Shedding (ecdysis) is a natural process in reptile species by which they replace old skin and scales. This process helps them maintain proper skin health and allows their hard, scaly skin to grow with the rest of their body. Healthy animals will shed regularly and owners will often find long sheets of discarded scales in their pet’s enclosure. Some species, such as the leopard gecko, will eat their discarded shed as a method of preventing predators from tracking them. Normal shedding can take several days to complete and the skin will usually come off in long sheets - but should always be complete.

Retained or abnormal shed (dysecdysis) is a common condition in captive reptile species in which the animal is unable to remove its old skin layers properly. Retained shed can lead to numerous health problems including constriction injuries, injury to the eyes, and creating places for infectious agents or parasites. Animals with retained shed will retain it for an extended period and it will typically come off in patches instead of sheets. Signs of retained shed include pieces of old skin stuck to the body, dull colors, build-up of skin in creases, and digits or tails that look pinched and toes that can even necrose (die). 

Retained shed is most often secondary to another issue and can be an indicator of illness. The most common causes of retained shed are related to inappropriate diet and husbandry. Other causes of retained shed include skin parasites, bacterial infections, injury and inadequate access to rough surfaces to assist shedding.  It is important to provide your animal with an environment that closely matches their natural temperatures and humidity. The environment should stimulate natural behaviors as well. Nutritional deficiencies are another common cause of retained shed, especially vitamin A, making it important to provide an appropriate diet with calcium and vitamin supplementation. Please refer to the care sheets provided on our website for more information on proper care for your animal. If your pet is not listed on our website, ask us or your veterinarian for more information on proper care.

Snakes are a special case as they lack true eyelids and instead have a clear scale covering their eyes called a spectacle. This scale will normally come off with the rest of the shed. Snakes may have retained spectacles which will often make the snake’s eyes appear cloudy and they may have impaired vision. If your snake has retained spectacles, do NOT try to remove them on your own as this may damage the eyes and seek veterinary advice and recommendations. In many cases, the retained spectacle may be shed with the next body shed.

If you think your pet has retained shed, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Your veterinarian will do a full physical exam on your pet and work with you to provide an appropriate environment and diet. Your veterinarian may recommend further diagnostics to evaluate your pet’s systemic health and determine why they have retained shedding. Constriction injuries of the tail and digits are common with retained shed as the skin will shrink as it dries. Your veterinarian may recommend amputation if the constricted tissue no longer appears viable. While you are waiting to see your veterinarian, do NOT try to remove the retained shed on your own. Removing scales prematurely can be painful and cause injury to the underlying skin. Ensure the temperature and humidity in your pet’s enclosure is appropriate for their species. You should also provide your pet access to rough surfaces such a branches and rocks to help them exfoliate. You may also try soaking your pet in warm water for 10 minutes to help hydrate the skin and facilitate removal.