Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've got a tarantula that appears to have a severe ailment and was hoping I could get some help.

The tarantula is a female G. rosea and about 20 yrs/old...give or take a few years. Recently it's been stumbling around its cage and seems to lack the ability to right itself. If disturbed while upright it frantically stumbles and swings its legs wildly, often times curling them under its body in the "dead" pose. It seems to lack any coordination.

I've considered that maybe it is stuck in a molt that never got started, but that's just speculation. I can't see any physical signs of a prematurely aborted molt.

Any suggestions? I remember when I was a kid I fed a few of my tarantulas some beetles which, unbeknownst to me, had come from my neighbors recently sprayed yard. Three of my spiders (G. rosea, B. vagans, P. murinus) experienced similar symptoms. Two of them promptly died while the other stumbled around for in upwards of a month. My current girl gets no wild caught food so I don't think that's an issue, but I thought maybe this might be commonplace during the final death throes.

Thanks,

Nick

Sounds like it could possible be Dyskinetic syndrome, which has a myriad of possible causes. Little is known about it really. Any exposure to household chemicals?

Could also be old age. Maybe it is just her time?

Either way, it doesn't sound too good.

-KJ
-----
KJ Vezino
My Gallery
Missouri Tarantula Enthusiasts Group

She doesn't get any exposure to household chemicals that I know of unless my girlfriend secretly sneaks in my office and sprays her!

It might be her time...she is old.

Thanks.