Quick question.

[ReptileSeeker]

I intised my monitor out of his burrow with a mouse and a noticed on one of his back feet(can't remember which one) one of his claws were missing and it was bleeding. Haven't seen him today though I dont know if its still bleeding, but wouldn't that just close up and heal? Or should I watch for anything strange?

I also am going to start building his permanent enclosure next Friday.
I know I am VERY late on the build, but I was too lazy to do it. All my fault:no:

[stephanbakir]

He should be fine. If you notice a change, inform us. But I wouldn't advise pulling him out and checking later

[ReptileSeeker]

He should be fine. If you notice a change, inform us. But I wouldn't advise pulling him out and checking later

Okay, I still have to feed him today though. He has a STRONG feeding response. Jumping all out the cage lol.

[stephanbakir]

If it hurts bad enough, he will avoid using that foot, but I doubt it. Varanids ere resilient.

[Barlow]

It usually indicates that you are keeping him without adequate humidity.

[Starbuck]

It usually indicates that you are keeping him without adequate humidity.

How so? :/

[mygabriella]

I disagree on the humidity. Im sure he just caught it on something. Just take a peek at it next time hes out. But im sure hes fine.

[stephanbakir]

I disagree on the humidity. Im sure he just caught it on something. Just take a peek at it next time hes out. But im sure hes fine.

How can you possibly disagree that it COULD be caused by a lack of humidity?

Where did you read the OP's enclosure specifications and heat/humidity levels to determine that they were fine and that the problem lies elsewhere?


To answer the question about how a lack of humidity could cause a nail/toe to be lost... When humidity falls too low, all reptiles have a harder time shedding, when multiple layers of stuck shed build up on toes they could restrict blood flow, the limb lacking blood will eventually necrose and fall off.


Either way, a missing toe nail isn't a huge deal, fix the cause if possible and your golden.

[mygabriella]

I just didnt think a lower humidity could cause a toenail to fall off

[stephanbakir]

Constriction of blood flow can make anything fall off.

[smy_749]

Just buy him fake nails from the dollar store and glue one on. It will also boost his confidence and self esteem.

(disclaimer: Everything I just said was a lie.)

He will be fine, keep an eye on it and if it starts too get worse / look infecte and nasty, then worry about it. If chicks can survive a broken nail, then surely dinosaurs little brothers can.

[DeadlyDesires]

Constriction of blood flow can make anything fall off.
^^ this exactly lol... it *could* be caused by improper husbandry, he could have also gotten it cought on something, toes/nails dont just fall off for no reason for sure

to the OP - what is your humidity at? heat levels? basking spot? and how large is the enclosure? is there any way he could get his foot stuck on anything in there? In my opinion you need to make sure everything is spot on before you just *not worry* about why parts are falling off, personally, i would be freaking out. but if everything is good, then it will more than likely be fine they tend to be hardy to an extent :D

[DeadlyDesires]

I just didnt think a lower humidity could cause a toenail to fall off


low humidity leads to improper sheds which can lead to constricted skin which will make limbs fall off... also they need the moisture for their skin without it it will cause a lot of problems to the reptile.

[smy_749]

How can you possibly disagree that it COULD be caused by a lack of humidity?

Where did you read the OP's enclosure specifications and heat/humidity levels to determine that they were fine and that the problem lies elsewhere?


To answer the question about how a lack of humidity could cause a nail/toe to be lost... When humidity falls too low, all reptiles have a harder time shedding, when multiple layers of stuck shed build up on toes they could restrict blood flow, the limb lacking blood will eventually necrose and fall off.


Either way, a missing toe nail isn't a huge deal, fix the cause if possible and your golden.

I just thought I would emphasize this a third time since deadly decided to repeat exactly what you said, I figure third times the charm.

[mygabriella]

Yeah I would think that would make a toe fall off before a toe nail. I would think he got his nail caught on something.

[mygabriella]

Im not saying its impossible for humidity to cause a nail to fall off, im just saying I think its more likely that it fell off from him digging or something

[murrindindi]

Hi, would be absolutely amazed if low humidity caused a claw to fall off!? I wouldn`t be at all surprised if he/she caught it on something, keep an eye out for any swelling in the toe which would indicate infection (in that case antibiotics may be needed). For now you can use a diluted solution of iodine (one part iodine to fifty parts water), just dab a little on daily. The claw will regrow, it will take a couple of months or so.