Skin conditions in snakes

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Reptile skin is unique and has many functions which include protecting the body, providing camouflage and making vitamin D3.

When mammals grow their skin stretches and grows too. Reptiles are different; their skin is not as elasticated as mammal skin, and does not stretch with growth. Therefore, the ability to shed skin is very important to your snake.

When it is time to shed, your snake will produce a lymph fluid which separates the old and the new skin. This is a process known as ecdysis. At this stage his skin will look dull and bluish. He will naturally rub himself against rough or moist furniture to remove his old skin. Snakes are different to other reptiles as when they shed, the skin comes off like a sock, in one whole piece. You will now see his shiny and colorful new skin start to appear. If your snake is struggling to shed as well as looking at humidity and hydration ensure he has adequate surfaces to aid him shedding. Providing rolled up wet towels can help as this provides a gentle but abrasive surface for him to rub against and aid shedding. Regular warm bathing can also help.

Snakes do not have proper eyelids, they are fused and became see-through thousands of years ago! When a snake sheds, he also sheds the top layer of his eye which is called the spectacle.

It is important to keep a diary of how often your snake sheds.

Sometimes snakes have problems shedding; this is known as dysecdysis and is one of the most common reasons for visiting a veterinarian. Old skin can stick to the eyeball making it difficult for the snake to see.

Lack of humidity is one of the most common reasons for failure to shed. You can increase the humidity by spraying the tank with water; just make sure it is not too wet as this can lead to ulcers forming on the skin. Make sure that the temperature in your snake’s house is correct; if it too cold he will struggle to shed.

Any problems relating to shedding should be closely monitored and may require a visit to the veterinary practice. If none of the above is helping, then it’s best to seek veterinary advice.

Abscesses

Abscesses are lumps on the skin which are infected with bacteria or fungi; damaged skin is a common cause of infection. Check for sharp objects in the house and make sure all furniture has smooth edges. Correct temperature in your snake’s house will help him fight off infection, and a good diet will also keep the immune system healthy.

If your snake develops an abscess it is likely to need to be removed surgically under general anesthesia.

Fungal infections are very difficult to treat, and a considerable amount of medicine may be needed to cure any disease.

Burns

Thermal burns happen when snakes come into contact with an unprotected hot surface; this could be a heat lamp or a hot rock. Snakes seem to have difficulty detecting hot surfaces and do not react until serious damage has already been done to their skin. It can take many weeks for burnt skin to heal. Damaged skin stimulates the snake to shed more regularly.

Always check that any bulbs, heat pads or hot rocks in your snake’s house are working correctly to prevent burning. If the heat bulb is inside the house always ensure that it has a wire cage around it. Ensure you are checking the temperature of the vivarium to ensure thermostats and heating is working properly.

Thermal burns will need to be checked by a veterinarian in case treatment needs to be prescribed.

Cuts and abrasions

The skin can be damaged by sharp objects inside or outside your snake’s house.

Check your snake’s house and furniture for any sharp objects and remove them. If your snake is allowed to roam around your home, make sure he is supervised.

If these cuts and abrasions cause scars then shedding can become difficult around these scars (dysecdysis). If the cuts/abrasions are substantial then seek veterinary treatment to try and prevent scaring.

Cuts will often need antibiotics or cream and in severe cases may require surgery.

Mites and ticks

Mites will look like little black or red dots on the skin which will bite the skin and become very itchy. Affected snakes are often restless and will rub their face and skin potentially causing more damage.

The mites breed in the house, so your snake’s house will need to be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of all the mites and their eggs. The furniture in the house will also need to be cleaned and fresh substrate placed on the floor. Your veterinarian will also be able to prescribe some anti-parasite treatment which will kill the mites.

Mites can spread very easily, so don’t take your snake to a pet shop when you go on holiday! Try to find a carer that is happy to come to your house to care for him rather than moving your snake to a strange new environment elsewhere. Alternatively, it’s worth considering if you can move your lizard whole vivarium to the carers house if they would prefer to care for your snake in their own home.

Ensure you take your snake to a veterinary surgeon to ensure he is prescribed with the correct medications.

Ticks are more common in snakes that are caught in the wild!

Retained spectacle

Snakes shed the surface of the eye when they shed their skin. If the spectacle is retained it can lead to blindness and difficulty when feeding.

To avoid this your snake’s house needs to be at the correct temperature to make sure the snake can successfully shed his skin. You also need to ensure the humidity within your snake’s housing is correct. Temperature and humidity levels are species dependant.

If your snake has retained spectacles you must take him to the veterinary practice so they can be surgically removed. You may need to assist your snake in feeding whilst he cannot see. You could try to use his other senses to help him find his food, eg warming up the food, so the smell is stronger.

Blister disease (vesicular dermatitis)

Snake skin is sensitive to high humidity and will blister and become infected. Humidity levels are species dependant so ensure you research the level your species of snake needs.

It is essential that the humidity and temperature in your snake’s house is maintained at the correct level. High humidity prevents the skin from drying out making them more prone to infection.

This condition needs medical attention; veterinary treatment and antibiotics will be vital.

Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

The thyroid gland is in the neck and is responsible for the amount of times the snake will shed. An overactive thyroid makes the snake shed far more regularly than is normal for the age and size of snake.

This is why it is important to keep a diary of how often your snake sheds.

You must take your snake to see your veterinarian if you notice him shedding more often than usual.

If you find any lump or swelling on your snake you should take him to see your veterinarian.

To find out exactly what the growth is your veterinarian may need to take samples and do either in house  or external laboratory tests.

A growth might be a tumor and some tumors are types of cancer that can spread. However, the lumps may be abscesses or cysts. which is why if you find a growth it’s important you take your snake to your veterinary practice so it can be determined exactly what the growth is and treat it.

Some growths can be surgically removed.

If your snake has suffered any trauma or injury he must be taken to see your veterinarian to be checked and to receive any necessary treatment.

Examples of trauma include, torn skin, crushing injuries usually caused by being trapped and burns.