Retained Eye Cap

[guidofatherof5]

Possibly an abrasion to the cap or an infection. I just don't know.

[guidofatherof5]

While checking on my T.s.concinnus males I saw this one with a retained eye cap. Notice in the upper left and lower bottom of the eye there is shed attached to the cap.
This is always good to see as it aids in removal.
Removal for me usually entails a damp cotton cloth and a light rub at the shed skin location. The fibers in the towel catch on the shed and pops the cap off.
This time I tried something new. I have always been steadfast against any kind of tape and snakes but a post by thamneil started me thinking.( http://www.thamnophis.com/forum/husb...tml#post218826 post #13)

I decided to try a piece of scotch tape, 3M brand. I felt the risk was minimal since the tape would only be in contact with the retained cap. If I were uncertain there was a retained cap I would have never tried this.
I lightly brushed the tape over the cap and it popped right off.
As I said before, I would have never attempted this if I wasn't 100% certain there was a retained cap. I do believe damage can be done if used on a normal eye cap.

[i_heart_sneakie_snakes]

This is a great thread indeed. I always check the ladies sheds for eye caps. We are lucky to have not had any issues, but it is good information to know just in case!!!

[mikem]

yea, I've heard about scotch tape to remove stuck eye caps. Never had to do it myself...yet. Glad everything went smoothly.

[thamneil]

Good to know that it worked for you Steve! I prefer masking tape myself as the adhesive is extremely weak. Can take multiple tries though. Whatever works!

[guidofatherof5]

Good to know that it worked for you Steve! I prefer masking tape myself as the adhesive is extremely weak. Can take multiple tries though. Whatever works!

I guess in my mind scotch tape would have the weaker adhesive.

[mikem]

you can stick it to a shirt or towel first. The tape will pick up lint from the material and isn't as sticky.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

Whats scotch tape?

[guidofatherof5]

The desk dispenser type.

[guidofatherof5]

Just noticed this morning that this female Red Sided garter (T.s.parietalis) has a retained eye cap.
Since it has been on for awhile I will wait for the next shed to take care of the problem.

*Update*

This is a strange retained eye cap or should I say partial retained cap on the above T.s.p.
Anyone ever seen this before?

*Update*
This female shed the other day and the eye is back to normal.
It took another shed cycle to complete the healing but the eye is looking good.
This was one of those situations where doing nothing was best. The last thing I wanted to do was damage her eye.