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How do you tell if eyecaps were shed?

MightyPython Jun 11, 2003 03:29 AM

I asked this down below but just in case it gets missed, I was wondering if their is a way of looking at a BP's eyes and knowing whether or not the caps came off during it's shed? My BP unfortunately shed in pieces this last time so I couldn't tell from looking at the shed skin. Anyway, any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Replies (4)

RPlank Jun 11, 2003 04:00 AM

Usually you can see a film left on the eye, sometimes it gets slightly wrinkly, but unless you are very familiar with how your BP's eyes look normally, you may miss it. Your BP may not see well, also, so may be more jumpy/head-shy than usual if eyecaps are still on.
The wet pillowcase trick usually works well for finishing off sheds.

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"I am a cop, and you will respect my authoritae!"-Cartman

twinsmom Jun 11, 2003 01:08 PM

I was curious about this same thing, posted it a few days ago. I couldnt look at the sheds to see because mine had a bad shed as well. I was finding small pieces everywhere. I'll be watching all the replies.
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Jamie

sparke303 Jun 11, 2003 06:02 PM

Don't worry about it. If it's obvious, and happens on consecutive sheds, then go see the vet. It's not worth the amount of stress you guys are putting on yourselves about it!

serpentcity Jun 12, 2003 10:28 PM

...usually if the snake has a retained cap(s) some of the skin that circles the cap (but is normally hidden in the sulcus surrounding the cap) will be apparent. But not in all cases. In the vast majority of cases the eyecap itself will appear with small dents or wrinckles in it. BUT, denting or wrinkles can be seen in BP's that DON'T have retained caps. For this reason it is BEST to let the snake go thru another shed cycle, make SURE the humidity is good in the days before the shed, and let the snake take care of the problem itself. I have had at least one case where a vet attempted to remove a "retained" cap and he/she removed the spectacle, thus destroying the eye.
Scott J. Michaels DVM

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