rot causes when handling snakes or lizards. You’ll notice behavior changes when you handle your lizard or snake, such as hissing or biting. While abnormal scales are not always immediately noticeable, you should see signs of discoloration and small blisters.
When the blisters break, it creates the perfect opportunity for bacteria or fungi to enter the body. Once in the bloodstream, it can lead to septicemia, which is fatal. Reptiles affected by blistering dermatitis will eventually lose their appetite, which creates nutritional deficiencies. Before the symptoms advance, have your snake checked out by a vet.
Snakes Are Most Susceptible to Scale Rot
Snakes are most commonly affected by dermatitis and bacterial infections of the skin. While this type of dermatitis is largely seen in snakes, it can occur in lizards such as iguanas, bearded dragons, and leopard geckos. Another type of pet reptile that is affected by scale rot is the tortoise. Tortoises will have raised scales on the front of their legs, which are usually caused by some type of physical trauma. Bacteria can easily enter through a cut or burn, resulting in infection.
How to Treat Ulcerative Dermatitis in Reptiles
The only way to effectively treat scale rot is to visit an exotic veterinarian. Most cases are treated with antibiotics and a strict hygiene regimen based on the severity of your snake or lizard’s skin infection. Where the skin appears raw and oozing, the vet may have to clean the wounds and remove patches that are severely infected. Animals in the advanced stages of the disease may need nutritional support.
The good news is that catching skin infections in reptiles early can be managed topically and with medication. You can manage the infection at home by keeping the reptile’s environment clean and applying antimicrobial spray to the wounds. To effectively treat the bacteria and fungi responsible for the infection, your reptile pet must receive veterinary care. The condition should resolve after three to six weeks. Sticking to the healthcare program provided by your reptile vet is the best way to handle scale rot.
Keeping a Clean Tanks Prevents Scale Rot
The best way to protect your beloved reptiles from dreaded scale rot is to regularly maintain their enclosures. Keeping their living environment clean reduces the amount of bacteria and fungi they’re exposed to. In addition to a strict cleaning regime, monitor temperature and humidity levels. Too much moisture leads to bacterial growth, while poor temperature regulation increases stress. When a reptile’s immune system is compromised, they risk developing mouth rot and scale rot.
Take some time to rearrange the terrarium or enclosure to prevent clutter and provide a clear view of your lizard, snake, or other reptile. Rather than constantly remove them from their environment, simply keep an eye on them as they move about the enclosure. Many first-time reptile keepers make this mistake, delaying the identification of the disease (along with the right treatment plan).
While stress management and cleanliness are pertinent to preventing scale rot, the best treatment is provided by an exotic veterinarian. By reducing stress and ensuring that your snake, lizard, or tortoise has a healthy diet and clean home, you can prevent scale rot.
