Difference between revisions of "Snake Dysecdysis"

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==Introduction==
 
[[Image:Boa_with_dys_ed.jpg|350px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis in Boa constrictor''' © RVC]]
 
[[Image:Boa_with_dys_ed.jpg|350px|thumb|right|'''Dysecdysis in Boa constrictor''' © RVC]]
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==Introduction to shedding==
 
 
The entire [[Snake Skin|skin]] is shed on a regular basis, often two to four times a year. The frequency depends upon the rapidity of growth, age, nutritional state, size and environmental factors.  
 
The entire [[Snake Skin|skin]] is shed on a regular basis, often two to four times a year. The frequency depends upon the rapidity of growth, age, nutritional state, size and environmental factors.  
  
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'''Find out more about normal''' [[Snake Shedding|shedding]] '''in snakes'''
 
'''Find out more about normal''' [[Snake Shedding|shedding]] '''in snakes'''
  
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==The process==
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Dysecdysis is improper or incomplete shedding. It may occur for various reasons including disease ([[Snake Mites|mites]], endocrinopathies,  malnutrition, dermatitis or trauma) and problems of captivity (incorrect humidity, incorrect handling). Sometimes the spectacle fails to shed and remains as an opaque cover over the eye, restricting vision.
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Prior to [[Snake Shedding|shedding]] there is an inactive period of about a week during which the spectacle becomes opaque. Fissure-like clefts form between the inner dividing epidermal cells and the older cells as these migrate outward. A new three layered epidermis is formed under the old outer layers. Lymph diffuses into the area between the old and new skin and enzymes form a cleavage zone. Air is present between the two layers and interferes with [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|ultrasonography]]. Ecdysis (shedding)then occurs as the snake rubs itself on objects in the environment to loosen the old skin. Most snakes shed their skin in one piece, except for the giant snakes that may tear their moult. The process takes in total about two weeks.
 
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==Spectacle==
 
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Prior to shedding the [[Spectacle|spectacle]] becomes opaque and bluish-white from its normally transparent state. This results from a separation of the spectacle layers by a lymph-like fluid. In the wild this may render the snake partially blind and vulnerable to attack. During the actual shedding the spectacle returns to the transparent state. It is shed with the rest of the skin during [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]].
 
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==Dysecdysis==
 
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Dysecdysis is improper or incomplete shedding. It may occur for various reasons including disease ([[Snake Mites|mites]], malnutrition, dermatitis or trauma) and problems of captivity (incorrect humidity, incorrect handling). Sometimes the spectacle fails to shed and remains as an opaque cover over the eye, restricting vision.
 
  
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===Treatment===
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==Treatment==
 
Any snake with dysecdysis should be placed in a bath of tepid water for a minimum of 30 minutes and then placed between layers of dampened towels. As the animal crawls through the towel, this loosens and removes the soft epidermis. Additional treatment includes the application of  contact lens solution on retained tertiary spectacles.
 
Any snake with dysecdysis should be placed in a bath of tepid water for a minimum of 30 minutes and then placed between layers of dampened towels. As the animal crawls through the towel, this loosens and removes the soft epidermis. Additional treatment includes the application of  contact lens solution on retained tertiary spectacles.
  
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===Prevention===
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==Prevention==
 
A bath large enough for the snake to lie in should be placed in the cage. Sturdy rocks and logs should also be placed in the cage so the snake can start moulting by rubbing its chin on those structures.   
 
A bath large enough for the snake to lie in should be placed in the cage. Sturdy rocks and logs should also be placed in the cage so the snake can start moulting by rubbing its chin on those structures.   
  
 
'''Find out more information about helping to prevent dysecdysis using [[Snake Housing|good husbandry]].  
 
'''Find out more information about helping to prevent dysecdysis using [[Snake Housing|good husbandry]].  
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[[Category:Snake_Skin_Diseases]]
 
  
 
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Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
 
Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) '''Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians''' ''Manson''
  
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[[Category:Snake_Skin_Diseases]]
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[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

Latest revision as of 18:32, 26 July 2012


Introduction

Dysecdysis in Boa constrictor © RVC

The entire skin is shed on a regular basis, often two to four times a year. The frequency depends upon the rapidity of growth, age, nutritional state, size and environmental factors.

Find out more about the funcion and morphology of Snake Skin . Find out more about normal shedding in snakes

Dysecdysis is improper or incomplete shedding. It may occur for various reasons including disease (mites, endocrinopathies, malnutrition, dermatitis or trauma) and problems of captivity (incorrect humidity, incorrect handling). Sometimes the spectacle fails to shed and remains as an opaque cover over the eye, restricting vision.

Treatment

Any snake with dysecdysis should be placed in a bath of tepid water for a minimum of 30 minutes and then placed between layers of dampened towels. As the animal crawls through the towel, this loosens and removes the soft epidermis. Additional treatment includes the application of contact lens solution on retained tertiary spectacles.

Prevention

A bath large enough for the snake to lie in should be placed in the cage. Sturdy rocks and logs should also be placed in the cage so the snake can start moulting by rubbing its chin on those structures.

Find out more information about helping to prevent dysecdysis using good husbandry.


Snake Dysecdysis Learning Resources
FlashcardsFlashcards logo.png
Flashcards
Test your knowledge using flashcard type questions 		Reptiles and Amphibians Q&A 14


References

Frye, FL & Williams, DL (1995) Self-Assessment Colour Review - Reptiles & Amphibians Manson


This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing.



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