Special Needs Skink

[Smar1903]

Hello! This is my first time on the forum and I thought this would be a good place to talk to people and read some suggestions about the latest bluey I’ve decided to take on. I’ve had her for about a week now and her problem is that she has what the previous owner told me is a form os scoliosis which causes her to have a large kink in her back and causes her to have low mobility in her lower half. Besides this she is healthy so far as they took her to the vet and she was on steroids and is improving quickly. She is about 2 years old from what I have been told. She moves by dragging her self around by her front legs and wiggling a lot. She moves around pretty well this way but because of her disability she has a fairly simple tank set up. I was wondering if anybody has any suggestions or has worked with lizards who have mobility issues and what you did.
I also want to mention that I’m not looking to discuss her condition or get any medical advice just ease of life suggestions and advice as she is very happy. I will be taking her for a check up soon so I’m not really looking for that sort of advice

[Janella]

Hi there and thank you.for taking on a special needs skink. That is amazing she is doing so well and thriving! You will have to send pictures.

As for tank set up I would do the substrate and then just things she can hide under. I would do a shallow dish for water, but make sure she can get out of it.

Good luck with her. I would love to hear updates from time to time.

[Smar1903]

Hello, so I took Taffy to my local Herp vet today and found out what it was is metabolic bone disease. I was suspecting this as she has been showing many signs. When I got her she wasn’t in the correct set up or in a very good diet as the person I got her from was given their info on how to care from her from someone who is not very knowledgeable whom was Taffy’s original more long time owner who I suspect did the damage. The vet told me Taffy is doing a lot better and seems very healthy now. She also advised against feeding Taffy wet dog food and instead feeding her various insects but I don’t think I will be following that advice as the last thing she needs is and unbalanced diet haha. I also moved her onto Cyprus and found a very nice large water bowl with a ramp in and out. I’m hoping now that she’s on the road to recovery she may get some more leg movement and maybe after some bone rebuilding even be able to walk semi properly instead of drag her belly. If I see any new improvements I’ll post them here as I think a log on Taffy’s rescue journey will be nice to have.

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[Janella]

I had a feeling it was MBD. Bless you again for helping her. She is beautiful. Glad she is doing better overall. You can feed insects every now and then if you want too. I am a strong believer in feeding a variety of protein sources so that my skinks don't get picky. Definitely keep us posted on her progress. I love stories like this.