Possible Problem?

[Kinra]

Okay, I'll be the odd one.

He could just be soaking because he feels like it or is about to shed. They don't always soak because of mites. I'm not a huge fan of preventative treatment especially if it's chemical so I would make sure he has mites before spraying anything, but that's just me.

He also doesn't look that skinny to me. My 2010 spider male was a late 2010 and he's sitting at close to 1000g right now and looks like that. He takes all the food I give him and turns it into length over girth.

Good luck with him.

[RichL]

Thanks for the help. I definitely plan on getting some PAM, I just happened to find the reptile relief first. I do have to run back to wal-mart tonight, so I'll try and pick up a magnifying glass to try and completely verify or decline the possible mite situation.

Also, if he isn't 'popping' anymore when I get home from work, I'll put the water back in there as that is most likely what it was. His belly is turning a bit pink, so I imagine that a shed is coming in the next couple weeks. I was told it was about time for him to shed again anyways.

Thanks for all the replies. I have never had an issue with a BP that I have had, so all this 'RI & Mites' stuff is new to me. I will still take him to the vet on Friday just to confirm or deny good health. Can't hurt =)

Maybe he is just a 'soaker' haha.. Thanks again, I'll keep ya updated !

[Skittles1101]

The popping noise could also be loose shed inside the nose, which could also explain the soaking if there is an impending shed. PAM is always a good idea even for just a preventative, just keep a close eye for any other signs of RI, I also don't think you should remove the water dish...

[SlitherinSisters]

He looks good. The soaking could indicate mites. I would definitely get some PAM and spray the enclosure just to play it safe.

[RichL]

The fella ate for me last week with no problems ( other than a few misses ) Feeding day is tomorrow, but he is about to shed, so will prob just keep his rat alive till he does. His eyes cleared up yesterday so should be any day now.

Just got back from the vet. Had to postpone the previous appointment due to the holidays that I forgot about ..haha

Doc couldn't find any mites either, but he is still soaking a lot so maybe he just likes it. Will try and get some PAM on the way this week if possible. ( Tips have been pretty crappy lately )

Vet said there was a little extra saliva in the back of the mouth, but that it wasn't an RI. Said it could have been the start of one when I got him ( he was super cold when I picked him up ), but since I have been keeping the temps and such 'properly' that he was fighting it off himself. Vet said to give it another week and see what happens before he wants to go to antibiotics. Doc said that since he did eat for me last week, that it was a good sign cause they sometimes won't eat if they have an RI.

Other than that, he received a 'clean' bill of health. He will of course remain in QT for at least another 30-60 days just in case.

Thanks for all the help. Will get some good pics up in the picture forum after he sheds for me =)

[mkeller13]

Aside from the possible RI it sounds like he might be going into shed. You said that his belly was starting to turn pink? This is usually the first sign of impending shed and might explain the soaking.

[mkeller13]

Sorry! I didn't get as far as your update. I'm glad to hear there is no RI. Are you sure about his gender? I was just curious if the vet probed him for you to confirm. Good luck!

[RichL]

Vet did not probe him. I will 'pop' him to be sure after he sheds in the next day or two. I started off leaving him alone of course. Then he ate. Then Turkey Day showed up. Then he went into full blown blue. So waiting till all that is done, then will confirm.

The lady I got him from apparently received him from a vet student. So I'm hoping that he is actually a he as 'he' weighs over 700g right now

[AK907]

He also doesn't look that skinny to me. My 2010 spider male was a late 2010 and he's sitting at close to 1000g right now and looks like that. He takes all the food I give him and turns it into length over girth.

That is just like our adult male spider too (2009/early 2010ish). He eats and eats and eats and just stays long and lanky. It is almost comical to look at him because he is so scrawny.