Slugs?

[Andee]

So this isn't actually a "breeding" question. I would never breed Hope. But I fear she may be carrying some slugs, either that or she's gotten a bit chubbier, not sure yet. (chubbiness isn't bad at the moment, since she is relatively small anyway and her weight before was about 10 grams under when I got her, and now she's got about another 5 grams now so she's just around 71 grams.)

I just want to make sure I don't have to worry about slugs. It's one thing I want to absolutely avoid if I can and I am doing everything possible at the moment to do so. But temps at the moment are hard to control because of the hotter weather coming so on warmer days I turn off her low basking light, or turn on the humidifier for a bit, or use an ice pack, or some combo. It's just a huge worry for me.

Any possible outward signs that Xanth. Jacksons show?

 

[Andee]

tagging some people who may(?) be able to give an answer? XD

@kinyonga
@jannb
@Extensionofgreen
@MeruJack
@nightanole
@OldChamKeeper

Not sure if all of you have been tagged correctly (as in if you can help with this current problem) but maybe you can point me to somewhere that solidly will be able to tell me if there is a way and how? I want to make sure she is bulked up on healthy everything if I have to worry about it, just to make sure she isn't lacking. (still trying desperately to get her tongue picture for those who are waiting for it)

 

[kinyonga]

Post a recent photo or two please. How long have you had her?

 

[Andee]

Will get the photo right now, I have had her... I want to say a year and a half now. When I got her I know that she was around 1.5 years. I think when she arrived in the petstore she was six months, possibly a bit younger, because she had a lot of crucial growing that she didn't get and is a bit stunted now because of it. Will upload the pic in a sec.

 

[Andee]

So her belly kind of has a bump to it. And I just want to make sure it's not something I have to worry about and just means I may need to cut back on the snacks (been giving silkworms regularly though not doing the regular feedings everyday).

If you need different angles just let me know, I was trying to show her more relaxed and I had to get her to stand up instead of pancaking on the branch like she usually does to conserve energy. And yes for anyone who is reading this thread who has yet to see her, this is my girl who had severe MBD, her bones have straightened some since I got her and she shows no issues other than she does have tiredness on occasion and still has issues controlling her limbs to a small extent. While she was at the petstore she was never supplemented so she went an entire year without supplementation. Her recovery has been faster than I expected ^^

 

[Extensionofgreen]

I would say, if there have been no slugs expelled or a recent birth, I would not worry, unless there were other indicators, such as warning signs of infection. Otherwise, X-ray is your only sure bet, imo.

 

[kinyonga]

She is chunky but if you've had her that long I don't know if she would produce slugs. However I don't know if increased care she's had with you could make her produce or not. Keep an eye on her and if she starts to decline get her to a good vet right away. Sorry I'm not much help.
Are you still treating her for MBD?

 

[jpowell86]

@Andee, what exactly is your concern? Are you afraid of her having slugs since she is recovering from MBD?

If that is the case, I wouldn't fret too much about it. Even females that haven't been around males will produce slugs. I have had CBB babies that were a year and half and had never been around males produce slugs. It really doesn't take a toll on them as nothing is developing. So, nutrients and other minerals(like calcium..which I am guessing is your concern) will not be used in excess since neonates are not forming.

IMO, I would keep her calcium intake slightly above normal. I don't like supplementing too much calcium in montanes in general, but with her having prior MBD and depleted calcium levels, I would make sure she has nice levels since she will have a fair amount of muscle exertion to expel the slugs.

 

[Andee]

@jpowell86 I am surprised I didn't think to tag you XD. See what happens when I try to do things too late at night XD

She is still recovering from MBD, so I was just worried, I am not exactly sure how much nutrients was taken compared to egg-laying females. And yes @kinyonga I am still "treating" her for MBD, though it's slowed down a smidge, I am doing liquid calcium in smaller amounts still three times a week. Before I was doing it in larger amounts three times a week. Now I do smaller amounts and she seems to be doing well with it and still recovering nicely. I am trying to do the careful balancing act montanes need.

I think I will slow down on the snack feeding. And just keep it to the usual feedings to see if she loses the weight and looks less like a tub? XD