| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| tehbunneh |
Posted - 01/03/2011 : 19:08:21
Well, finally, I managed to get the last bit of shed from Widget's tail after giving him a warm bath and running him through a towel! I'm relieved, but at the same time, a bit worried!
I thought I had managed to get the shed off before, but apparently not, and after this shed and the same bit not coming off, Widget's tail-tip got to the point where the end seemed to be going dark with blood cut-off. Being such a pale snake, I wasn't sure if that was just the tone of two lots of shed staying in the same place, but regardless, I've got him in a warm bath and run him through the towel and both shed bits have come off.
Now, this not being the issue really, I get to the main piece; his tail tip has flared up bright red around where the constriction was of the two sheds, and in the very tip.
Is this due to the blood circulating back into the tail tip, or is it something more sinister? There is no blood coming off of the tail-tip at all, it seems to be a bit like a very red bruise, almost, on his tail tip. I mean, this could happen with all snakes that have their tail shed removed, and you just don't see it because there is more pigment in their scales then on Widget (he's a Hypo Pewter), but any aid or advice would be greatly appreciated. Apart from the tip of his tail, sheds are coming off very well, he's eating well, he's pooing fine, his temps are around 27.5C in the warm end, room temp in the cool. He was last fed Sunday morning, but I felt I needed to intrude on his peace a little early (I usually wait till Wednesday morning to check them over) to sort out his tail. He's lively and well in himself, and his weight has finally gone on nicely since I got him. His kinks are still evident.
I have not managed to get photos due to his flighty and defensive nature, and the bath freaked him out a bit, so if you need those images, I'll wait a few hours for him to calm and try then, but this is the best description I can give.
If you need any more info to help me out, I'll happily provide it. |
| 9 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| CentricMalteser |
Posted - 03/03/2011 : 00:51:36
across many forums people have used Zoo Med Reptile Shedding Aid
here's a link for it
http://www.netpetshop.co.uk/p-21786-zoo-med-repti-reptile-shedding-aid-snakes-lizards-64ml.aspx?CAWELAID=437275652
I haven't used it myself, but others have, and has worked wonders |
| gmac |
Posted - 03/03/2011 : 00:23:22
i would add in a damp hide for a while see of that helps the shed, bathing may also help but wouldnt do it too regular.
Suppliments for shedding ive never heard of. |
| tehbunneh |
Posted - 03/03/2011 : 00:18:33
Thanks so much G, its really set my mind at ease! I checked him again this evening, and the tip of the tail is now down to what looks like a drawing pin size and a dark brown. Its a shame it came to that, I really wish I'd noticed that I'd not got the shed off fully first time round. I think next time, I will definitely bathe him regularly as the shedding process begins, just to be certain it comes off in one go.
I have also another snake now, Conan, my fifth, and one that is a lot older, around 3 years, I believe. He seems to be shading a scale at a time in all different places. When we took him on, the lady (she was on here, but I forget her username) told me and my dad he sheds badly ALL the time. Is there anything I can do to help him? Would regular baths when he comes into shedding mode help, or is there a supplement or other aide that I can put in his water, or over his food, help with that? He's on medium adult mice, though soon to go up, I should think, and I have found a few mini-sections of belly shed in his viv. I can't remember when she said he last shed fully, but since he's been with my parents (December time) he has not even hinted at shedding. He too, had retained shed on his tail, but that I DID remove last time I was home with my family, and now he is in Worcester with me. Anything you can suggest, G? |
| gmac |
Posted - 01/03/2011 : 22:54:07
doesnt look in too good condition wouldnt surprise me if it does drop off, but is not the end of the world, happens to more than a few and they cope just fine |
| tehbunneh |
Posted - 01/03/2011 : 22:41:10
Thanks G! Will it drop off, or do you reckon it will recover? |
| gmac |
Posted - 01/03/2011 : 22:37:27
just keep it clean and use kitchen towel for the base if you are not already doing so |
| tehbunneh |
Posted - 01/03/2011 : 22:35:34
New development, just got him out to check before bed, and the end of his tail seems to have shrivelled :( Is there anything I need to do at this stage? Keep an eye on it and make sure no infection gets in?
It looks pretty gruesome to me x.x It doesn't seem to be bothering him though. He lets me touch around it, and seems lively enough! |
| CentricMalteser |
Posted - 01/03/2011 : 22:26:41
i would assume it's just blood returning back to its tail
when you hold base of your finger, tip goes dark, but rest of finger white, as no oxygenated blood is getting there, and so your finger contains deoxygentaed blood which is dark red border purplish etc
when u release u finger, u feel a throb as the blood rushes back, and because there was an absence, it also rushes to possible damage cappilaries (blood vessels) which gives the bruised look
similar with his tail, it was restricted, and the restriction wud have damage very tiny minute blood vessels, which the blood is now rushing bakc to repair
just see how it goes, but im pretty sure it be fine |
| zandefloss |
Posted - 01/03/2011 : 19:38:43
It sounds like this could be blood flow returning to the tail tip, the best advice I can give is to keep an eye on it and make sure that the tail is kept clean if there are any woulds/skin damage. I hope his tail is ok :)
zan x |
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