Well, I tried to lubricate Zilla's anal area hoping she was just impacted and it might help relieve some of the pressure on her abdomen but it didn't seem to help at all. I'm now thinking I need to attempt to drain the fluid out of the cyst (or whatever it is).

I'm certainly not a vet and I definately do not know all of the internal workings of a tarantula - not many do. But I'm hoping someone on here will have some advice on exactly where to insert a needle to help relieve the pressure and not injure her further. Also, would it be necessary to suck the fluid out with a hyperdemic needle or could I simply use a steralized needle and put a small hole in her abdomen to let the fluid drain out on it's own (sealing it afterwards of course). Any advice would be much appreciated! We deeply care for her and want to help her any way we can. Thank you!!

Here is a pic taken a few weeks ago - show the start of the cyst:



Here is a video of her abdomen now - it feels rubbery when lightly touched. Almost like a childs rubber air-filled ball would feel (not trying to be silly but that's the closest thing we could come up with for how it feels):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUq5hiPMK7I

Here are some pics I just took:







And here is the underside of her abdomen. I'm not sure what this black spot is - my thought was that it was perhaps her new exo forming. She is due for a molt:



Close up of the same area:



Any and all help is truly appreciated!!

Robc

I can not realy be of much help to you Rob, but I do wish you the best of luck with her and if she is close to molt would it be wise to try something now? I guess it would depend on how fast she is getting worse.

The only one hear I know who has attempted such a thing is Austin.

I know Ryan (talkenlate) performed surgery on a T with something like this, but I seem to recall the spider dying much later.

I have no experience with anything like this, but if she were mine I wouldn't interfere for now and wait to see if she makes it through the molt. Who knows, the problem may resolve itself.

Rob,

It's not an impaction. It is hemolymph building between the new and old exoskeleton. I have no idea of how things could work out for the positive in this case. That's A LOT of fluid.

If you feel like you have to try something, then I would highly suggest getting a vet involved with some isofluorene to put the animal under. If not it's a stab in the dark with using CO2 in your home...

I'm sorry, but I have no suggestions. Good luck.

Christian

That is what I need to know, I knew it probably wasn't impacted but I figured if she was it may help a bit.

I'm sure it's more than a little frustrating. I also suspect you've asked on several sites. If someone comes up with something that works, PLEASE get back to us here. I can not ever hope to keep up on all the sites, and of course many of us are in Tucson for the conference right now.

Good luck.

I will most defiantly! It is very frustrating, If I don't do anything and she dies I will think I should have done something, but if I do do something and she dies I will wish I hadn't.

Unfortunately, Zilla passed away about 5 minutes ago. I checked on her about 30 minutes before that and she was still moving around sluggishly. Went back and she was completely gone. Her abdomen is now leaking but there's no wetness under her so it looks like it started leaking after she passed.

I greatly appreciate all of the thoughts and suggestions. You guys all make the hobby what it is and I thank you for your time.

Rob & Dani

Sorry for your loss.

I've only been part of the hobby for a short time. I came across your videos on YouTube and found them to not only be educational but also moving. I can tell you really care about your Ts.

^^I am with trickeried

I learned a lot from your vids. I use to love watching your zilla videos. I am so sorry for your loss, but now she is stress free and enjoying the T after life.

Rob,
I'm really sorry to hear about your loss. I've been a fan of your vids for a couple years but we've never really talked. I loved watching your Zilla vids. Whenever you post new videos, no matter what they are, I always enjoy watching them. I've gotten a lot of my T knowledge from you.
I recently lost my oldest T after eight years and it was really hard. It's always hard to lose a pet no matter what they are. You did your very best with Zilla and she appreciates it.

Agh, really sorry to hear about that
just seems Theraposa sp are have this kind of problems

I'm so sorry to hear about Zilla, she was a beautiful tarantula.
*hugs Robc*

I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved tarantula Rob. Yourself, your wife and Zilla were great motivators for me to begin a collection of my own. I've enjoyed watching all of her cinema moments and all your other Youtube vids. Jason.

That's terrible news ! I know it's likely the first time I'm replying to one of your threads, but as others said it shows you care a great deal for your animals. I'll tip my hat off to you because you actually took on the many challenges associated with this particular species. I don't know for how long you had her but your videos on Youtube about her are simply amazing. Very educational to watch !

I've been following your vids before I got my G. rosea early last year and it's been quite an inspiration.
There is no doubt in my mind that you did the best you could, Rob. No doubt Zilla is telling of your dedication and loving care.

Best of luck if you care for another one.

-Luc

Awh man I'm so sorry for the loss man. She lived a great life and under the care of a great keeper so I'm sure she went very happy Rob. We'll miss her and her vids very much.

Rob, I'm so sorry! Zilla is a beautiful spider, and and you are a beautiful person for caring for her so devotedly and lovingly. My sincere condolences to you and your wife.

I'm very sorry for your loss, Rob. I've been following this story and was rooting for her. Losing a favorite is very tough to get over.

Sorry to hear about that