Scale Rot

Also known as Ulcerative/Necrotic Dermatititis.

Cause

  • Bacterial infection
  • Contamination of wounds
  • Wet bedding

Symptoms

  • Brownish scales
  • Flaky skin
  • Blistering
  • Open lesions

Treatment

Scale rot is potentially deadly, but is easily resolved if you act early. Brownish areas or discoloration is usually the first symptom. Make an appointment with a certified reptile veterinarian immediately, and then place the tegu in quarantine. This means paper towel bedding, no water tub, and sterilizing the entire enclosure with Chlorhexidine or F-10 solution. The enclosure must be kept hospital-level clean until the scale rot resolves (should be within a few weeks with veterinary treatment).

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