- "Bes' go an' rub a bit more chilli powder on them salamanders or their tails'll be hangin' off 'em next."
- — Rubeus Hagrid on the treatment of scale rot[src]
Scale rot was a disease that affected dragons,[1][3] salamanders,[2] and possibly other species of reptile as well.
Symptoms and treatment
The symptoms of scale rot were scales taking on a dull, flakey appearance and falling off in large amounts.[1] If left untreated in salamanders it could become severe enough that the tail would detach from the body.[2]
For dragons, the treatment was to rub the affected area with a solution of salt water, tar and white spirit.[1] The treatment for salamanders was to repeatedly rub the affected area with chilli powder.[2]
The effects of scale rot on dragons and its treatment was covered in Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit.[1]
History
- "Talon-clipping by charms... treating scale rot... This is no good, this is for nutters like Hagrid who want to keep them healthy..."
- — Harry searches for information that could help in the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, but comes up empty.[src]
In 1994, while searching for information that might help him to face his dragon during the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, Harry Potter encountered a mention of treating scale rot in a Hogwarts library book.[3]
In 1996, Rubeus Hagrid mentioned in passing that he was in the process of treating a couple of salamanders that had scale rot, while also revealing that he was on probation.[2]
Behind the scenes
- Though only mentioned twice in passing in the Harry Potter books, the scale rot disease is described in detail on a page of notes concerning the book Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit that is available on J.K. Rowling's Official Site. The scan of the page is available here.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mentioned only)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Mentioned only)
- J. K. Rowling's official site
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Dragon Breeding for Pleasure and Profit drawing posted on J. K. Rowling's official site (scan available here)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 25 (The Beetle at Bay)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 20 (The First Task)