Very sick elderly mature male

[spideyspinneret78]

Mowgli (P. ornata) has been mature for almost 2.5 years. He was still eating and behaving normally up until a few weeks ago. Over the last few weeks, he's completely stopped grooming himself and is starting to look a little rough. He's mildly ataxic and trembles slightly when he walks. Feces have become caked around his anus as a result, but he was still defecating normally for a while. Today I'm afraid that he's impacted. I have literally seem him straining to poop and nothing comes out. I know that he's on essentially on borrowed time since he's very old, but I don't want him to suffer either. I'm debating if I should A) catch him and attempt to clean him off in an attempt to dislodge the obstruction, B) leave him alone in his enclosure to die naturally, or C) euthanize him. I don't want him to be uncomfortable but at the same time I don't want to cause him huge amounts of stress by catching him. Since he is a P. ornata, there's also the concern of safety, both his and mine. It's a tough decision. I'd like to hear your opinions.

 

[Olan]

Putting a big T in the freezer certainly doesn’t work instantly, takes a while for them to cool down. I typically let nature take its course with males.

 

[viper69]

Get your hand in there, and take one for the team!

I let all MMs die on their own

 

[spideyspinneret78]

Yes, that's what I'm thinking too. I don't think the stress it would cause is worth it. It may even kill him.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Let him pass on his own.

 

[Arachnophobphile]

I let my MM's die on their own except for the one that molted again and was completely encased in it's old exoskeleton. I had to euthanize that one.

I have a MM T. albopilosus that matured on 6/17/22. He's still going and he just ate a couple of days ago.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

Personally, I would try to clean him or euthanize in one instant moment, same as I would for a female that was suffering. I wish you strength in whatever you choose.

 

[Charliemum]

If he isn't grooming there is no point in cleaning him it will only keep happening from build up, you would need to clean him everytime he pooped. It's harsh but the truth, it maybe time to let go.
Easier said then done especially after you've had him so long. I don't envy your decision, but whatever you choose I send positive vibes n love for you n Mowgli. He has had the best life he could with you, he was adored and well looked after ,what more could a spoody ask for .

 

[jennywallace]

Yeah I usually leave them to die naturally. Best wishes for whatever you choose, not a nice decision to have to make.