Finally - 5 years late: An introduction to Cleo, Carra, and Kayla

Very possible a Leo will slow down it's eating during Winter months....and maybe even go off food completely in the spring (March - June)....but they should regain their appetite and go back to voracious little buggers when temps warm.

One of my girls never goes off food....my other slows down in the Winter, and then does a feeding strike in the spring. In fact, last year she took 13 weeks off, ate 1 meal worm, and took another 2 weeks off before her feeding response kicked back in. She's done that before so I wasn't worried, but never for that long.

The mouth scab thing is concerning though, and the fact that your other LG passed away at an early age (8 is pretty young for a LG) could also be a factor. I'm also wondering if removing the scab is the right thing to do? if it's really a scab, maybe let it heal completely and fall off of it's own...removing it may cause it to scab over again???? I never heard of a LG shedding the skin on the roof of it's mouth.

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Originally Posted by Andiamo

Very possible a Leo will slow down it's eating during Winter months....and maybe even go off food completely in the spring (March - June)....but they should regain their appetite and go back to voracious little buggers when temps warm.

One of my girls never goes off food....my other slows down in the Winter, and then does a feeding strike in the spring. In fact, last year she took 13 weeks off, ate 1 meal worm, and took another 2 weeks off before her feeding response kicked back in. She's done that before so I wasn't worried, but never for that long.

The mouth scab thing is concerning though, and the fact that your other LG passed away at an early age (8 is pretty young for a LG) could also be a factor. I'm also wondering if removing the scab is the right thing to do? if it's really a scab, maybe let it heal completely and fall off of it's own...removing it may cause it to scab over again???? I never heard of a LG shedding the skin on the roof of it's mouth.

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Andiamo,

Thank you for your response.

First off, I am very familiar with LG's going off feed. It's Cleo's interest, but having difficulty, that is troubling me.

Secondly, I said it seemed to occur after sheds, but that might be a coincidence, rather than having anything to do with the shedding. I am aware LG's do not shed in their mouths.

Third, they all came from the same breeder, are about the same age (within a month), all have the same setups (temps, humidity, etc. as well as tank size, decor, substrate), eat the same food and from the same sources, etc. I also have two other lizards (a BTS and a Chewie) who also eat live food/insects from the same suppliers and get the same supplements (in different frequencies however).

I was not able to do a necropsy on Kayla, who passed suddenly last year, but she was seemingly fine and then I found her one morning dead in her tank. She showed no noticeable signs of illness.

Having said all that, and not being defensive here, what do you think I am doing wrong? Female LG's tend to live much shorter lives than males, and although 8 is young, it's not unheard of.

Additionally, Cleo sees the vet next Monday. I spoke to the tech and apparently, and especially as they age, this can be a common issue and could indeed be mouth rot. She said even her LG had this. They want me to bring her in to culture and examine to determine the best treatment for her. I am fine with that. Better to take care of whatever it is with the best course of action first.

I'll keep everyone posted.

your guess would really be as good as mine. I also have 2 girls, who are roughly the same age (7+ years old)...but they've never been paired with a male and never laid any clutches. I could be naive, but I'm hoping they get well into their teens.

There is a user named Aliza from a forum I used to visit.... who has her own blog (Gecko Time). She's a great resource.

The Forum is Geckos Unlimited, but I think you have to be REALLY careful who you listen to over there, which is why I think Aliza's blog may be a better place to start.

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Originally Posted by Andiamo

your guess would really be as good as mine. I also have 2 girls, who are roughly the same age (7+ years old)...but they've never been paired with a male and never laid any clutches. I could be naive, but I'm hoping they get well into their teens.

There is a user named Aliza from a forum I used to visit.... who has her own blog (Gecko Time). She's a great resource.

The Forum is Geckos Unlimited, but I think you have to be REALLY careful who you listen to over there, which is why I think Aliza's blog may be a better place to start.

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Thank you!

I wonder if genetics have something to do with longevity? Just thinking out loud. I’ve heard in some animals that breeding for looks can have an impact on health.

In the meantime, I will definitely let everyone know what the vet says.

Hoping for a long life for your girls. Same for Cleo and Carra. Really hoping Kayla was a freak thing/anomaly.

I took Cleo to the vet today.

Overall, the vet says she is good health. She thinks that she had a mouth irritation that has now turned into mild mouth rot. She prescribed Metacam for three days (taken orally) and Chlorhexidine Oral Solution to be applied for 3 days and then 1-2X a week after to her mouth area.

She does not think the infection is systemic at all and said she thinks some of Cleo's hunting issues have more to do with age (lower energy and or arthritis etc) and reduced eyesight. She considers her a "senior" at this point. She said to expect 8-12 years out of a female Leopard Gecko and said that genetics and breeding can play a part in that. Being a morph may not help her in this regard.

I plan to "brush" Cleo's mouth with the oral solution and q-tip 2X a week after the initial treatment this week.

The vet recommended the low dose and short duration of Metacam because it can impact her kidney function. She did not draw blood as she said with LG's they often drop the tail when doing this and that does more harm than good. She felt that a 3 day dose would not harm her and would be beneficial, but was reluctant to prescribe more at her age especially since she believes the infection is limited to her mouth.

Further, she sent the scab she got out of Cleo's mouth out for Cytology, but did not take any tissue as there really wasn't anyway to do that given how mild the infection is. There are no puss pockets, or open infections, to draw from.

Cleo seems no worse for the wear, and I am letting her rest for a bit before applying the oral solution this evening.

I'll keep everyone posted, but assume no news is good news.

Thank you all for your concern and for encouraging me to take her in. I am glad I did.

:gj: I'm so happy you got her checked out & so much good information gained- sure sounds like there's a good prognosis too. I wish I could clone your vet & move one of them to my area. ;)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

:gj: I'm so happy you got her checked out & so much good information gained- sure sounds like there's a good prognosis too. I wish I could clone your vet & move one of them to my area. ;)

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Thanks Bogertophis! Very happy about diagnosis and prognosis.

Yeah, I have two good vets "near" me. Well, they are both about 1 1/2 hours away, but both excellent.

This vet is in Westchester NY and is amazing. In a pinch and emergencies, I also have Tufts Vet Clinic "near" me - well about the same distance away.

I trust them both, but know the Westchester Vet better and know the Owner/Vet as well as the other vets there really well. It's easier to work with the same vet(s) each time. Of course, before they even talked about Cleo, they wanted to know how Behira's shedding was going. They were glad to hear that she's growing and that her sheds are getting farther and farther apart.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Thanks Bogertophis! Very happy about diagnosis and prognosis.

Yeah, I have two good vets "near" me. Well, they are both about 1 1/2 hours away, but both excellent.

This vet is in Westchester NY and is amazing. In a pinch and emergencies, I also have Tufts Vet Clinic "near" me - well about the same distance away.

I trust them both, but know the Westchester Vet better and know the Owner/Vet as well as the other vets there really well. It's easier to work with the same vet(s) each time. Of course, before they even talked about Cleo, they wanted to know how Behira's shedding was going. They were glad to hear that she's growing and that her sheds are getting farther and farther apart.

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There's a LOT to be said for living near larger population areas when it comes to medical care, whether for our pets or for us. I love that they're not heavy-handed with their vet care- from what I've seen, far too many exotic vets can lean that way, but I'm sure they've all learned more by now too- that would make sense. Medicine is a "practice" & requires lots of practice to be the best.

Between your excellent vet & your good care at home, your little patient wouldn't dare not heal, lol.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

There's a LOT to be said for living near larger population areas when it comes to medical care, whether for our pets or for us. I love that they're not heavy-handed with their vet care- from what I've seen, far too many exotic vets can lean that way, but I'm sure they've all learned more by now too- that would make sense. Medicine is a "practice" & requires lots of practice to be the best.

Between your excellent vet & your good care at home, your little patient wouldn't dare not heal, lol.

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Awwwww, thanks Boger!

I do my best, but greatly appreciate the comment.

I am going to brush her teeth in a few. I'll report if it's terrible, otherwise, I think we are both going to get used to it. Also, Katie said she will help! So that's awesome as well.

I held and Katie "brushed"/q-tipped Cleo's mouth. There was a little residual blood from the scab coming off, but that's why we are applying the oral solution - hoping it heals well this time and in the long-run prevents or lessens it coming back.

Cleo wasn't happy being restrained or having her teeth brushed. I restrained her and I used 1 Q-Tip to hold her mouth open (the long handle part) and then Katie rubbed the solution around her mouth and teeth/gums with the soft end of a q-tip.

She didn't hold a grudge though. Cleo likes having her head rubbed and immediately after her "treatment," was sitting in my hand and letting me rub her head.

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Originally Posted by dakski

...She didn't hold a grudge though. Cleo likes having her head rubbed and immediately after her "treatment," was sitting in my hand and letting me rub her head.

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Aww, that's so cute! I've always found that to be true though, reptiles may hate what you're doing at the moment (with medical care) but they almost seem to realize you're trying to help, or else just aren't capable of "anger". :gj:

Teaches me to wear one of my favorite shirts when medicating a gecko.

Cleo wasted all over me tonight. I feel terrible. She was really unhappy.

I plan on trying to medicate in her tank or in a container next time and not restraining her in my hand as much.

Again, she calmed down soon after, but was visibly upset when we medicated her. I know it has to be done, but it still stresses me out to know she is stressed.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Teaches me to wear one of my favorite shirts when medicating a gecko.

Cleo wasted all over me tonight. I feel terrible. She was really unhappy.

I plan on trying to medicate in her tank or in a container next time and not restraining her in my hand as much.

Again, she calmed down soon after, but was visibly upset when we medicated her. I know it has to be done, but it still stresses me out to know she is stressed.

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I feel your pain...I'm having to give my almost 16-year old dog injections, & at the vet tech's suggestion, I tried to sneak up on her while she was "eating her yummy dinner", poor thing. She didn't appreciate it, but she went back to eating...with some of her hair standing up. :rolleyes: So sorry sweet baby...and sorry for your Cleo too. Responsible pet-parenting isn't always easy, is it?

I got the cytology report from the vet today on Cleo's mouth scab.

Consistent with what we thought. Some bacteria only. Nothing more serious and the bacteria load was not very high.

The vet continues to think she bit something and it scabbed and never completely healed right. Some sort of trauma.

She said from now on, most applications of the chlorhexidine oral treatment can be put on her lips and she will move it around with her tongue on her own. No need to stress her out more.

Also, as of yesterday, she is done with the metacam.

Further, if the scab comes back, and quickly, the vet can prescribe and oral antibiotic for her. However, we are both hoping that this the oral rinse will be enough.

I've been spoiling Cleo and she's been getting hornworms and wax worms to make sure there is something in her stomach with the medicine. I'll go back to her mealworms mostly diet today.

That's good news! You're an awesome snarent, even if Cleo has had some doubts lately. ;)

Leopard geckos have such cute faces.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

That's good news! You're an awesome snarent, even if Cleo has had some doubts lately. ;)

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I think she will prefer just putting the oral solution on her lips versus rubbing it inside her mouth. Glad I asked the vet!

She doesn't hold a grudge and neither do I (assuming there are no stains on my shirt :)).

She took a hornworm from me last night after medication.

I'm glad it's getting easier to medicate her...it's so hard to do something we know our sweet pets hate, even though we know it's necessary for their health.

Hope your shirt washed out okay too...;) Sometimes it just goes with the territory.

Cleo still isn't really enthused by most food items. She will eat hornworms, and sometimes wax worms, and less so mealworms. I try to offer the hornworms and waxworks as a treat, but I also want her to eat at least 1X a week something. She also doesn't want to eat too much in a sitting right now.

I understand this time of year LG's can go off feed, and that's fine, and I will report if she starts eating regularly again. In the meantime, she looks good and still has a plump tail and good body definition.

I did some research and although she doesn't like PhoenixWorms particularly, want to try spike worms. They are supposed to be similar to waxworms in look, smell, and presumably taste, but much more nutritious - more protein and less fat.

I'll see if she likes those. I am sure Carra and Ferry will :).

Below is the site I got them from and some info on them.

https://www.rainbowmealworms.net/250-spikes-fly-larvae/

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Originally Posted by dakski

Cleo still isn't really enthused by most food items. She will eat hornworms, and sometimes wax worms, and less so mealworms. I try to offer the hornworms and waxworks as a treat, but I also want her to eat at least 1X a week something. She also doesn't want to eat too much in a sitting right now.

I understand this time of year LG's can go off feed, and that's fine, and I will report if she starts eating regularly again. In the meantime, she looks good and still has a plump tail and good body definition.

I did some research and although she doesn't like PhoenixWorms particularly, want to try spike worms. They are supposed to be similar to waxworms in look, smell, and presumably taste, but much more nutritious - more protein and less fat.

I'll see if she likes those. I am sure Carra and Ferry will :).

Below is the site I got them from and some info on them.

https://www.rainbowmealworms.net/250-spikes-fly-larvae/

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I hate that you’re still having some feeding issues dakski. My LG is off food right now as well and even though I know they go off this time of year, it doesn’t make it any less stressful.

I had a little luck with freshly shed mealworms but even then he only took one, so if spike worms work for you let me know!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Originally Posted by Hugsplox

I hate that you’re still having some feeding issues dakski. My LG is off food right now as well and even though I know they go off this time of year, it doesn’t make it any less stressful.

I had a little luck with freshly shed mealworms but even then he only took one, so if spike worms work for you let me know!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Will do. They arrive on Tuesday. Apparently, you can refrigerate and they will last 3-4 weeks. They encourage you to take them out a few minutes before you feed to warm up and get active.

Katie is not happy about "bugs" in her fridge, but is willing to make an exception for Cleo.

For what's worth, Cleo never turns down a hornworm, if you want to see if your guy will take something. Mostly water, but has some calcium and protein, so a little better than waxworms, I think. They are also pretty big.

Her second favorite is waxworms. She likes butterworms, but neither she, nor Carra (LG also), hold them down. I think they are too fatty. Same with superworms. I've tried and they just don't agree with them. Not saying all LG's cannot have Superworms, but mine don't tolerate them.

I wanted to order silkworms to try as well, but my sources were out of stock. They are supposed to have more protein than hornworms.

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Originally Posted by dakski

...Katie is not happy about "bugs" in her fridge, but is willing to make an exception for Cleo...

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Oh, the "sacrifices" we all make to keep our herps happy. :rofl:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Oh, the "sacrifices" we all make to keep our herps happy. :rofl:

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Absolutely!

By the way, Hugsplox, if I didn't mention recently, Dubai Roaches were a staple for Cleo, but she seemed to lose taste and/or it was too much effort to hunt them down. Carra still adores them. So if you haven't tried them, those might be a hit too. They don't morph, don't smell, are great nutrition wise, and don't breed at room temperature. Anyway, you probably already know all that.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Katie is not happy about "bugs" in her fridge, but is willing to make an exception for Cleo.

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As long as you don't mind having them added to your dinner some evening if she gets mad at you. :D:D

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Originally Posted by dakski

Absolutely!

By the way, Hugsplox, if I didn't mention recently, Dubai Roaches were a staple for Cleo, but she seemed to lose taste and/or it was too much effort to hunt them down. Carra still adores them. So if you haven't tried them, those might be a hit too. They don't morph, don't smell, are great nutrition wise, and don't breed at room temperature. Anyway, you probably already know all that.

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Oh I know Spitfire, my LG, did really well on them but I think had a harder time grabbing them vs some type of work. He did the same thing with crickets.

He’s still leaving me his typical gift in his favorite spot, so he’s eating something lol, we’ve just had such a huge drop off in appetite that it worried me a bit. Hopefully it’s just the season but we’ll see once it warms up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did get the spike fly larvae. Cleo was uninterested. It seems she did eat a couple mealworms out of her bowl this week (but sometimes they escape, so not sure until I clean the entire enclosure). She also ate a couple wax worms and a hornworm covered in calcium and vitamin powder, so at least she got her weekly amount of those. She seems okay. Her mouth looks okay, she's not losing weight, she's active, and will literally sit in my hand and take a waxworm from the other.

I don't think she's in any major discomfort at the movement. However, she was chilling in her moist hide, so a shed might be imminent, which might add to her not eating much. That in addition to the time of year and her age, etc.

I'll try again with the spike worms soon.

In the meantime, Carra (LG) and Ferry (Chewie), really liked them. They are the size of a small waxworm, move like a waxworm, but are more nutritious and seem gummier and denser (which makes sense because they are less fatty by a lot and have more protein).

Cleo seems to be going mostly by smell now and not movement - I really think her eyes are not great at this point. She smells the waxworms and hornworms and then bites them, often missing at first. Same with the mealworms, but they are harder to grab and not as enticing.

Hugsplox - overall, they were a big hit. However, Carra and Ferry eat anything that moves. Probably worth trying.

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Originally Posted by dakski

I did get the spike fly larvae. Cleo was uninterested. It seems she did eat a couple mealworms out of her bowl this week (but sometimes they escape, so not sure until I clean the entire enclosure). She also ate a couple wax worms and a hornworm covered in calcium and vitamin powder, so at least she got her weekly amount of those. She seems okay. Her mouth looks okay, she's not losing weight, she's active, and will literally sit in my hand and take a waxworm from the other.

I don't think she's in any major discomfort at the movement. However, she was chilling in her moist hide, so a shed might be imminent, which might add to her not eating much. That in addition to the time of year and her age, etc.

I'll try again with the spike worms soon.

In the meantime, Carra (LG) and Ferry (Chewie), really liked them. They are the size of a small waxworm, move like a waxworm, but are more nutritious and seem gummier and denser (which makes sense because they are less fatty by a lot and have more protein).

Cleo seems to be going mostly by smell now and not movement - I really think her eyes are not great at this point. She smells the waxworms and hornworms and then bites them, often missing at first. Same with the mealworms, but they are harder to grab and not as enticing.

Hugsplox - overall, they were a big hit. However, Carra and Ferry eat anything that moves. Probably worth trying.

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I'll definitely give them a try. Spitfire is in shed right now as well, but yesterday was feeding day, so I figured I'd see what he did, and he happily took 4 medium crickets from me. Hopefully this is the start of him getting back to normal now that it's warming up a little more outside, but we'll see. I think one of my big mistakes early on was only tong feeding vs leaving something in there with him. Initially he was only eating meal worms but I moved him to crickets when he started showing less interest.

Since I didn't want to leave crickets in the enclosure with him, I exclusively tong fed, so when I went back to leaving something in a bowl, the dubias, he was not interested. I don't want to say for sure that that was the issue, but yesterday went really well feeding off the tongs again.

Cleo hasn't accepted a mealworm in weeks. However, she will happily eat hornworms and waxworms. Waxworms are Gecko Crack and junk food and not good for her. So she doesn't get more than 2-3 a week, if that. However, I have been giving her hornworms 2X a week. The hornworms have some protein and calcium, but are mostly water. Either way, I know she's getting some nutrients and 1X a week I add vitamins and 2X a week (or both feedings) I add calcium. At least I know she's hydrating, getting some nutrients, calcium, vitamins, and protein.

I am not sure if she's going to get stuck on the hornworms, but I am not sure I care. They are not a bad food, just not ideal. However, she's eating something, maintaining weight, and she's not exactly a growing girl at her age. So, if these keep her happy, so be it.

Of course, the Spike worms were not a hit with her. Carra seemed to like them as did Ferry, but the 2nd time around, not as much. Since they both happily eat practically anything I give them (except Ferry doesn't like hornworms - go figure), there is no need to re-order the spike worms and have them in the fridge annoying Katie.

Silkworms, which are similar to hornworms, were in stock again at rainbow mealworms, and I ordered for delivery next week. They are not as colorful, but are more nutritious. I'll see if Cleo likes them, and I am hopeful, but if not, I'll keep offering mealworms and see if she starts taking them as we get closer to summer. If not, hornworms and an occasional wax worm it is. I am not going to starve her to try to get her to switch back to dubia or mealworms. I remember, my Grandfather, RIP, was in his 90's (he died at 96, almost 97) and was trying to decide about having cookies or ice cream after dinner. I told him, why not both, at your age, what difference does it make? He agreed and proceeded to indulge himself somewhat the last 2-3 years of his life. He did not die from the effects of cookies or ice cream. He did die a happy guy though having lived a full life and having enjoyed cookies and ice cream for years before he died. I am taking the same approach with Cleo. You want hormworms and waxworms, fine, at least you are eating and happy.

When it rains it pours. About a week ago, it looked like Cleo was favoring her right eye and her left eye looked semi-closed. She was going into shed and I let things be. She had a decent shed, except for a little shed on left on her head, which I helped her remove easily today.

Her eye looks much worse now. It's oozy and discolored and she's not opening her eye much.

I plan to the call the vet and ordered Vertycin Plus eye wash and eye gel. It will be here Thursday and I can at least start rinsing her eye.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am not sure what happened, but I am frustrated and worried for her.

Any thoughts are welcomed.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/MgTBZMU.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/dvD0skv.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/lvCCn94.jpghttps://ball-pythons.net/forums/cach...om/CUJhKn1.jpg

Either got something in her eye or it's the gecko-version of "pink-eye"? Just guessing-

I hate that she's still having issues. As I'm sure you know, eye issues are unfortunately pretty common with leos, but it doesn't make it any less troubling. I know some issues can be treated with just over the counter eye washes, and a little help from you, and I hope that's all this is and not something more troubling.

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Originally Posted by dakski

I am not sure if she's going to get stuck on the hornworms, but I am not sure I care. They are not a bad food, just not ideal.

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They are not bad at all, and probably better than mealworms!

One of my girls loves them (the other, not so much)

Once March hit both my girls have slowed down. The larger one who only eats mealworms hasn't eaten anything in a month. The smaller one took a week off and has since gone back to crickets and hornworms.

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Originally Posted by Hugsplox

I hate that she's still having issues. As I'm sure you know, eye issues are unfortunately pretty common with leos, but it doesn't make it any less troubling. I know some issues can be treated with just over the counter eye washes, and a little help from you, and I hope that's all this is and not something more troubling.

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Originally Posted by Andiamo

They are not bad at all, and probably better than mealworms!

One of my girls loves them (the other, not so much)

Once March hit both my girls have slowed down. The larger one who only eats mealworms hasn't eaten anything in a month. The smaller one took a week off and has since gone back to crickets and hornworms.

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Thank you both!

I got silkworms today and they still have some growing to do to be an ideal food for Cleo. However, I fed her one of the larger one (still pretty small) and she loved it! So that's a great sign. She also ate a waxworm covered it calcium and vitamins. Want to make sure I am getting some good nutrients into her.

I think between hornworms, silkworms, and the occasional wax worm, Cleo will be okay diet wise. However, we will see about the eye.

The eye wash and eye gel is coming tomorrow and we will see how that works.

I'll keep everyone posted.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Took some fresh pics of the girls (not great, but okay pics).

Cleo looking good:


https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...oking_good.jpg


Carra and Kayla:


https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil..._and_kayla.jpg

Oh, Carra, those eyes!


https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil...those_eyes.jpg

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Aww thanks for sharing! They are so beautiful! :) I am looking into getting a leo, and if there is anything I should know as far as shedding that would be quite helpful! Some people say just moisten there moist hide more than usual (does there hide have to be humid when they aren't shedding?) and then leave them alone after that. If they are having trouble I guess you are supposed to mist them and use a q-tip to help get it off of there toes?

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Originally Posted by Courage

Aww thanks for sharing! They are so beautiful! :) I am looking into getting a leo, and if there is anything I should know as far as shedding that would be quite helpful! Some people say just moisten there moist hide more than usual (does there hide have to be humid when they aren't shedding?) and then leave them alone after that. If they are having trouble I guess you are supposed to mist them and use a q-tip to help get it off of there toes?

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I keep a moist hide in my LG's enclosures at all times. They shed every 3-4 weeks, and it's hard to know for certain when they are going into shed sometimes (I have 2 LG's and 10 other reptiles, so there is a lot going on here). Better to be safe than sorry.

The few times I've had issues, a quick soak in shallow water for a bit and a gentle rubbing with a q-tip as you say, should get it all off their toes. The key word here is "gentle." However, using the moist hide, and keeping temps and humidity where they should be (husbandry is the best defense against most issues), this shouldn't happen too often.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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Originally Posted by dakski

I keep a moist hide in my LG's enclosures at all times. They shed every 3-4 weeks, and it's hard to know for certain when they are going into shed sometimes (I have 2 LG's and 10 other reptiles, so there is a lot going on here). Better to be safe than sorry.

The few times I've had issues, a quick soak in shallow water for a bit and a gentle rubbing with a q-tip as you say, should get it all off their toes. The key word here is "gentle." However, using the moist hide, and keeping temps and humidity where they should be (husbandry is the best defense against most issues), this shouldn't happen too often.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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Ok, thanks, this is quite helpful! I am going to a reptile show soon and hope to get one there?!? Now I have to lay down there substrate tile and get there hides. :)

I had to euthanize Cleo today. I will miss her tremendously.

Here is a link as to why and the post I made in the "Rainbow Bridge" section of the site.

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...52#post2754952

Thank you everyone who has been there for me the past few months with Cleo deteriorating. I greatly appreciate it.

I am so sorry! (Posted in that forum)

I was wondering if you could tell me how to make a forum, I got a baby Leo!