Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm writing this post out of concern for my 2yr old Mexican pine's eyes.

They seem to appear flakey/crusty on the outside of the spectacle. I first noticed this issue about one week ago.

He had a normal ecdysis about two weeks ago, and to my knowledge no eye caps were retained.

It seems if I spray his head and eyes gently with water, the eyes look normal. However, after he is dry, the flakey/crusty appearance returns. I can see his pupils move as he tracks objects. His eyes don't seem cloudy, or opaque as if he were going to shed. Also, there doesn't seem to be any cloudiness inside of the spectacle or eye. I'm confused, and concerned.

I tried to take some good pictures, but its nearly impossible since he's usually trying to bite.

If you have any suggestions, I'd really really appreciate it!!

Also, if you have recommendations on a good herp vet in the dallas area, that would be great!

I don't want anything bad happening to my little guy

First thought would be mites as a cause. A dab of OTC antibiotic ointment like Neosporin or Polysporin smeared over the eye will smother anything lurking there but this would offer only temporary relief if mites are present on the body proper. Are you sure that you're not simply seeing remnants of substrate i.e. shavings etc. caught on the edge of the ocular ring of scales?

I recently had the same problem with my eastern coachwhips, well she had it but he never did show any sign. I searched the forums years back and found a post (don't remember which forum) that blames lack of moisture in the bedding. My girl shed three times in a month and kicked it after I dumped their bowl over every 3 days while changing water.