strange crust on T's leg joints

[kevinarmour]

I saw this formation on the joints of several of my tarantula's legs, Ive seen some clear fluid from time to time which i know means shes getting ready to molt but, now there is like a crusty substance forming on the bottom side of her leg joints its a white color and on the top of her leg joints there are some quit noticeable amber colored scab looking things. Also on her head there is some small white flakes it almost looks like dandruff. yes i know its not that but i did check her cage for mites and shes clean its not mites because they don't move at all.. Ive checked all my books and i cant find anything that even describes whats going on..

 

[Jterry]

It would seem to me that something happened to your T's leg joints and it's leaking small amounts of hemolymph. I haven't had any personal experience with hemolymph leaks, but I imagine that it would dry up and get crusty if left alone. I would say don't try to pull it off- leave it there, and try to put some super glue on the areas that seem to be leaking. Also...

Ive seen some clear fluid from time to time which i know means shes getting ready to molt

I'm don't know if that is correct. I could be wrong, but as far I know they don't leak clear fluid during premolt. I haven't heard of leaking fluid meaning anything except for hemolymph.

Good luck!!

 

[Tweak]

I've also never heard of fluid leaking pre molt. I think Jterry is right and the most likely scenario is that the "crust" is dried tarantula "blood" which is NOT a good sign. Although, hemolymph usually has issues clotting on its own which is why it is so important to act fast and help clot it yourself. Either way, if you notice anymore liquid, dab corn starch or flour on there to aid in stopping the flow. Hope this helps

 

[Jared781]

Im with Jterry on this one as well.. T scab! lol

 

[lunashimmer]

Some questions:
1. What breed of t is she?
2. How big is she? Does she have an especially large abdomen?
3. Has she fallen recently that you've noticed?
4. What is your substrate/enclosure situation?

I agree with the other answers...it's prolly hemolymph, which is not necessarily a problem if it happens occasionally. However, if it continues happening on a regular basis, then you need to look at your husbandry practices to figure out why. AFAIK, leaking hemolymph regularly is not a normal tarantula thing, and will not make for a long-lived pet.

 

[grayzone]

It would seem to me that something happened to your T's leg joints and it's leaking small amounts of hemolymph. I haven't had any personal experience with hemolymph leaks, but I imagine that it would dry up and get crusty if left alone. I would say don't try to pull it off- leave it there, and try to put some super glue on the areas that seem to be leaking. Also...



I'm don't know if that is correct. I could be wrong, but as far I know they don't leak clear fluid during premolt. I haven't heard of leaking fluid meaning anything except for hemolymph.

Good luck!!

im with Jterry 100% EXCEPT THE HIGHLIGHTED PART do NOT use super glue in the leg joints:wink: use a flour mixture or something that wont immobilize the t or limit its movements

 

[Shell]

i use a flour mixture or something that wont immobilize the t or limit its movements

Flour or cornstarch would be my recommendations to attempt to stop bleeding on a tarantula. As a vet tech, we always recommended using either of those 2 on pets nails, if their owner cut a little too deep (and they had no access to the silver nitrate sticks that we typically used). They work well to stop the bleeding (provided the wound isn't too deep), and would be what I would use on my tarantulas to stop bleeding. I would not use glue, or nail polish or any of those that I've heard some people suggest.