If a snake is unable to shed at all, will there be health problems? I know they can lose the tip of their tail if it isn't a complete shed but are there more serious consequences for no shed. As in circulatory or breathing problems.
The reason I ask is this. My radix male with scoliosis needed to shed and wasn't mobile enough to do it. I even put the little guy in a shed box, twice. He couldn't even start. He became lathargic with very shallow breathing. I finally soaked him in a sink full of warm water. I had to the manually remove the shed. It was amazing. He allowed me to do the entire thing and never resisted. I have not handled this guy for fear I would injure him but this afternoon I had to be quite forceful. I know it could bring an arguement but I think he knew I wasn't going to hurt him. Once I finished he was able to make his way without any trouble. It was worth the time.
Sometimes a little anthropomorphism is a good thing, for me at least.