10/20/2026
Tiny Tuesday - This little house gecko might be our smallest patient ever, weighing in at less than 1 gram, at only 0.64g!😍
This teeny-tiny cute friend, Dandelion, came in with stuck shed on the feet and tail and possible weight loss. The f***l sample was negative for parasites, which was good news.
Dr. Borger gently removed the retained shed and discussed humidity, soaking, and Vitamin A. (Never forcefully remove stuck shed, as it can tear tissue and cause injury.) For soaking, use plain, lukewarm water deep enough to cover just the belly and feet and not the head. Dr. Borger sent Dandelion home with Emeraid Carnivore Care for supplemental feeding to help with weight gain.
Stuck shed, medically known as dysecdysis, is very common in pet reptiles. A stuck shed can cause discomfort, restricted movement, and stress. Depending on where the shed is retained, it can affect circulation and potentially damage small body parts, so it is good that Dandelion no longer has shed stuck to those little feet and tail.
Low humidity, vitamin A deficiency, dehydration, cooler temperatures, lack of rough surfaces like bark or stone, stress, and underlying health concerns can all potentially contribute to retained shed, so it is important to consider all aspects of care and talk to your reptile’s veterinarian about proper husbandry. This is why we always spend time during appointments discussing enclosures, temperatures, humidity, lighting, and diet.
Isn’t Dandelion adorable? Do you have a small pet? Do you think Dandelion is our smallest patient ever?🦎🤗
