Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone,

A few days ago I noticed a small white spot on my MBK's right eye. I assumed it was a scratch of some kind, but it appears to have gotten larger recently.

It is currently only on one eye, and there are no other noticeable issues. Is it possible this is a fungus or bacteria, or even a symptom of something more serious?

I am going to try to post an external link here.

>>Hi everyone,
>>
>>A few days ago I noticed a small white spot on my MBK's right eye. I assumed it was a scratch of some kind, but it appears to have gotten larger recently.
>>
>>It is currently only on one eye, and there are no other noticeable issues. Is it possible this is a fungus or bacteria, or even a symptom of something more serious?
>>
>>I am going to try to post an external link here.
>>

Looks like his eye cap that didn't come off when he shed the last time. Try keeping it damp for about 20 mins, and gently wipe it with a wet paper towel, to see if it starts to come off.
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R.Bichlers Colubrids
http://www.webspawner.com/users/rbichler/index.html

I agree with Rich that it's a stuck eye cap.

The same thing happend to a friend of mine a while back with one of his tree boas. Try what Rich said and if does not work just leave it alone and increase the humidity in the enclosure.. If your using a heat lamp to heat the tank remove it (they tend to dry things out quickly) and switch to belly heat and the stuck eye cap should come off with the next shed.

Good luck and keep us posted!

~ Mike Russo

I agree - looks like an eye cap left over from a previous shed. I've had this happen a few times. During the next shed, increase the humidity in the enclosure and soak the snake a few times when the shed appears imminent and the eye cap should come off with the subsequent shed.

Your probably right that it's a retained eyecap, but it looks to me as if the eye and the surrounding scales are bulging. There are probably several retained eyecaps under this one. That, or some matter is causing the spectacle to push outward. Do you have a close-up picture?

Either way, I suggest that you take your snake to a vet right away. Have the vet instruct you on how to remove the cap, if applicable. If there are no vets in your area, follow the instructions that you've already heard.

I personally suggest putting the snake in a plastic tub with damp paper towels rather than soaking it in a few inches of water. Its safer, and the snake is better encouraged to moisten the spectacle.

Best of luck,
Pinstripe
_________

The snake keepers motto: There's always, always room for one more.

Hi, I read your message over again, and I now disagree that it is a retained spectacle. Since you say the spot has gotten larger recently, and it appears to be bulging, I think that some internal matter is building up between the eye and the eyecap. Obviously, please don't try and remove the spectacle -- see a vet, otherwise your snake risks losing its eye.

Pinstripe

you can also use a little bit of mineral oil from the drug store on a soft cloth, rub very gently and it will come off.
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Paul Weaver
Carolina Herps

Thank you for the quick responses. Some have suggested it is nothing more than a stuck eye cap, but some have said otherwise.

Here is another photo of the eye, also showing the unaffected eye for comparison. Does this make it any clearer? I have trouble seeing a "bulge," but I'll have to examine a little closer when I get home tonight.

Thanks again!

Thanks for the close-up. The angle of the first photo may have made me see a bulge -- it just looked to me like the spot was behind the eye, which eliminated the possibility of a retained eyecap. The new picture makes it much easier to see that the spot may be external. But I have never seen a snake with a half-retained eyecap. You should probably see a vet, as it is difficult to decide what the spot is via the Internet.

Best of Luck
Pinstripe

Can someone please tell me how a retained eyecap can get larger with time?