Creases in the skin of a redtail boa?

I just rescued a fem redtail today. She's about 3 yrs old, was neglected for 2 months that we know of. No evidence of mites or wounds; we haven't done a fecal yet.


I noticed that she has a series of lateral creases down her side, each about an inch long and an inch apart. The creases occur on her right side, from midpoint to 3/4 down. They look like, if you press the edge of a credit card against your skin for 10 seconds and let go, it leaves a crease on your skin. It looks as if the line of scales is buckled or raised at the crease.


Is this anything to worry about, or will it go away on the next shed?





For the record, I've owned ball pythons for 20 years, and never saw this creasing effect on them. This is my second redtail in five years, the first never had it.

Creases in the skin of a redtail boa?
It's nothing to worry about. If you look closely, you'll see the same thing on a lot of your ball pythons. It's a lot more visible on boas because their scales tend to be lighter in color and smoother in texture.


When a snake sheds, its scales are very soft. As they lay curled up in a hide or whatever, some of the scales will bend in the crease created by the snake doubling over on itself. If the snake stays in that position for too long, the scales will harden that way, leaving creased or even folded scales until the next shed. If you don't want that to happen again, make sure the snake has room to stretch out after the next shed. But, again, it's nothing to worry about. It's not hurting the snake.
Reply:It depends. It may go away with time, but it may not. The only time I've seen scale problems like that on a redtail was when they were housed in a terrarium that was too small and they couldn't move. I've never seen anything like that on even rescued ball pythons. I hope that it does go away, but if it doesn't, it's nothing to be concerned about. It won't affect the snakes health unless the spine is permanently curved (which I have seen happen in cases of abused iguanas). I hope this helps, and best of luck. Keep us updated on the redtails' progress!
Reply:Could be dehydration, snakes get wrinkled when dehydrated. My red tail never gets those, even after laying curled up for extended periods. I see folds when he's laying, but they don't stay. I would check to make sure your girl doesnt have sunken eyes, and that her skin isnt dry. 2 months of neglect isn't too bad on the food side, but on the water and humidity side, its awful.





It could also be scarring from a wound. I'd make sure she has plenty of fresh, clean water, and maybe offer her a soak in the bathtub if she wants it. Other than that, If you're getting a fecal done, maybe have the vet check that out. I've never encountered it.
Reply:Based on your description, those sound like "hunger folds" as they're sometimes called. They are the result of a snake losing a great deal of weight.


The previous owners were apparently not feeding it.


Sounds like it's in good hands now though.
Reply:Most likely dehydration although starvation can also be the cause.

lady slipper