Wild blue tongue losing its flesh on its face. Any idea why?

[MacC]

We have a wild BTS in our yard in Sydney, which is clearly not very well. We'll be taking it to a vet today, but I am curious to find out here if anyone may have experienced anything like this. We don't see it everyday, but the past couple of times we have seen it we figured it wasn't looking too healthy, but after reading a bit online, we figured it must be shedding its skin. However, after looking closely at it now, it's clear that it is actually losing its flesh on its face, and we can see the exposed lower jawbone and nose. It also seems to have lost or damaged its eyes. It's like it has a flesh eating disease or parasite, but I cannot find info on anything resembling this issue online. It is still alive and moving (although slowly), but the poor thing must be in huge discomfort or pain. I know the vet today may be able to tell us more, but I was wondering if anyone here has any knowledge of this issue?

[splashy07]

Being from the US I am no expert on wild skinks, but this one looks like it had an altercation with another animal. Hopefully the vet can help him, poor thing.

[Janella]

Yes, I totally agree. This one has either been hit, bite by another animal, attacked, etc. Thanks for helping it! Hopefully, a good reptile vet will be able to help it and get it feeling better asap.

[MacC]

Thanks Janella and Splashy07 for your replies. Yeah, we were wondering if it had maybe been attacked. Unfortunately there are a number of cats in the neighbourhood which roam around, and I wouldn't be surprised if one of them has got to it. We were only able to drop it off at the vet yesterday without getting any diagnosis or prognosis, but we'll follow up with them and see if they are able to help it. I'll post here to let you know. Thanks again.

[MacC]

Sadly the vet had to euthanize it. They agreed it was probably attacked by a cat or a bird. Which makes us think now that it might have been magpies which had been pecking it. Poor thing. Our kids will be devastated, as they had been trying to befriend it for ages. We feel really bad, as we had originally assumed it was shedding its skin, but never really took a closer look. Will definitely remember to look with more care if we find any more living in our yard.

[Janella]

Awe, I am so sorry to hear this. Remember you did your best and tried to help an innocent animal. It is hard, but you helped.