How do u tell if a snake has retained eyecaps?

Herpguy55 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2002, 04:59 AM

How do u tell if the eye caps are still on a BP does it look silver or what?
My BP has 1 of its eyes silver, does that mean it is blind in that eye or what thanks a lot.

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Kody Miller aka Herpguy55

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Kohm · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2002, 05:32 AM

A snake's eyes and skin turn cloudy before a shed. If one eye cap is still silver, that means that it was not shed along with the rest of the skin. This may bw due to a scar on the eye cap that prevents a proper whole shed. A retained eye cap will have to be surgically removed, so see your vet. At the moment, it has little effect on the snake. However, if left alone, a built-up of old scales will effectively blind the snake or lead to infection.

Hope this helps!
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XzyluM · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2002, 05:53 AM

If it's looking cloudy or silver, then it is most likely a retained eye cap. However, retained eye caps do not have to be surgicial removed. If it's just one retained eye cap on the snake, then wait until he sheds again, it should eventually come off with the new shed. If not, there is some procedures to remove them, if those do not work, then it may require a vet visit. Retained eye can and will cause blindness.
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JuliusSqueezer · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2002, 06:18 PM

I never leave them even if just one. They drive me nuts. Just soak the snake for a couple of hours in tepid water. (optional-a couple of drops of shed ease which is really just a very mild diluted hand soap...use this info as you will) they actually sometimes come off in the soak. if not, rub a little mineral oil on the eye or eyes..wait a few minutes...the mineral oil will soften the dried eyecap. then it should slide right off with just a little gentle rubbing. There is a layer of skin over the eyeball...hence the old eyecap. the new eyecap will protect the eye grom your gentle rubbing so you won't injure it....NEVER pull on an eyecap. This can dislodge the new eyecap and cause blindness, serious infection and death.

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