BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hi all.
We just noticed our BTS has a case of mouth rot. I know lots of essential oils are anti bacterial, but not sure if there are any that are dangerous to the BTS. Coconut oil or Manuka honey, too. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Scott

Manuka honey is safe for use, has antibacterial properties, and has been said to treat minor cases of mouthrot. If the infection is more advanced, antibiotics will be necessary. If you're able to, post a picture. Many people assume their skinks are suffering from stomatitis, when in reality it's just a buildup of food or crud along the mouth.

mb606587 wrote:Manuka honey is safe for use, has antibacterial properties, and has been said to treat minor cases of mouthrot. If the infection is more advanced, antibiotics will be necessary. If you're able to, post a picture. Many people assume their skinks are suffering from stomatitis, when in reality it's just a buildup of food or crud along the mouth.

We checked him this morning and there is blood all over his face and tank. Unfortunately the closest vet that deals with reptiles is closed today.

Any emergency vets near?

Edit: essential oils could cause really bad reactions or respiratory issues in animals.

Oh your poor skink. I would get to a vet asap. I am not sure if it is bad picture or what, but what is going on with the eye? Also you can use water to clean the blood off and the honey for the mouth. Absolutely do NOT use oils on your reptile. There has been no studies on the safety of these in reptiles. It could harm it.

What is the source of all the blood? I can't really tell whether there are lacerations on the face. It looks like there may be one above the eye and lip.

That is what I thought too? Where is all the blood coming from?

The blood is from his eyes from him scratching on the edge of the water bowl. We added protection from that. I applied some coconut oil on his head last night thinking that would relive the itchy ness. Our closest emergency vet is 60 miles away and we are unsure if they deal with reptiles. We will take him to the vet today. They do care for reptiles.

If he is scratching himself hard enough to cause bleeding there's a possibility he has mites.
As far as oils, I have successfully used coconut oil as a shed assist. I would not use around the eyes or mouth though. (Recommended to me by another breeder using it successfully for decades). I would not use oils for any other purpose but to assist a stubborn shed. I keep some desert species that are kept very dry, and especially in winter when humidity drops to near zero indoors.
Good luck at the vet, please keep us posted.

We took him to the vet. He has a mild case of mouth rot. He’s getting injected antibiotics and eye drops. Unfortunately, we had a humidity issue. His last molt didn’t go as usual. There was a piece on his eye that just wouldn’t fall off so he decided to scratch it off himself. Which made his situation worse.
For now, we are going to jack up the humidity and not add any bedding until this clears up.
Thanks for all the advice and concerns.
I will keep you all updated as this progresses.

A quick update on blue.
He is finally getting better.
2 vets and over $600
The first vet tried injectable antibiotics over about a two week period. He never seemed to get better.
The second vet gave an oral antibiotic and an ointment. (Costed less too) (southwestern NH)
After a week or so we started seeing improvements.
Today he looks much better. We are still applying the ointment for another week or so.
We don’t believe it was mouth rot. Not sure what it was. It was an irritation where the scales meet mucus membranes. Some sort of dermatitis....ish thing.

Humidity was definitely a factor in all this.

Thanks again.