Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi. We have nurtured 2 BTS's since 10/02, 1 male and 1 female. They get along very well together.

In the past two weeks I have noticed what looks like cherry-colored blood in one of their stools.

I don't know which skink it's coming from but can I assume it's a female thing around mating season or should a call a vet?

Need help.

Thanks. Norm

Well, since reptiles don't go through estrus (or oestrus, if you're european), the blood in the stool is not a result of being ready to mate.

The blood is most likely from a tear somewhere in the cloaca. Perhaps this is due to mating attempts from the male or from a polyp or similar that has been torn.

I would suggest that you separate the animals until you can establish which one is bleeding. Then bring that one to the vet for a check-up. The cloaca is not a very sanitary place and any cut or abrasion can easily become infected.

-Z

One other thing to ask is whether you have added anything red or purple new to the diet such as strawberry or beets- red pigment in the food can come through looking very much like blood.
If not, I agree with Z and would add- bring a fresh fecal sample when you bring the BTS in to the vet- they will likely want one to check for parasites (some of which can cause diarrhea, mucus or bloody feces).
cheers, Jess b

i would think that it is blood from mating attempts. my pair just mated and one of them bled rather profusely afterward, there was a small pool of blood after the mating had taken place. i am unsure as to whether it was the male or females blood, however i would not be surprised if there is gonna be small amounts of blood in the stool of one of them for the next week or so, due to local trauma to the area. unlike you hovever, my skinks are separated, and i only introduce them to mate. if i would you i would seriously consider separating your pair...it is not wise to keep them together all the time, especially at mating season, this can lead to excess violence and fights. also, if you separate them you can determine which one has experienced trauma...as long as they both continue to eat normally and their level of activity doesn't change much, than i don't think you need to spend money on a vet. good luck, hope this advice helps.