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
`
|