Spastic behaviour in garden blue tongue

[Barbara Dixon]

Hello bluey lovers ,
My garden blue tongue (Western probably) is lack lustre, does not demonstrate aggressive stance, can be picked up easily and is passive. Last night I observed him moving for first time as he headed under the house where he spends nights. He can hardly walk, he flicks head side to side, lists to the right and does 360 degree rolls.
Obviously he is not well but what can be the issue? It actually appears that he is used to this mode of movement, limiting his hunting area to just 15 metres (45 feet). He appears to be a young adult and has no observable injuries. I have not used snail baits and poisons for over 8 weeks and I don't know that my neighbours do.
Does he have a chance? Can skinks born with a genetic muscular disorder live to adulthood?
ps. It is high summer here so he should be pretty active
Cheers, Barbara

[Jeff]

Hi, and welcome to the forum! It is hard to even understand what you are describing. Is there any chance you could get a video of it?

[El Lobo]

The short sharp answer is this bluey needs to be seen by a vet ASAP.

Contacting your local wildlife rescue may be the best option as they have vets who do pro bono work for the organisation.

From the symptoms described there could be a number of issues that would need treatment: it could be ingestion of snails that have eaten snail bait or some other toxin. Is there oleander nearby?

The bluey could have been attacked by a cat (dogs normally kill); cats mostly torment but can puncture with a bite. Other possibilities are envenomation by a snake, head trauma or vestibular disorder.

[Barbara Dixon]

Thanks El Lobo, You are right of course about the vet but because blue tongues are so common the result (euthanasia) would be inevitable. I contacted Healseville Sanctuary first and they said as much. I'll give the local wildlife carer a call. Cheers, Barbara

[Lea]

Most vets will treat wild animals, particularly if you take it on as a rescue. they cover most costs. They may a small fee for a processing cost.

Call your fauna rescue and say you want to take on the animal, if you are willing, of course, it can be hard work! Once you have done that, they may be able to give you a permit number to keep the skink for the purpose of humane treatment. You can then go to your vet with the permit number and have the animal treated under the fauna rescues act, so long as it is a reasonable cost, of course. This way, the skink won't just be euthanised and it has a chance of treatment, if this is in the best interests of the skink.

Whatever you decide, not taking him on, is no sign of being unkind, it is just what you are comfortable taking on. I stress, it can be tougher to take them, than to let them go ... Even with trying your best to save something, the outcome can still be heartbreakingly negative.

All the best- please let us know either way- remember, you will not be judged for your decision.

[Barbara Dixon]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughtful relies. Bluey has gone to a wildlife carer who is happy to house and look after him. Although the prognosis is not good if he recovers he can come home. In the meantime all garden poisons are banned in our garden (even if this was not the cause). I loved the photos of your lizards. Cheers Barbara

[Lea]

You are welcome any time, barbara. I hope things work out well for the skink- maybe we'll see you back, you might get hooked on them now!

[missmacabre]

The rolling and listing of the head to the right makes me think it could be an inner ear infection? Hopefully they can help the poor little guy.

[El Lobo]

The rolling and listing of the head to the right makes me think it could be an inner ear infection? Hopefully they can help the poor little guy.

I also thought the rolling and head movement might possibly indicate otitis media but didn't know for sure if skinks could be affected so used the broader term of vestibular disorder. Apparently though they can be affected by otitis media through ear bags not being cleared with a shed: "retained skin shed may predispose to secondary bacterial and fungal infections in the area. Mites may be a triggering factor as their feeding habits often lead to dysecdysis." (I) It would also be interesting to know if there was a presence of nystagmus.

(1) BSAVA Manual of Reptiles Second edition 2004. p56.

[Richard.C]

where in victoria are you,would have to be north west if its a wild western,possably an eastern,in regards to garden poisons,may have been from anywhere,as they do move around a bit,especially males