Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Guys

I posted this on the BP forum but have had no response so wondered if any of you guys could help.

I am a little worried about my BP. Her eyes are extremely dull (although I can still see the pupil). Obviously at 1st I assumed she was ready to shed so I gave her a bit of time. That was about 12 days ago and she is still the same. After realising she was not going to shed I fed her a few days ago and she took the mouse and ate it no problem so I assume she is healthy but the problem is still there. Could it be dehydration or possibly something else? I know that the eye scales can become 'dented' with dehydration but this has not happened, they are just very dull.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Regards
Ben

I know snakes can retain their eyescales after they shed and that these can build up on the eye,making it look cloudy. (thank you, Animal Planet; Emergency Vets) On tv the vet put some sort of moisturizer or lube on the eye and peeled the scales off quite easily but I don;t know whether that should be attempted by someone who doesn't know how to do it, or whether that's even the problem. Don't know what causes it either but I am sure there's someone on here with more info.
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Sue Barnett
1.0 Florida King (Vega)
0.1 Western hognose (Sola)
0.1 Egyptian spiny mouse (Mia)
4.2 mini rex rabbits (Basil, Pippin, Reggie, Hayden, Jackie and Peek-a-boo)
0.1 Plott hound (Molly)
1.0 half Arab (Zarr)
1.0 Betta (Flash)

I checked this quite thoroughly as it was my first guess as well but there are no retained eye caps.

Thanks anyway
Ben

When in doubt, go to the vet. A little expensive but well worth it.

Could be dehydration like you said. Any cloudiness/wrinkling on the belly scales? Try soaking, can't hurt. Are you sre there aren't eyecaps there. Did you check the last shed for them?
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Martin Whalin
My Email

Quotes from guys named Carl:

"Science stops at the frontier of logic. Nature does not, she thrives on ground as yet untrodden by theory."
-Carl Jung

"It is foolish to let singleness of purpose deprive one of the joy and delectation of the many wonderful sights and sounds incidental to the quest."
-Carl Kauffeld

Hi Martin

I did check the last shed and that was clean. There is no sign of wrinkling - I've heard that when a snake is dehydrated the skin takes on a 'loose' appearance. Dehydration is the only thing I can think of (but my knowledge is limited) but I could not see how this could happen as she has got a massive water bowl which is constantly kept 3/4 fall at least.

I think I will take her to the vets after the weekend just to be on the safe side. He is very experienced with reptiles and it is fairly cheap (£20 for a consultation) - I don't know how this compares to the US. I'm not saying I would not take her if it wasn't cheap it's just it will be the 3rd trip this week (my sister breeds rabbits). Oh well, I'm rambling.........

Thanks for the advice
Ben