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"Snalt" question

in2deep Nov 14, 2006 07:51 PM

I've noticed that Dozer is getting a build up of snalt (half salt, half snot) on his snout. My research tells me this is just salt. Does it absolutely need to be removed or can I ignore it?
He's still real skittish and I don't want to stress him out unless necessary...
Thanks!

Replies (5)

Arredondo Nov 14, 2006 08:02 PM

Snalt is normal & in the wild there's no one to come by & wipe it off their nose. My question is, at what point does the AMOUNT of snalt suggest a dietary imbalance?

in2deep Nov 14, 2006 10:04 PM

I thought about the whole in the wild thing before I posted...
I figured I'd ask anyway because I wasn't sure if a Uro in the wild would have the problem to a similar magnitude.
I know that it's a natural process, but is there something about captivity that worsens the problem? Maybe the fact that they are eating a diet much rich and varied in nutrients then they would in the wild? Or maybe some other stress associated with living out of the natural environment?
Anyone have any thoughts they's care to share?

in2deep Nov 14, 2006 10:14 PM

Maybe I'm over analyzing this but the whole concept of excreting stuff out of your nose intrigues me for some reason.
I'm assuming the 'salt' they produce is more of the general chemistry term, rather than just the common sodium chloride definition. The stuff a Uro produces is probably an assortment of chemical compounds. Anyone know for sure?

Arredondo Nov 15, 2006 09:23 PM

I think you're right insofar as "salt" being more than sodium chloride. Salts come in many forms. All I can tell ya is that we've never found it a source of concern other than making us want to wipe it off (never done it) in the same vein as wanting to pop a pimple. If you're confident in the diet you're providing the animal, ignore it. Uro boogers...

Lindsay Nov 17, 2006 07:50 AM

>>I'm assuming the 'salt' they produce is more of the general chemistry term, rather than just the common sodium chloride definition. The stuff a Uro produces is probably an assortment of chemical compounds. Anyone know for sure?

Yes, you're absolutely right. It has been analyzed and it does contain other "salts" (Potassium compounds, etc) in it too. (I don't recall the original citation but I recall seeing the conclusions quoted in Amphibians & Reptiles of North Africa by Schleich,et al.
It's a water-conserving mechanism so I would speculate there might be even more snalt in dry seasons or years and less during greener times.
-----
Lindsay Pike
Urotopia Uromastyx

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