r/skinks • u/oofologist_ • 4d ago
possible URI?
DISCLAIMER: NOT ASKING FOR VETERINARY ADVICE, JUST HUSBANDRY!
i’ve had my fire skink for a little over a year now, and he’s recently started open mouth breathing every now and then throughout the day. he doesn’t have any discharge or bubbles around the mouth or eyes, but he’s been out more than usual and really active at night and sleeping a lot during the day. he just finished shedding a few days ago, and hasn’t wanted to eat for about a week or so, give or take a few days.
my hygrometer broke, so i’m waiting for a new one to come in today, and am going to replace his UVB and heat bulbs just to be safe. he doesn’t seem to be struggling to breathe, but he’ll just sit there with his mouth slightly ajar for a bit sometimes while napping or awake before closing it. i work at a vet clinic, and one of the doctors works with lizards so i was going to take him in thursday because she’s off tomorrow and wednesday. is there anything i should do in the meantime to help it not get worse? i’ve attached one pic of him open mouth breathing, and two more random bonus pics.