Spines are getting weird

[zReps]

The spines on one of my panthers which is wild caught look pretty weird. I noticed this yesterday, some of the spines are perfectly fine and some look like theyre falling off or something...does anyone know what this could be? Maybe he's getting too close to the basking light?

Thanks, James


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=25.763361,-80.401519

 

[Thezillaman21]

they could be possiablely just shedding. hard to see. if he has shed resently than dont panic just keep them moist lighlty spray his back and make sure he has some space to rub the dead skin off his spines. i had this problem with my kinyongia multituberculata. my friend reccomended putting a sturdy perch close to the top screen close enough that they rub.

 

[Texas Panther Man]

I have a wc that has some missing spines. He came in that way. If they do start falling off make sure you apply an antibacterial ointement to them so that it doesnt get infected. Polysporin or even neosporin work well.

If they do fall off he should heal and look fine. Just keep the area clean and disinfected.

 

[Solid Snake]

If you are referring to that last "spike" overlapping the shefflera leaf, it does look like its "breaking" apart.
Did you recently get them in?
If he hit it really hard it could have damaged it enough to kill those cells I think.
I would do as zillaman said, and keep it humid, in case its shed related.

 

[zReps]

Thanks alot guys, I'm going to put neosporin on them and see if they get better


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=25.764050,-80.401872

 

[Texas Panther Man]

If its shed related you would see stuck shed on the area in question. If spines are indeed falling off just spraying the enclosure and keeping it humid isnt going to help the affected area. In fact it could cause a fungal infection if its not kept dry while its healing. Thats why I suggested the ointment.

 

[Elizadolots]

How close can he get to the lights?

 

[HolyToledo]

I have a wc that has some missing spines. He came in that way. If they do start falling off make sure you apply an antibacterial ointement to them so that it doesnt get infected. Polysporin or even neosporin work well.

If they do fall off he should heal and look fine. Just keep the area clean and disinfected.

My vet said when getting the ointment, make sure it is not the "plus" for pain. Not good for them?

 

[Carlton]

My vet said when getting the ointment, make sure it is not the "plus" for pain. Not good for them?

The pain reliever ingredient might cause an adverse reaction, but I've mostly heard that about amphibians with their porous skins. Anyway, the spine itself probably doesn't have sensory nerves so it wouldn't be necessary anyway. Always safer to avoid unnecessary chemicals if you can.

 

[zReps]

How close can he get to the lights?

He can get up to like 6 inches from it