BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

I've never had a BTS before, and we just purchased one at the local pet store. We didn't notice it before, but one of it's front left toes is swollen, pink, and it looks as if it is "loose" if that makes any sense. I've read the caresheet, and suspect that it is a shed issue as it looks sort of like a dark band is around the base of the toe. I tried to remove whatever was causing the constriction to no avail. I'm going to try and soak it again and give it another go, but I'm wondering if the toe is even salveagable. The poor thing is already missing a few toes, and to make things worse, it has mites too. Thanks pet store( the last time I deal with them). I wouldn't think of giving the poor thing back to the pet store with the obviously crummy care that it was given. I tried taking pics, but they didn't turn out. My camera is out of batteries, and my cell camera won't take close ups that well. Any insight or wisdom is much appreciated.

On the toe issue, after a good warm soak, use a moistened Q-tip and gently rub up and down the length of the toe, being sure to support the toe on your finger while you rub. If it seems that the constricting band of shed has already killed the blood flow to the end of the toe, then he's going to lose it. I'd suggest taking him to a herp vet. If you let it fall off, you'll have to watch very closely for possibility of infection. Clean it with Betadine and apply a very light touch of antibacterial ointment like neosporin as needed until healed.

Here's something to get you going on the mite situation.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Conten ... A=1278&S=4

Hope you get him all well.

BTW, Where are you at in KY?

Best Wishes,

I'm on Fort Campbell. Thanks for the advice. I called the pet store, they're gonna give me some reptile relief and new substrate to replace the stuff I had just bought from them. The toe is still pink, so it doesn't look dead yet, but I have a feeling that it's gonna be soon if I can't get that constricting skin off.

You're welcome, and thanks for your service! I'm a USMC Nam Vet myself, Tet of '68 through August '69.

Take Care,

Also, until the toe is healed, use clean paper towels changed daily for "substrate..." Less debris, and will help keep infections down.

KW

Thanks Kyle. I forget one of the most important things........... Don't ever get old Kyle, you forget a lot and you repeat things. You forget a lot and you repeat things.

smiley j wrote:I'm on Fort Campbell. Thanks for the advice. I called the pet store, they're gonna give me some reptile relief and new substrate to replace the stuff I had just bought from them. The toe is still pink, so it doesn't look dead yet, but I have a feeling that it's gonna be soon if I can't get that constricting skin off.

Welcome,

A good friend of ours, kind of like a son to us, just got stationed in Ft. Campbell after going through boot camp at Ft. Benning. Say Hi to Clay if you see him.

Reptile Relief should work but make sure you get the cage completely clean too.

Steve

I went to basic training at Ft. Benning. Good ol' Sand Hill... actually I hated Sand Hill.

JWSR wrote:Thanks Kyle. I forget one of the most important things........... Don't ever get old Kyle, you forget a lot and you repeat things. You forget a lot and you repeat things.

I think I have no choice in getting old. I already repeat myself quite a bit because I talk a lot, so I have that part down.

KW