New poor skink...

[Susann]

Here we go again.
I saw some pictures of a skink that lived in a town near me, and I didn't have the heart to not try to give it a better home. Yes, it helped that it was a Merauke, and yes, it helped that I've dealt with skinks with the same (I think) eye, mouth, and toe issues before.
But I saw the pictures of this poor, sick, skinny, toeless, crusty-eyed skink and my heart broke.

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Every time I've named a skink a male name, called it "he", and then when it turned out to be a female (...yeah, OK, so it only happened once...) I've had such a hard time calling it "she", so this time I'll try it the other way around; I think I'm going to name her Cinnamon (look at her DARK color!!!) and call her Cinna for short. Haven't decided between that or Sienna.

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I don't think I'll ever capture this in a picture, but she has this yellow section over her hips and upper tail that looks like someone colored her with a yellow highlighter before painting her regular colors on top. Even the spots on the back side of her hind legs are bright yellow!!! The front side of her hind leg-spots are the normal, greyish tan.

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She is SUCH a sweetheart!

I made an appointment to stop by my vet's office with her on my way back from picking her up; she got the same shot combination that is the only thing that has helped this condition in my previous sick skinks (with the eye, mouth, and toe-issue). Other than her obvious sickness and lack of "girth" the vet was hopeful that with better husbandry and care she could yet turn out to be a plump beauty. Now I just need to put some meat on her! Problem is, the seller had only had her for less than a week (kinda long story), and all he could get her to eat was crickets and banana. He knows nothing about her previous diet. All he knew was that the previous owner said she is 1 1/2 years old.

I know she is skinny as a rail, which makes it harder to sex, but if anyone wants to give it a shot...

[Eurastus]

Better change your signature to 3.3.1 now. Just sayin'...

[Susann]

Very true!

[xxmonitorlizardxx]

I'm starting to think that it could be indo x merauke because of the "granite" (speckles) in thetail region.

[donkeybuff]

It looks like it has potential to be a beautiful skink with some TLC. Good luck Susann!

[Bluish]

Poor little guy. It's weight isn't that bad. The tail and legs still have meat and there is still some throat fat. I've certainly seen and worked with worse. The toes etc are a concern though. At least it's in good hands now.
I'm sure it's color will completely transform once it's getting proper attention/parameters and has a shed or two. Looks like it will be a nicely colored animal when it gets the love it needs.
As far as the speckling goes ML I've seen a number of wild caughts with the same feature. I think it is just part of the diversity of the sub-species.

[Coomassie]

She is lovely, even if she is clearly very sick. She will be a real looker when you get her all fixed up. Best of luck and keep us updated!

[Dakota]

I agree, my Hunter has a speckling just like this.. wait.. everything about this skink (pattern wise) looks like Hunter. I bet when it sheds it will look just like them there too (Lighter orange). I bet they are siblings!!!

It is so great that you took him in Susann. You are just a wonderful person. My hero.

Could you post a picture from different angles focused on the hip/cloacal area?

[skinkerdinker]

Lovely skink!

[Susann]

Thank you Dakota; you are so sweet
I will take some pictures next time I have her out; even though she is almost constantly active, she has still had a heck of a day with long car ride, vet with several shots, exploring a new home, and a new owner who won't give her banana--just that dog food crap!

I keep being baffled at how slim she is even though her hipbones don't protrude; her whole body is like one slowly thickening tail with legs and a head

[Dakota]

Hunter came to me exactly this skinny, but it was just the belly.. no hip bones present. Odd huh?

[donkeybuff]

Hunter didn't look unhealthy when you got him, just a little bit skinny. This skink is so much smaller than he was!

[Dakota]

Hunter didn't look unhealthy when you got him, just a little bit skinny. This skink is so much smaller than he was!

I just mentioned skinny wise, only other thing was a couple toes.. and he looked just about this skinny. The lower half of his belly was skinnier than the chest area.. I would know..

[Hammock]

I won't be to surprised if it is a male. Possibly lack of some previous owners care and combination of breeding season (not interested in eating) has thinned the lizard. You didn't say if he/she actually ate the meal offered. Just my opinions.

I wish him/her a speedy recovery.

[Susann]

No, she hasn't eaten yet. Not surprising.

[Bird_Brain]

You are such a sucker for "sick" animals. I'm glad this one fell into your hands. If anyone is able to turn it around, it would be you! She is definitely pretty.

[Dakota]

You're a breeder AND a rescuer.. can't get much better than that. :-)

[Scincoides]

That poor thing. I'm so glad that you ended up with her

[Toria Dawn]

You are an amazing person!! I'm glad this skink is in good hands, that's so sad about all of her missing digits. She is has a totally adorable face tho, I can't wait to see updated pics as you get her back to perfect health!!!

[Lea]

Poor little brighter. He reminds me of the poor state my darling Kiah was in when I got him, although I think this little guy looks in a bit better shape overall, so he's bound to do well with some good food and living conditions at your place, Susann. I'm looking forward to seeing him in a few weeks, just to see his natural colours shining with new health.