HCA: Hermit Crab Association

My Ecuadorian (about 2 inches across /3 inches when spread out) was trying to change shells. She'd stayed in her shell way too long and could not get out of her's for anything. She's been straining and struggling desperately to get out of her shell for the last 4 days almost to exhaustion.

So this afternoon, after watching Munchie take yet another saltwater bath and try to leverage her shell off between anything she could brace her shell against to swivel out of it...I added a few drops of peanut oil to her salt water.

The peanut oil did not harm her and she seemed to understand I was trying to help her. But then when this also failed, and a nap didn't help either...she SUDDENLY walked over to the table edge stepped off...

And the back underside/bottom of her shell fell/broke/shattered out!

She is not bleeding and is moving around and active. However, when her shell shattered around the back/bottom portion of her body, her outer skin (the sack that holds her intestines in/against/next to/with her body) was sliced open. So when she moves a small part of her intestine pushes through. It is like a hernia.

She is no longer trying to take off the confining shell. However, I do not know what to do. I know she cannot live.

But she is acting so happy and loving now that her shell isn't squeezing her...

I am keeping her warm and moist with dechlorinated water to drink and moist paper towels. But she wants to play and cuddle and curl up next to me...like we always do...

Can anyone help me? Should have her put down?

Did you have her out of her tank, and she fell off a table?

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Is the broken shell still on her? If not she ought to be offered a few larger shells to change into, of course, because she'll dehydrate sans shell.

Now, I'm going to preface this with a warning that I am not the most experienced crabber. I'm hoping a more experienced member will chime in!

But what I would do if the opening of the shell is still stuck around her & can't be eased off, is to take a metal nail file (or a narrow wood file) and file through the narrowest point where the shell is still intact. Obviously you'd have to be very cautious and it would take a long time.

But let her see if she can get out herself first.

As to the abdomen, the best thing for her is a molt. You can't put anything on it that would impede a molt.

Offer organic raw honey, and lots of fresh veggies, meat, seaweed, peanut butter. .. all the nutritious stuff she'll need to be strong and heal herself during her next molt.

Finally, here is the emergency template to fill out:

http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 27&t=46102


This will let members of the forum see if there are any improvements to her care that can be made to help her get better!

I hope she can pull through.

Keep us updated!

kieagcarm,

Yes, I had her on a table when she fell. She had been holding my sleeve...then just let go. I don't know why...

LadyJinglyJones,

Yes the shell is still on her and won't come off.

I'm taking her to the Colorado State University Vetrinary Teaching Hospital today.

I'll keep you posted...thank you.

I'm so sorry to hear this. You must be so worried for her. I know I would be. In another online crab forum I know of someone who has rescued multiple large crabs (Aussies) who had become stuck in their shells. Two of the shells even had to be broken and carefully removed using pliers. It was scary and traumatic and only one of those two survived but she is thriving now. Those all exhibited similar behaviors: soaking in the saltwater, struggling to get out. Large crabs are old and very smart. I have zero proof, but I personally wouldn't be surprised if your crab was deliberately trying to break her shell to get free, especially since you witnessed her struggling mightily beforehand. Please keep us posted. I do hope you have a good outcome. And i, for one, would not suggest euthanasia at this point, not if she doesn't appear to be suffering. These are amazing creatures with awesome regenerative abilities. She may yet pull through.

jeansaunders13 wrote:LadyJinglyJones,

Yes the shell is still on her and won't come off.

I'm taking her to the Colorado State University Vetrinary Teaching Hospital today.

I'll keep you posted...thank you.

I am really curious to see what the pros can do for your little one... I get the impression that most crabbers don't take their crabs to the vet, likely because of the perception of the community that proffesionals lack much knowledge concerning crustacean care. I'd really like to know what your experience is!

Yikes! What a tricky situation. Hope all goes well and fill us in on how her appointment went!


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Can you post pictures?