Eye clenching and pelvis question

[Jambi]

Hello all, I'm new here, and I have a question about my Skink. He is some type of Irian Jaya, captive bred, I got him over the summer at an expo in White Plains at a few weeks old, and has grown to a decent size. He eats a few times a week, and his usual diet consists of dandellion greens, kale, carrots, and beef/chicken dogfood. Sometimes with some pieces of apple or watermelon mixed in. And when I feed my Frogs and Geckos, he gets a few large crickets or waxorms. Love watching him chase down crickets. The crickets are always calcium/D3 dusted for the Geckos and I occasionally sprinkle some over his veggies/dogfood.
Anyways, I have noticed him clenching his eyes shut lately when he is not walking around. Not sure if this is normal or not, or if it's a sign of anything, because otherwise he seems fine. Alert, (other than in the early morning when he's about as alert as a rock... but in the early morning who isnt?) active, always flickering his tongue, eats like a champ and pretty responsive to people, especially me. So I'm not that worried, but I figured it's better to be safe than sorry, especially with my Blue Tongue, since he's like my second dog I keep him on aspen, and although I never let it become arid I wonder if the dust is getting in his eyes.
I've also noticed lately that I can very slightly see his pelvis above each hind leg. This doesnt seem entirely unusual and I'm not sure it's a new thing or if I just havent noticed it, and it's visible in a few pictures I have seen. He doesnt have any hindrance of movement in his hind legs and really if you werent checking him over very carefully with trained eyes you wouldnt even notice. But once again I figured I should be safe.
Thanks all

[Kurt]

can we see some pics of the eye clenching and of the hips? some of the experienced keepers will probably be able to give you better advice if they can see the issues you're talking about...

[Bird_Brain]

Agreed with Hot Carl. I would like to see pictures before making a suggestion/comment.

[Fatal_S]

Does he have UVB and has he been checked for internal parasites? And ya, pics help big time

[Jambi]

I'll take some pics of him. The eye thing isnt all that common, it's just as if he's closing his eyes. And of course he has UV, although it's almost time to change the bulb.

[Jambi]

Close up of the pelvic area...

[Bird_Brain]

Mel brought up good points. Reason she asked about the UVB bulb is because a few years ago there was an issue with one brand causing eye issues. From what you have explained (if you could get pics of the eye that are clear would be great) it just sounds normal. Like he is just resting/sleeping. The hip area does seem alittle thin, but his overall body condition does not look bad. The other point Mel brought up is very important as well. Have you checked for internal parasites?

[Jambi]

Hmm nope, I havent. How would I go about doing so? I'm 16 so I dont have a lot of cash on hand.

As I type this he's walking actively around his tank, behaving quite normally. I just tend to be one of those people who flips out at anything unusual with my animals

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

Could you ask your parents/guardians to take you to the vet? Also ReptileKing would look at your fecal samples for you. That won't replace a vet though.

[Bird_Brain]

Well isn't it your lucky day! I happen to offer free fecal exams to forum members of this site. The only cost to you is the envelope, 2 ziploc bags, and a stamp. If youre willing to spare these costs, Ill be glad to run a fecal exam for you (even if you cant spare these costs, send me a pm and Ill gladly send you the items).

Here is a link to the thread I started
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=19253

[Jambi]

Could you ask your parents/guardians to take you to the vet? Also ReptileKing would look at your fecal samples for you. That won't replace a vet though.

I've been to reptile vets before, actually. I could if it were absolutely necesarry. But I'd have to take out a huge loan from someone

And thanks ReptileKing, next time I find a turd from him I will

[Bird_Brain]

I kinda agree. With my dogs, cat, and bird, I take them in for their yearly exams but with my reptiles I only take in when an issue arises. I do not get them their annual check up. I dont think there is anything wrong with being proactive with the reptiles health, and if you take your reptile in for a yearly check up, thats great.

Once you get a fresh sample, just be sure to refrigerate it until you get it in the mail.

[Jambi]

Parents will be thrilled but yeah sure, I will.

Does anyone think there's anything visibly wrong with the Skink?

[Bird_Brain]

no, i dont

[Susann]

Looks like a young, slender skink. Nothing alarming or even worrisome in my opinion. Awesome colors!

[Katrina]

Looks fairly healthy to me. Definitely send Brad a sample.

Welcome!!

[Nae]

Parents will be thrilled but yeah sure, I will.

Does anyone think there's anything visibly wrong with the Skink?

They wont be as thrilled as ReptileKing

Looks good to me~!