What I would probably do is place the snail in a breeder trap if possible, that way it isn't doing acrobatic movements for the next week or so. Also, if you can, and depending what the tank temp is, lower the temp to about 74. This will slow its metabolism down in order for the shell to repair itself from the inside out. Do water changes to keep the quality PRISTINE, and feed tempting foods rich with calcium to keep it eating. Depending on what the picture shows (its hard to get clear ones of the suckers sometimes), you may or may not need to patch. Do you see any soft tissue exposed? Does the crack look "tight" or does it appear to be "looser"?
Emergency! Snail in Trouble HELP!
- Thread starter Hollygirl
- Start date
You can see the crack better on these. He's moving normally, and this is this thin layer of shell that is kind of dangling. You can't see it too good on these photos but I think you can see the crack better.
ouch, i would recommend posting over at www.applesnail.net in the snail illness section to see if they can advise you on to patch or not to patch. I have been fortunate thus far and haven't ever had to do it, and don't feel comfortable advising you on technique or making the decision. It is promising that he is moving around and acting well, but you want to minimize further damage. I wish all the best of luck, and please keep us posted.
I can see where the crack is, its just hard to tell if soft tissue is exposed. I know with fissures (which are like cracks but genetic), often they are left to heal on their own unless they seal over on the ends and the middle is left open. Does it seem like the shell is stably attached? I would isolate him from the others, just to prevent any breeding behavior.
I don't know if this makes a difference, but I do know that the crack wasn't caused by me removing him from that death trap ornament. I decided to give removing him a try after I saw that crack, so it had to be from pressure from him trying to escape? All I know is I feel like smacking myself since I did think about that stupid hole at the top of that cave. I sure will let you guys know what happens with "Andy". By the way, that's this snails' name.
His shell is attached okay - no problems there. There is this thin layer of shell that came off where the crack is. I keep watching him to see if I can get a picture of it but right now he is buried in the hornwort, which is very normal for him. I find him in there all of the time. His "face" is okay too. Eyes and feelers are 100% normal and that "siphon" type appendage has been in and out a couple of times. When I got him out of that hole, I touched him to get him to close up. I was able to get a closer look and that is when I noticed the crack. I don't think I did any further damage when I got him loose. Once he closed up it seemed a little easier to get my finger around him from the inside of the ornament.
If it were my snail, I would probably just isolate and monitor him. If he is acting well, its most likely he will repair himself. As long as you don't see any soft tissue exposed, and as long as he is not being mounted by other male snails, I would think Andy has a great chance at recovery.
There is no heater in the snail tank, but I do have a thermometer (sticks on the side type) and it is around 73 to 74 in the tank right now. When you say "soft tissue" exposure, what should I be looking for? As far as mounting behavior, I have the other gold snail that has been mounting one of the blue snails on and off for a couple of days now. Andy is the largest snail and the other 3 don't go near him. I do have a 3 gallon Eclipse that I can put him in (actually the snails original home after it wasn't working out with the fish).
Should I feed him the same diet? It has been fresh zucchini and spinach, as well as shrimp pellets, algae tabs, and loach tablets. Should I add anything?
