Tarantula Health Advice
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The most common problem with a moulting tarantula is old skin not coming away correctly during its moult. If this occurs, it can be removed using a damp, fine brush. Gentle brush the old skin so it becomes damp and loose. Extreme care must be used as the tarantula will still be soft and weak from its moult, and excess pressure can seriously injure the tarantula further. Another common problem is the tarantula getting stuck in the middle of its moult. A fine mist water spay should therefore be used to help soften the old skin, making the moult easier to come out of. If you suspect that your tarantula is having difficulty moulting, the best advice is just to watch it moult but try not to intervene unless absolutely necessary.
If a tarantula loses a limb during its moult, it will re-grow over time. Spiderlings and Juveniles will most likely grow back a new limb on its next moult. With older spiders, the time for re-growth will increase, and may take a few moult for its limb to return to normal.
Mould is one of the most common infections for tarantulas. Due the hot and humid environments, they are very susceptible to mould growth around the book lung and abdomen. Caught early it can be treated, but once it has spread to the internals of the tarantula, it is usually fatal. The signs are a yellow/white plume on the abdomen and often on the tips of the legs. Tarantulas may often shed part of the infected area to prevent its spread. If not, an antiseptic solution such as 'Betadine' should be applied several times to the area to kill off the infection. Only water-based antiseptic should be used as to not harm the tarantula.
Tarantulas kept in poor conditions are likely to show signs of dehydration. It is one of the most common ailments in captive tarantulas. Symptoms often include undergrowth, a wrinkled appearance, and more commonly, a shrunken abdomen. Contrary to belief, it is not only a sign of lack of water. Tarantulas can become dehydrated from a lack of food which in themselves hold a substantial amount of moisture and nutrition. Should dehydration occur, a wide water bowl with shallow water should be given. The tarantula will then sit there for minutes to hours, building up their lost fluid by lowering their prosoma into the water bowl.
The most common tarantula injuries occur from moulting problems or falls. Therefore the best way to ensure your tarantula stays healthy is to plan ahead. When you tarantula is coming up to a moult, ensure the tank stays humid, to moulting is easy and your tarantula can easily get out of its old skin. To prevent injuries from falls, ensure the enclosure is safe. Do not place hard objects on the ground like rocks. If your tarantula is of terrestrial species, make sure the substrate is built up high enough so there is not a large fall if it climbs. Should a rupture of the abdomen occur, applying Vaseline to the wound will slow or even stop the bleeding.
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Please note that all information represents our own views and
experiences, and those of other experienced breeders and hobbyists who we have worked closely alongside. Winston's Web
therefore holds no responsibility. If in doubt, ask a qualified
herpetological veterinary surgeon.
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