Shanjing Shedding Problem

[jeff]

The other day I checked on my shanjing, only to find that her skin shed had gotten stuck on her back legs and tail. Her legs were kicked straight out, parallel to her tail. It looked like she'd been hog-tied with her own shed. When I picked her up she started to squirm, but the only thing squirming around was the bottom half of her tail. It was really sad. I quickly moved her to a water bath and let her soak for a good five minutes before the skin was loose enough to remove. After removal she was still unable to move her back legs for a good half hour as she continued to soak in the water. After that she was perfectly fine.

I'm thinking an excess build-up of lactic acid was the cause of her temporary paralysis, as she probably struggled for a day or two to rid of her shed before I found her.

I think the real question is how the problem occured in the first place. I doubt the set-up was too dry, as I mist it down every 1-2 days. Has anybody else experienced this?

 

[foster]

Hi Jeff,
How damp is the substrate? I keep my shanjing in a 50 gal breeder tank with most of the substrate very moist. I do provide a dry area however so the animals can choose. So far I have yet to encounter a shedding problem.
Chip

 

[jeff]

The substrate is definitely not dry, it's moist to the touch. Of course, I found her underneath in a hiding spot that may not get water. I'll have to check that spot for dryness when I get home.