AboutDiane Expertise I am well versed in all aspects of the care and keeping of green iguanas, leopard geckos and bearded dragons. This includes all husbandry issues pertaining to the above species. I am not a vet so I cannot answer medical questions. I research other reptiles and am able to give general information on other species of lizards. I prefer not to answer snake questions as that I have not researched them enough.
Experience I own 3 green iguanas, two of which are rescues. I own two leopard geckos, both rescues. I've had my reptiles for 7 years. I spend many hours researching the care of my reptiles to keep up to date on all information pertaining to keeping reptiles that I have. I own a yahoo group dedicated to raising healthy iguanas.
Organizations Scales and Tails Exotic Pet Rescue (one of the founding members)
Publications One of the Co Authors of the Book "The Iguana Dens Care and Keeping of Giant Green Iguanas"
My 7 month old Leopard Gecko has been shedding regularily since I got her with no problems, but she started shedding about a week ago and she hasn't finished. All the skin around her toes and legs are gone, but the skin around her face, back and tail won't come off. I mist her every day with warm water, she has a moist hide box filled with peat moss and when I noticed she was having trouble, I put a water dish in her cage large enough for her to soak in. She seems to be using it, but the skin still won't come off. I've even tried peeling it off myself with a wet Q-tip. I'm getting really concerned because 2 nights ago she was trying to tear the skin off her tail with her mouth and now her tail has open sores and is bleeding a little.
I'm just wondering what else I can do to help her shed easily, and what could be causing this difficutly, especially since she's never had a problem before.
Thanks,
Melissa
Answer Hi Melissa,
Wow.... you've tried all the things that help them shed!!
With my iguanas when they have a problem area with shed, I use a small amount of Vaseline on the stuck shed...followed my a warm bath. Since you said there are areas that are bleeding, I would us an antibiotic ointment such as the Neosporin (not the pain relieving one as it is toxic to lizards) When using these items, its important to use a very small amount and rub it in well. I would also try a warm bath and try to get her to soak for at least 15 minutes. For my leos, I use a plastic container with a small opening cut into it and is the terrarium moss in it and keep it moist. If the shed does not come off in another day or two..or if she continues to damage her skin, or if the areas start to look infected in any way, then the only choice you have is to get her to a qualified reptile vet. To find one in your area, www.anapsid.org/vets
When using a Q-tip, be very careful as their skin is very tender. Maybe after the Vaseline or Neosporin and a warm bath the following day, the shed may loosen enough that the Q-tip will work. Since she is having so much trouble with shedding this time, be sure to really check out her toes for any stuck shed. Also, another thing you may want to try is to add some uvb lights to her for a few hrs at a time. For a leo, although UVB is not required, it doesn't hurt and it may help with shedding. Even one of the tubes that is 2.0 uvb producing will be sufficient....but I use the repti sun 5.0 on my leos and they actually do spend time in it.
