GBB book lung abcess?

[tygar]

Hello,
I've had this GBB for over one year now. I bought it from a local shop who sells /ships tarantulas, spiders, and feeders, and does have a fairly knowledgeable staff. This particular specimen had mites when they received it, and the "spider guy" at the store treated it. He know he used a petroleum based product of some sort to remove the stubborn ones. The store is always very transparent and honest, so I knew up front the T had prior treatment.

I have not had any issue with mites at all, but this T has had a lesion of some sort on its abdomen, over a book lung - which has been there through three successful molts. By the way, the lesion was not there when I bought it. It appeared after the first molt with me, when it was still showing juvie colors.

It just reappeared, after being burrowed up for a couple of months. I thought that maybe it didn't make it through this last molt, because of the growth - but, indeed it is still alive and looking beautiful - except for that darn lesion! Every molt, I have hoped it would miraculously heal, and each time, it is still there.

My question is: what the heck IS it? It is dry. I have never witnessed any "leaking". At first, I thought maybe it had injured itself, but I am not sure how if would have happened. Is it scarring possibly? From the prior treatment? Is there anything I can do to treat it? I fear it will eventually prove fatal, due to a mismolt - but if there is anything I can do, I will try. It (I think it's a boy, but can't get a good molt to sex it) is eating and seems OK. Not the heaviest webber, but it does produce a good amount. Dedicated T room - Temp 75.8, room humidity 30-35% (running humidifier and oscillating fan), full water dish overflowed when filled.
Any advice would be fantastic! Thank you!

 

[fcat]

I hope I'm wrong but I looks like the book lung has prolapsed.

I've been nursing an unknown injury or cyst in the first set of book lungs for about 3 or 4 molts now as well. One molt it looked like the whole lung had prolapsed, the next it looked better. She has been acting fine the whole time...albeit hungry; if it's a cyst the best thing you can do is try to keep the abdomen on the smaller side.

I keep corn starch by her enclosure just in case.

 

[tygar]

Thank you! I hope it isn't a prolapse. It looks pretty similar to your pic, actually. I hope someone can offer up some knowledge for us!

The corn starch will be moved to this room.

 

[fcat]

I would try to get a picture showing the profile of the affected area...to demonstrate whether or not it is raised, symmetrical, etc for others to review

 

[tygar]

I'm taking these through the acrylic and it is dirty with water spots. Lol.
There's definitely a "hole" in it.

 

[viper69]

Images are not helpful, resolution is too poor.

It is very odd looking that’s for sure. It looks like tissue is exposed here…

Id bring it to a vet if you can

 

[TheraMygale]

It definitely looks like its the book lung area that is affected. And the texture and structure is different from most abcesses i have seen in this forum.

there are very view ressources in terms of first aid for tarantulas. We are still going through phases of trial and error.

as noted before, avoiding overfeeding will probably help creating excess pressure.

i can only hope for you a soon molt will solve the issue.

with luck, tarantulas can have some sort of power, like humans, where even if one of their lungs is affected, the others will balance. However, its not like we can perform surgery.

at this point, without external advice from a specialist, you’ll have to wait and see.

maybe seek out advice from known breeders like Daves little beasties. People who breed hundreds of tarantulas, will end up seeing things like this and might have some kind of pointer.

and since its not a regular repetitive question, i think you have chances of getting a reply.

 

[tygar]

It definitely looks like its the book lung area that is affected. And the texture and structure is different from most abcesses i have seen in this forum.

there are very view ressources in terms of first aid for tarantulas. We are still going through phases of trial and error.

as noted before, avoiding overfeeding will probably help creating excess pressure.

i can only hope for you a soon molt will solve the issue.

with luck, tarantulas can have some sort of power, like humans, where even if one of their lungs is affected, the others will balance. However, its not like we can perform surgery.

at this point, without external advice from a specialist, you’ll have to wait and see.

maybe seek out advice from known breeders like Daves little beasties. People who breed hundreds of tarantulas, will end up seeing things like this and might have some kind of pointer.

and since its not a regular repetitive question, i think you have chances of getting a reply.

Thank you so much for your help! I have the money for vet care, but unfortunately live in an area where there are no "exotic" Veterinarian's. I may try to ask one of the top breeders. If there is something I can do, I will. I am also going to call some out of town Veterinarian's, to see if I can get some help. It isn't the money. All of my pets deserve proper care. I just need to find it.

 

[TheraMygale]

Thank you so much for your help! I have the money for vet care, but unfortunately live in an area where there are no "exotic" Veterinarian's. I may try to ask one of the top breeders. If there is something I can do, I will. I am also going to call some out of town Veterinarian's, to see if I can get some help. It isn't the money. All of my pets deserve proper care. I just need to find it.

it might not matter, money, for you. But its important to be realistic. Some vets will charge to do tests even if they have dont have the competence for it.

so reach out to the breeders first. And then see. Write to vets out of your local that work with arachnids to get a better idea as well. I dont like ppl getting taken advantage from.

its one thing to pay for tests and time. But if there is no solution, you’ll waste your money.