Urgent problem :( :(

[Shadowfax]

From the pictures, one wound looks like a slice and the other more of a puncture. Is there a stick or edge in his enclosure he could have caught himself on or sliced himself on in a scuffle?

[naomieve]

Naomieve,

It sounds like you've received some good advice. Please, after you get the important issues addressed at the vet, have the vet clip his nails. I wonder if he got one of his nails caught on something and cut himself along his leg/side on something nearby trying to free himself. Just a thought...

It's great that you came on here to find out what to do. It shows that you genuinely care about your skinker!

P.S. It just occurred to me that you wrote

I checked in on him and his housemate

Do you house your bluey with another bluey? Is it possible they had been fighting?

I cut his (and his housemate's) toenails yesterday It's something I'm quite nervous when I do, so I admit I don't do it as often as I should have. The scenario you suggest could have happened - they have a couple of logs in their tank - so I'm now really going to commit myself to cutting toenails no matter how hard it is.

Thanks for the support too

They have lived together since babies, and I've never seen them fighting. This one is a bit smaller than the other, so I've taken to hand-feeding him to make sure he gets enough food. But besides that, I've never noticed any issues. They sit on top of each other and walk all over each other without a problem.

[naomieve]

From the pictures, one wound looks like a slice and the other more of a puncture. Is there a stick or edge in his enclosure he could have caught himself on or sliced himself on in a scuffle?

There are a couple of logs. I added a new one a month or two ago, so it could be that one. I will bring it with me to the vet to find out. Thanks for the idea.

The vet appointment is for 2:30pm (in 3.5 hours time). Wish me and Alvin luck!

[Fatal_S]

We get way too many people talking about how BTS have lived together for years, then suddenly attack each other. Generally, unless you're very experienced or have a very large pit, it is recommended you do not house any BTS together. Certain species do better together, others get very cranky. I would suggest separating them.

Good luck at your vet appointment. And keep up with trimming the nails. Adding some rougher rocks for it to climb over helps keep them worn down.

[Jenn]

How old are your guys? I think it's mating season over by you. Your normally peace loving guys could having been fighting because of that. Depending on their age might explain why it hasn't happened before.

[Fatal_S]

Yes, and they do grab around the neck/front leg region when mating...

[naomieve]

Have just returned from the vet.
1. Lizards are now living separately. Alvin is almost definitely a female, and the vet agrees with you guys that it is lizard-on-lizard violence, probably of the mating variety. Alvin is on towel rather than recycled paper kitty litter.
2. Alvin has antibiotic drops to be taken twice daily, and Traumeal lotion to be used for a few days on both legs. After the lotion is finished, I'll move onto honey.
3. Vet provided a body bandage if needed.
4. Vet is very optimistic of Alvin's chances of survival and the wounds healing.

Vet also pointed out a kink in the tail that could be a break or bruising, and a twisted toe that is likely broken. She says it all points to violent mating. I'll keep a really close eye on Alvin and if either of these other injuries gets worse, it'll be another visit to the vet.

Thank you to everyone for your support and kind words. The guilt is crushing me already, so I was really relieved to not be attacked online. I'm now trying to decide if I should really be keeping lizards, or if I should be giving them to someone who can take better care of them. I won't do anything until Alvin's fully healed. But I am seriously thinking about my priorities, and whether I can in all honesty consider myself a good owner.

[Brigget]

Dont get down on yourself, a good owner knows when to ask for help and does the best thing for the pet even if he hadnt done it before. i lost a snake a while back and felt horrible it was a freak accident that was caused by my lack of paying attention. i learned from it and will never let that happen again. i think you did the right thing for the lizards.

[Geoff Gates]

Lizards are now living separately. Alvin is almost definitely a female, and the vet agrees with you guys that it is lizard-on-lizard violence, probably of the mating variety.

I am seriously thinking about my priorities, and whether I can in all honesty consider myself a good owner.

That is an unusual site for a mating bite injury. More commonly the females bleed from the back just behind the shoulders.

You ARE a good and responsible owner. You seeked advice and took your pet to a vet. Now that they are separated you will not have that issue again.... we all live and learn.

[Zach]

I was going to say that if he did have a "housemate" living with him, it was certainly fighting by the sound of the severity of damage.

Good luck.

[SailleSkinklover]

Only a good reptile/lizard owner would be concerned enough to ask and then take the actions you have, to make sure their animal is well cared for. So you are a great lizard owner, because you care! Happy late X-mas, and here's to Alvin's quick and complete healing! I'm looking forward to pictures of Alvin all healed up and healthy!

[KyleWeiss]

You ARE a good and responsible owner. You seeked advice and took your pet to a vet. Now that they are separated you will not have that issue again.... we all live and learn.

100% agreed.

KW

[kvega92]

Do we have an update on this poor bluey?

[Scotts1au]

If it were damage from fighting there would be evidence of other damage to scales (scuffing) on the head/face and or shoulder areas (especially from mating related). I don't think that this is the problem unless there is damage that can't be seen in the photos. Looks like the skin has simply rotted off and the lizard may have damaged it from rubbing on something to scratch the itching.

Sounds like you've done all you can. If all else fails - cooking salt and water (sounds like a torture but probably one of the best antibiotics) and allows the wound to dry out which may prevent further rotting. It will only sting for a few minutes.

I have used this before on blueys hit by cars ie. missing a leg, sqashed tail, one that was missing a nose after being run over by a bike etc.

my two cents worth.

Scott

[Fatal_S]

my two cents worth.
Scott

Darn it! Everyone is donating all this money on the site, and none of it seems to be going to ME!

[Tattoo]

my two cents worth.
Scott

Darn it! Everyone is donating all this money on the site, and none of it seems to be going to ME!

Fatal ... you need to be a bit more crafty. Maybe we could collect $$$ cause your skinks want to go to Disney World?

[Fatal_S]

I'm going to Disney World next year, the skinks are staying with a sitter. to them. However I am trying to boost my skink numbers (there's a yellow tanny for sale I'm looking to get in Jan, once work calms down), so feel free to collect and donate towards my Buy-BTS-Fund.