Here's A Tip

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Posted by Candy on March 13, 2001 at 06:32:10:

In Reply to: Shedding on tail won't come off posted by Neil Strauss on March 12, 2001 at 21:00:39:

Every iguana that comes into the Rescue program has some retained shed somewhere on its body - usually on the spikes, dewlap, toes and tail.

What we have found to work extremely well and quickly is applying some mineral oil to the area using either a cotton ball or a q-tip (depending on the size of the affected area). In some places, we even just rub (go with the flow of the scales though!) it on with our fingers as well. Usually, if you do this a couple of times per day, the shed will come off quite easily after a couple of days.

Just be sure to not get any of the mineral oil into his mouth, eyes or nose.

The tail (especially the tip)is a critical area to keep your eyes open for with respect to problem sheds. If enough sheds are retained and start adding up on the given area, it will constrict the tip and stop all blood supply to the tip. This has the potential to result in gangrene and spread up the tail. It can also cause the tip to die and fall off.

The key though in terms of dealing with problem sheds is to prevent it and recognize potential problems ahead of time, before they get worse.

I hope this helps!

Candy

Reptile Rescue

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: Every iguana that comes into the Rescue program has some retained shed somewhere on its body - usually on the spikes, dewlap, toes and tail. : What we have found to work extremely well and quickly is applying some mineral oil to the area using either a cotton ball or a q-tip (depending on the size of the affected area). In some places, we even just rub (go with the flow of the scales though!) it on with our fingers as well. Usually, if you do this a couple of times per day, the shed will come off quite easily after a couple of days. : Just be sure to not get any of the mineral oil into his mouth, eyes or nose. : The tail (especially the tip)is a critical area to keep your eyes open for with respect to problem sheds. If enough sheds are retained and start adding up on the given area, it will constrict the tip and stop all blood supply to the tip. This has the potential to result in gangrene and spread up the tail. It can also cause the tip to die and fall off. : The key though in terms of dealing with problem sheds is to prevent it and recognize potential problems ahead of time, before they get worse. : I hope this helps! : Candy

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