Something Strange in Skink Excrement

[xXxBORISxXx]

Hi everyone, would love to have an opinion on this, if any of you have found this in your skink's feces before and what it might mean.
I have an 8-month-old Nothern. Yesterday, I found a little orange ball near his poop. Similar to the orange color that is sometimes in the urate, it was soft, and when I pressed down on it, it had a gritty texture.
My question is, is this a sign of a larger problem?
I'd love to know if I should look into taking a fecal sample to the vet or something of the sorts. I appreciate anyone reading this thanks so much. I worry a lot about my little guy and just want to make sure he's healthy as can be.

[Tokkay]

Sounds like it may have been a urate as well. Urates should always be white; if it's orange it could be an indication of dehydration. I've found similar droppings from my chameleons when they aren't getting enough water.

Could you possibly post a picture? And what kind of skink do you have? Some species need higher humidity than others, so it's possible he/she isn't getting enough water somehow or is sick and not drinking enough.

[kayla990]

Agree with Tokkay Seems orange urates are often related to dehydration.

I was curious by the description of it being "gritty" though, as initial thoughts were that it could be passing bladder stones, so looked into it some more (be aware I'm not claiming to be a vet/experienced on this subject, just sharing related information!). If it is just a one-time thing then still a good chance it's as Tokkay explained.

Otherwise, if it's happening frequently - I would be more concerned it could mean something else. In general for reptiles, it's thought that orange/yellow urates *could* also mean; or be caused by:
- natural 'dye' from break down of food
- dehydration (as mentioned)
- uric acid bladder stones (thought to also be related to dehydration)
- too much calcium in diet (debatable, but it's thought in other reptiles this can also explain 'gritty' urates, since calcium is excreted)
- breeding cycle changes
- renal failure (from kidneys; though often times you'll find hard areas on the body; due to calcification)
- some parasites / endocrine diseases

Hopefully just a one time thing/dehydration and nothing to be concerned about

[splashy07]

Not much to add here, possibly post a picture? The only time I've seen anything that color come out of my northern is when she passed a slug. (unfertilized egg). Not the season for that sort of thing. Would like to see it.

[xXxBORISxXx]

Thank you SO MUCH for replies. I'm going to post a picture next time skink relives himself. Today when he went, regular color of urate and a healthy amount of urine, but there was this strange jellyish part? Looked like the color of urine but it had a jelly consistency. Nothing gritty. I will post pictures next time I can get one. And if this persists and isn't just a random fluke, I will take a sample to the vet.
Again thanks for the responses. I'll update as soon as I can.
I really appreciate it <3 worried about my little guy.

For some background on diet:
I feed a good quality dog food every 2/3 day, and once every two weeks, I will feed OmniGold, which is full of veggies. I try not to feed this too often, since he is 8 months and I know too much veggies can cause issues for babies.

[Tokkay]

If you saw something with a jelly consistency its possible your skink passed a sperm plug (which would also mean you have a guaranteed male!). I don't have any personal pictures to share but if you search for some pictures of skink sperm plugs online you can see if what you found looked similar at all. It's also possible it was just a slimey coating on the urate/feces. I don't usually see it on skink droppings as much but I've seen it with other lizards, so it wouldn't surprise me.

He may have just a had bad day of dehydration. I've found a few orange/yellow urates from chameleons and they're definitely grittier feeling than normal urates, so I understand what you mean.

Hope he stays healthy for you!

[xXxBORISxXx]

Hello!
Today my skink went to the bathroom, and as you will see in attached pictures, everything looks regular (including a lot of urine which makes me believe he has been drinking enough water), but I found another orange part of urate that, when I pressed down on it, felt gritty again.
I am not sure if it's clear in the photo since I did press down on it to see the texture, but you can see the orange color of the crystalish part.
I am wondering if I should take a sample to the vet, or just take him to the vet. Not sure what is causing that texture in part of his urate. Worried my little guy is in pain ):
What do you think?
Really appreciate the replies, I'm worried sick about him )):