Urate crystals

[Suzle87]

Well the stare off has begun... ven is in his plastic tub I swear he’s crossing his legs haha fingers crossed for a wee soon!!!

[Suzle87]

I’ve rung the vet and agreed just to take the urate in when he goes in his viv... he was getting so worked up in the tub I was worried that would make him ill through stress.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what the vet said about not using grain free dog food and just using general high quality dog food instead?

[kingofnobbys]

I’ve rung the vet and agreed just to take the urate in when he goes in his viv... he was getting so worked up in the tub I was worried that would make him ill through stress.
Does anyone have any thoughts on what the vet said about not using grain free dog food and just using general high quality dog food instead?

I guess you'll just have to watch him like a hawk , and as soon as the base of the tail lifts , slip a little dish under his vent to collect a sample.

[Angcious]

I hope Ventress is ok and that this will be resolved shortly! But I have to say...I think this has been one of the most informative and interesting discussions!!

[Suzle87]

Vet has emailed his findings-
Dear Suzanne,

Thank you for bring in the sample from Ventress. I have had a look at it, and my interpretation is as follows;
'Urine sample' examined. Looks more like urates deposits. Some orange/brown deposits on these as well.
Possibly endoparasite eggs, however checked microscopically and diagnosis not obvious. ​
​
Three options ongoing, either;​
1. faecal sample to PALS for floatation and microscopy​
2. routine worming via fenbendazole, especially if not performed recently
or 3. x-ray to confirm no underlying bladder pathology/stones etc. ​

- I’m going to worm him and get the X-rays - he was worked when I first got him, what can they get worms from? He’s not out in the wild or near any other reptiles so I didn’t think he could catch new parasites?

[canadskinklover]

Hey there. Wanted to say, I really appreciate all the information posted here everyone! I've dealt with this issue myself and it's been great to find info on it, has been hard to track down.

I've taken my skink to the vet for a full fecal analysis of this issue and it was completely inconclusive. Bloodwork was suggested, but the vet was not confident they could take a proper sample, and I haven't tracked down a local vet I trust for this sadly.
I've tried about everything else under the sun. Cutting out d3, reducing calcium, keeping the tank always humid and water always full.. the issue will disapear for weeks on end, then one day, crystals in the urate again.
At this point I'm totally lost. My vet only suggested it was a pigment from dandelion greens and in my heart I've feared the worst. If you learn anything new I'd love to know. I keep thinking I've fixed the problem when the issue goes away, only for it to return again.. love my skink so much and just want to provide the best for her.

[Suzle87]

We have Ventress’ X-ray at 8:45am tomorrow.
He still has crystals on his urate and seems to be struggling to pass things slightly, he opens his mouth when going to the loo.
Il keep you all posted, needless to say I’m worried sick.
He seems fine in himself, running around, eating, being nosey. So time will tell what is going on.
Please have your fingers crossed for us that it’s something simple to treat and he will be right as rain soon.

[kayla990]

Just wanted to say good luck! Given the options from the vet, it sounds the best choice to go for both the de-wormer and xray as you did. It's a good question about where the parasite/worm eggs come from in the first place. Seems a common answer is from prey items (crickets, snails etc) or just from them walking through their own waste (I think it's the case for all creatures for pinworms, including people). It seems there are not many ways to fully prevent it from happening..

Fingers crossed for the results tomorrow! At least he'll be seen by an expert, and that he's currently acting his usual way

[Suzle87]

Just wanted to say good luck! Given the options from the vet, it sounds the best choice to go for both the de-wormer and xray as you did. It's a good question about where the parasite/worm eggs come from in the first place. Seems a common answer is from prey items (crickets, snails etc) or just from them walking through their own waste (I think it's the case for all creatures for pinworms, including people). It seems there are not many ways to fully prevent it from happening..

Fingers crossed for the results tomorrow! At least he'll be seen by an expert, and that he's currently acting his usual way

Thanks Kayla, il keep you posted. X

[Suzle87]

Just left the vets... they want to keep him for the day to do the xrays. I feel physically sick leaving him there. Honestly, worst feeling ever, waking him up and taking him somewhere and just leaving him. Urgh. Just thought I’d update.

[Suzle87]

Got a very moody ven home again now.
X-ray was all clear (we just found out he has the cutest pelvis ever)
Bone density is good
No sign of any stones anywhere
So the vets just said change up his diet a bit, change brand of calcium and then see what happens from there

A18411E3-4146-45DF-96E3-81D57F3B9728.jpeg

[mb606587]

The mystery continues...Glad the vet gave him the OK though

[canadskinklover]

Oh, and I wanted to add this information to my last post. When I took skink for fecal analysis, the vet found some worms, but she told me they were beneficial worms. She said they actually helped with the skink's digestion. So i guess not all worms in the skink are bad?
Has anyone else heard of this?

[canadskinklover]

Thanks for following up with your vet post. I've been keeping an eye on this thread and appreciate the info

[kayla990]

So interesting to see his xray! Don't have anything to add, but glad overall he sounds like he's behaving normally

When I took skink for fecal analysis, the vet found some worms, but she told me they were beneficial worms

First time hearing of this, but very possible. Can't find reptile related articles so far on the subject.. If you come across more info, would be cool to see!