Snake Diseases
Slough failure
If the skin comes off piecemeal, which it should not do, except in the case of gigantic snakes, this is an indication that something is amiss with the humidity. The owner must question the cause. Quite likely it could be that the vivarium has been placed on a radiator which, while producing warmth, is also carrying off all the moisture.
Colds and pneumonia
Veterinary assistance should be sough. The patient will need antibiotics and isolation at 30 °C (86 °F)
Ticks
These can be exterminated with kerosine and thereafter removed with tweezers.
Mouth rot and skin abrasion
This conditions needs treatment with antibiotics. Isolate the patient and consult a vet.
It is not uncommon for snakes to suffer from scale rot (blister disease) which, in fact, is a bacterial infection. the first sign of skin disease is an abnormal appearance of the skin, But with a snake the signal that all is not well is in its feeding pattern, which becomes irregular. Veterinary help must be sought.
Much is now being done to help the veterinarian in general practice to treat reptilian pets. Indeed, over the last 10 years, Dr. Oliphant Jackson adnd his associate, John Cooper, have been lecturing veterianary groups in Britain, showing pictures of reptile diseases, telling their audiences how to arrive at a diagnosis and advocating treatment. They have also produced a tape/slide program, which is available through the Royal Veterinary College in Camden Town thus ensuring that the owner of a snake - and indeed lizard or chelonian - will receive as much care as the owner of a more widely kept dog or cat when vising the surgery.