Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need some help with my Uro. In the last 3 weeks he has started acting very strange. He has become very skiddish. Normally he is very friendly. But now he runs for his cave as soon as you put your hand in the cage. Plus he isn't eating like he used to. And I can't get him to drink either. And he is getting very thin. His skin appears to be shedding but it's not wanting to come off. So I'm not sure if it's because he is getting skinny and that's why his skin looks that way or is it truly him shedding. I'm really worried about him. I can't even get him to eat his favorite. Which is wax worms. He loves them. He wont eat them. And he wont eat when anyone is looking. Nor will he take the food from your hand any more. When you hold him he becomes very rigid. I've tried everything I can think of. I can't figure out what is going on. It does appear that he is having no trouble going to the bathroom. but it's very hard to tell sometimes. Please, if anyone knows what might be wrong please let me know. And let me know if there is something I can do to help him. I'm really worried about him. Thanks so much.

Caro~

I'm no vet, but it sounds like it could be normal behavior for a shedding uro. Their skin becomes uncomfortable, so they don't eat or want to be touched. Have you had a fecal test done at the vet recently? It might be a good idea to have one done and get him a check up in case it's something else.
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Torey
Salem, Oregon, USA
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
1.1 Uromastyx Maliensis (Tank and Turtle)
1.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Bowser and Leeloo)
1.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Bruce and Sheila)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.0 Sunset Dwarf Gourami (Sideshow)
0.0.1 False Spotted Corydoras (Spot)
0.0.2 Metae Corydoras (Frank and Jesse)
0.0.2 Dwarf Sucking Oto (Tootsie and Dum-Dum)
0.0.1 Apple Snail
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

normally when he sheds it's a short period of time and he has never changed his eating habits or how he interacts with us. but this time is soooooo different. I'm really worried about him. He does seem to love his nastursums though. But he wont eat them unless you are away from the cage. It's almost like something has spooked him and now he doesn't trust anyone. but as far as I know nothing has spooked him or been near his cage but me. And I always move slowly when near him. I'm really worried. He just isn't his normal self. And it sure is taking a long time for him to sluff off his old skin. Could that be what is doing this? The fact that it's taking so long for him to shed? Maybe it's taking a lot out of him? Should I try and help him get the skin off? Or is that a bad thing to do? I've never had anything like this ever happen with him before. So this is all new to me.
I don't have a vet in my area that will deal with lizards. So I'm kind of on my own with this one.

Caro~

Hmm. Too bad there's no vet nearby! Don't try to help him get the skin off, unless you're just adding moisture. You can try rubbing a little mineral oil onto the tough spots, giving the occasional warm water soak, or give him a more humid hiding space in addition to his regular hides. I gave mine a rubbermaid box with lightly moist soil to use when they please and suddenly shedding is a breeze. It's possible that since this is a difficult shed, he's just extra cranky and unhappy. I'm sure it's uncomfortable!
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Torey
Salem, Oregon, USA
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
1.1 Uromastyx Maliensis (Tank and Turtle)
1.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Bowser and Leeloo)
1.1 African Dwarf Frogs (Bruce and Sheila)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.0 Sunset Dwarf Gourami (Sideshow)
0.0.1 False Spotted Corydoras (Spot)
0.0.2 Metae Corydoras (Frank and Jesse)
0.0.2 Dwarf Sucking Oto (Tootsie and Dum-Dum)
0.0.1 Apple Snail
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)