Retic Breathing and Scale Problems

[bigsnakegirl785]

Originally Posted by MDT

kingolive... just a bit of advice. Firstly, the repti-carpet needs to go. Look into other substrates that will hold moisture better and easier to keep clean. Additionally, that heat bulb is baking your retic, unless you have it and the UTH on a thermostat, you'll never be able to regulate temps properly. Your retic needs a gradient of heat from high 70's on one end to high 80's on warm side. Lastly, yes, take to a qualified retile vet. The lack of humidity didn't cause the infection per se (that is either from bacteria, viruses, or fungi), but the quality of husbandry ( poor humidity, temps, etc) will cause the animal to be stressed and lower the ability to fight off infectious organisms. You will need an exam and most likely lab studies to determine the cause and best treatment for your animal.

Too low of humidity can dry out the mucus membranes, causing damage, and opening them up to infections by destroying that protective layer. Low humidity can definitely be a cause of an RI (depending on how you look at it), retics should have constant high humidity of 70-80%+.