Shedding in Reptiles
Shedding (ecdysis) is a natural process by which reptiles replace old skin and scales. It helps maintain proper skin health and allows their hard, scaly skin to grow along with the rest of the body. Healthy animals shed regularly, and owners will often find long sheets of discarded skin in the enclosure. Some species, such as the leopard gecko, will eat their shed skin to prevent predators from tracking their scent. Normal shedding can take several days and the skin typically comes off in long, complete sheets.
Retained Shed (Dysecdysis)
Retained or abnormal shed is a common condition in captive reptiles in which the animal is unable to remove its old skin properly. Retained shed can lead to serious health problems including constriction injuries, eye damage, and sites of infection or parasitic infestation. Rather than coming off in sheets, retained shed will stay on the body for an extended period and typically peels off in patches.
Signs of retained shed include:
- Pieces of old skin stuck to the body
- Dull or faded coloration
- Buildup of skin in creases or folds
- Digits or tail tips that appear pinched or constricted
- Necrosis (tissue death) of the toes or tail tip in severe cases
Retained shed is most often secondary to another issue and can be an indicator of illness. The most common causes are related to inappropriate husbandry and diet. Other causes include skin parasites, bacterial infections, injury, and inadequate access to rough surfaces to assist shedding. Nutritional deficiencies — especially vitamin A — are another common cause, making appropriate diet and supplementation important. Please refer to the care sheets on our website for species-specific guidance. If your pet is not listed, ask us or your veterinarian for more information.
A Special Note on Snakes
Snakes lack true eyelids and instead have a clear scale covering each eye called a spectacle, which normally sheds along with the rest of the skin. Retained spectacles often make a snake’s eyes appear cloudy and may cause impaired vision. Do not attempt to remove retained spectacles on your own — this can cause serious eye damage. Contact your veterinarian for guidance. In many cases, the retained spectacle will come off with the next body shed.
What to Do if You Suspect Retained Shed
If you think your pet has retained shed, a veterinary evaluation is recommended. Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam and work with you to optimize the enclosure environment and diet. Further diagnostics may be recommended to evaluate systemic health and determine the underlying cause.
Constriction injuries of the tail and digits are common with retained shed, as dried skin shrinks and cuts off circulation. Amputation may be recommended if the constricted tissue is no longer viable.
While waiting to see your veterinarian, do not attempt to remove retained shed on your own — removing scales prematurely can be painful and cause injury to the underlying skin. In the meantime:
- Ensure the temperature and humidity in the enclosure are appropriate for your species
- Provide access to rough surfaces such as branches and rocks to help facilitate exfoliation
- Try soaking your pet in warm water for 10 minutes to help hydrate the skin and assist removal
