Scale/ Shell Rot
Scale Rot
Scale Rot is a colloquial term for a range of conditions affecting the skin of reptiles which results in severe infection.
Scale Rot is a colloquial term for a range of conditions affecting the skin of reptiles which results in severe infection.
Blister Disease – This form of scale rot is often seen in snakes, particularly semi-aquatic species such as garter or water snakes. It can however occur in any species which are exposed to a persistently damp substrate or soiled substrate. The outer layer of skin develops blisters which becomes secondarily infected with environmental bacteria. These can progress to envelop the whole of the ventral area of the snake and lead to septicaemia. Occasionally this may be caused be fungus rather than bacteria.
Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) /Shell Rot - This a condition seen in aquatic chelonians. It is caused by a bacteria which, once it has gained access to the blood stream, produces ulcers in the skin and induces the loosening of scales which causes general debilitation and, in many cases, death. There are two forms of SCUD - wet and dry.
Wet - when a cut, crack or other lesion in the shell becomes infected. infected sites may begin to smell and discharge puss. This can be initiated if the animal is not able to become completely dry.
Dry - This can be caused by poor water quality and infected injuries. Affected areas may appear as white patches on the shell. - Not to be confused with mineral deposit build up which may exhibit the same symptoms as shell rot, usually caused by heavy mineral deposits in the water which creates a white coating effect on the shell.
Wet - when a cut, crack or other lesion in the shell becomes infected. infected sites may begin to smell and discharge puss. This can be initiated if the animal is not able to become completely dry.
Dry - This can be caused by poor water quality and infected injuries. Affected areas may appear as white patches on the shell. - Not to be confused with mineral deposit build up which may exhibit the same symptoms as shell rot, usually caused by heavy mineral deposits in the water which creates a white coating effect on the shell.
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