Ball Pythons eyes

Question
Hi Andrew,  I have a beautiful Ball Python.... I've had him about 2 years... he's just a baby.... Last week I took him to the vet to have his eye caps removed.... it had been several sheddings since they had come off, and I was worried.  I had been trying to wipe at them during his baths, etc., but it didn't seem to be working.  The vet said they were one of the thickest caps he had seen.  I've learned that I was probably not keeping the terrarium humid enough, and have taken measures.  However, 9 days have passes since we had his caps removed, he has not shed yet, but the caps are back, and last night, one of his eyes was bleeding pretty badly.  Yes, bleeding, with a very large piece of ....skin?.... hanging.  I was very upset, spent 2 hours on the phone trying to get answeres and advice.... finally getting some relief from the shop we got him at.  He has been very lethargic, and hasn't deficated in 4 mice, as well.  I understand it may be a bacterial infection?  He looks better this morning.  He did spend a lot of time- after he finally starting moving around a bit last night- rubbing on me and such, trying to relieve himself from this piece of skin.....  I have a vet appointment this evening, but I am very worried, and would appreciate any imput you could give me.

Thank you, in advance.

Answer
Hi Lori,

it does sound like he has some form of infection around his eye area. this was probably due to the old eye caps being left on for a long time and then being removed, causing irritation which then allowed bacteria to enter the damaged skin. the hazy eyes may be another shed coming on to try and shed out the infection or it may be the infection itself, where a pussy substance has entered the eyes. the bit of skin may also be due to the infection, as infections under the scales can cause them to become very easy to damage.

im sure the vet will be able to clarify the problem and sort it out with some anti-bacterial injections of some kind. i expect you will need to keep his tank extra clean and more than likely dress his wounds with some iodine solution.

i myself am having a problem with my ball python - he recently got a bad case of scale rot when i was on holiday. he lost lots of scales and he has been left with a reasonable sized scar, so i know how you feel.

i hope this helps,

Andy