Shedding problems - Corucia

From: Oceanic Giant Skinks


Shedding Problems:



Corucia zebrata has adapted to a high humidity environment. Humidity

conditions that are substandard, misting not routinely available, or a Corucia

weakened by ill health may cause shedding difficulties.


One should soak the affected skink and peel carefully to loosen the skin. If

there is much resistance, more soaking or a later attempt may be

necessary. Sometimes, a stubborn skin shed can be hard to distinquish from

an unready molt.


A dehydrated, poorly shedded Corucia may have a serious problem with an

unshed eye capsule around the eyes. The skin around the eyes and the

entire head can be so dry and tight that the Corucia cannot open it's eyes

and is blinded. Again, a thorough soaking and carefull peeling will relieve

this.

Around the eyes is tricky. A piece of the capsule may be lifted enough to

clear the eyes using the rubber pointed end of a dental pick. Corucia with

shut eyes will go off feed and will lose weight.


Dryness can be a particular problem with toes. A improper shed will cause

restriction around the toes and led to a cut-off of circulation. This will led

to a blackening and death of the toes such as dry gangrene that can

remaining digits. Constant monitoring and proper humidity will prevent this..

If in this situation, one should soak the area and carefully loosen the area.

Again, the dental pick method would be a good course.


Brian
LCRC

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