Keeping the living jewelry healthy

I am currently typing with Sierra wrapped around my right wrist. She looks like a very lovely and wiggly bracelet. Sierra as you probably know is my little Ball Python. These snakes are referred to in Europe as, "Royal Pythons".

"I never knew that snakes could be such characters but she certainty is. She's grown since I got her, she's almost two feet long now. Who says snakes can't be good pets? I say humbug to them!"

I wrote the previous words just over a year ago. We recently celebrated Sierra's 1st birthday and although she is well over two feet long she still enjoys occasionally wrapping herself around my wrist while I type. She actually seems to enjoy it.

Sierra has had a lot of health problems this year. First it was a bout with pneumonia and recently we've been treating her for blister disease. I have taken all substrate out of her tank other than just newspaper and under her cave I put two sheets of paper towels that are changed every two days for cleanliness. I don't add any other moisture other than her water dish which is large with the water being changed every day while she heals.

If anyone reads this and has treated a reptile with blister disease please send me any tips or ideas you may have. Before you ask/comment, she is being properly cared for by a vet and everything I do for her are on the instructions of her veterinarian.

Pete and I take Sierra to be treated with injections of antibiotics every three days. I give her a daily bath with antibacterial soap then rinse her good with clear water then put a thin film of antibacterial/anti-fungal cream after she is dried. It seems to be working but rather slowly.

I will be glad when she heals from this. It has been most worrying.