Dark and dismal coloration should be considered abnormal in any species and is cause for alarm. Discoloration may indicate a
minor infection or a serious illness and is often an indicator of nutritionally related disorders. Proper examination and testing is
required to determine the underlying cause and the proper method of treatment.
LEUKODERMA is a form of discoloration that is seen as white patches and is usually associated with genetic mutation, but may
also be evidence of a previous burn that has healed. Irregular blotches of color may also be seen following the use of some
injectable medications which have a high pH and are acidic, such as Enrofloxin or Ketamine.
Discoloration may be a result of DERMATOPHYTOSIS, which is commonly mislabeled as "Blackened Skin Syndrome".
Dermatophytosis is not viral a first suspected, but instead is most commonly fungal in nature. Using topical anti fungal medications,
such as miconazole best treats it. This condition is contagious to other reptiles and any effected animal should be isolated until
treatment is complete and the illness is resolved.
Occasionally a systemic infection may be involved and the skin infection may only be a secondary illness. In these cases it is vital
to determine the type of bacterial responsible for the underlying infection, since Salmonella may be present when a secondary skin
infection is involved. If a secondary skin infection is involved, Salmonella may be in the active disease stage. A blood culture should
be performed if the skin is involved secondary to a systemic infection to check for the presence of Salmonella. This is true for
older captive animals with an otherwise healthy background. Proper diagnosis and treatment is vital in this case to help prevent the
spread of Salmonella, which has zoonotic potential and may be transmitted, to humans and other animals.
