Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

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Tina B and crew
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Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Tina B and crew »

I know some lizards carry flukes that can be harmful to cats but I am wondering if the southeastern five lined skink falls into that category? The reason I ask is because 1) Lucy caught one that had some how got inside yesterday and 2) I can't seem to find any reliable info online. Now Lucy did not ingest said skink because I caught her before she could. The tail was missing, so it could have been ingested or could be lying around where I can't see it. She did put several puncture wounds in the poor skink. I doubt it survived once I put it out. Is there anything I should watch out for? I know liver problems and their symptoms but is there anything else?

On a cute note - she was proud of herself as she came trotting to me with the wiggling skink in her mouth! I swear she was prancing!
Tina B and "what a crew!"

How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
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Traci
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Re: Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Traci »

You should always follow the rule of thumb for lizards (and toads), assume toxic unless confirmed otherwise by your vet or national poison database (which vets can access).

In this case, I think most vets would say this lizard is not toxic, but please do check with him to be absolutely certain.

Other than the potential for liver flukes, in cases of toxicity by biting or ingesting many varieties of lizards, symptoms may include hypersalivation, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, loss of coordination and, depending on the lizard and toxin, fatality. Vestibular or neurological problems such as dizziness, imbalance and head tilt as well. Keep in mind that these symptoms could also mimic other health conditions, but noting when the cat was bitten or ingested a lizard, contacting vet etc can help narrow down to lizard toxicity or something else.

Call your vet, ask if he can check databases for you to be certain. Chances are, Lucy will not be harmed, but check with your anyway.
..........Traci
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Tina B and crew
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Re: Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Tina B and crew »

Sorry...I'm totally out of it. Wasn't feeling well myself yesterday. Still keeping an eye on Lucy, but she's eating well and doesn't seem to have any ill effects.

Lucy seems fine. She only had the skink in her mouth for a few seconds I think. I grabbed it and threw out on the deck, still alive. Much to my surprise I saw it out there yesterday and then this morning I saw it sitting in front of the door this morning! Looking in....as if to say "I'll get you my pretty!" It's the same skink because I got a close look and it has several wounds on its body, no tail, and seems to have an injured leg. But it's alive and kicking - somewhat.
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How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
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Traci
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Re: Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Traci »

Poor thing, maybe it's looking for a nice sunning spot!
..........Traci
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Tina B and crew
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Re: Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Tina B and crew »

Another one got in to today and was ganged up on by all the cats!! Grrrr!!! I caught it and found it's tail and put it outside. Not sure this one will make it, it was smaller and a bit worse off than the other one. I think I found where they are coming in but I have to find a way to seal it. It's at the base of the sliding glass door, where it meets the track. Not sure how easy it will be to "seal" without interfering with the movement of the door but I will see what I can come up with.
Tina B and "what a crew!"

How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
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Traci
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Re: Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Traci »

Ask hubby if plain old silicone caulking would work. Make sure the silicone can't be accessible to the inside part of the doors where cats can access - silicone doesn't smell good until it's thoroughly dry. I've noticed the clear type silicone, while not totally pliable after drying, doesn't dry hard as a rock so may allow for some flexibility, but I'm not an expert!
..........Traci
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Re: Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Traci »

On second thought, after reading exactly where the hole is, get some rubber weather stripping for the bottom of the door. This will seal the door when closed and will allow for sliding it when needed. You'll have to measure for the strip, adjust as necessary when applying it. It might stick during certain seasons, depending on how it's applied and measured correctly.
..........Traci
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Tina B and crew
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Re: Five lined skink - toxic to cats?

Post by Tina B and crew »

I was thinking weather stripping myself. It has to flex so that when the door is opened it doesn't prevent a smooth slide. It's such a small spot right at the bottom it may be tough to get to but I'll see what I can get done this weekend.
Tina B and "what a crew!"

How we behave towards cats here below determines our status in heaven ~Robert A. Heinlein
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