Snails - Can their shells fix?

[Meta menardi]

The first time you see one of those huge Roman Snails! They are beautiful.

Then you go for a walk at night... and you go back and get a torch (and possibly change your shoes) and don't go out without one again.

[Captain Beefheart]

Yes they are indeed self healing shells. NASA have recently revealed that their shells have inspired new space technology. The new shuttles will be fitted with thousands of snail shells, replacing the traditional heat tiles. NASA mission commander, Bud Romero explained, "the shells are so tough, any damage is immediately repaired"

[Poirot]

Originally Posted by twosoups

I have a fat, old snail living in my garden who has clearly suffered a serious squashing at some point, and its shell has repaired - mind you, it ain't pretty! It looks like a bit of a botched job, but an effective one. I would guess that as long as the snail hasn't suffered any serious internal damage, no infection sets in and keeps out of trouble while healing, then heal it will.

I'm grateful for this particular snail, as being able to spot it so easily has given me clues about their habits and movements.

I love garden snails. Truly beautiful creatures. I have worked hard over the years to control my husband (professional gardener and snail murderer), who now perpetually moans about the snails eating all his stuff. I ignore this, other than to take the opportunity to remind him that they're all my babies and he's not allowed to touch them

I used to have a snail in the garden (george) and he used to have a crack in his shell and thus we recognised him. He disapeared though

[lincs lass]

The thrush usually gets the snails in my garden, if the hedgepig hasn't been there first.

But snails carry the larvae of lungworm/heartworm in their slime and this is potentially fatal to dogs if it gets on toys left overnight in the garden or if they eat grass where there is a snailtrail.

[WolvesxRxBeauty]

I love snail ( a cooment that has gotten me many a funny look from my friends) and when I was little had five pet ones which I saved from the anger of my mum who loves her garden. I let them free down the wood near our house (and still do if i see a sanil cus my mum hates them.)
I don't see why people hate snails. They rock!!!

[ickylicky501]

My daughter has a pet snail named Gary after the snail on Sponge Bob Square Pants!! I looked up wether or not they could repair their shells as her snail mysteriously got a crack in its shell. She was devastated when she thought he was going to die because of the crack in his shell. I told her not to worry about it cuz Gary was going to heal just fine. She was really happy to hear that but I just read a post on here that said that snails carry larvae in their snail trail Jizz, the slimey stuff that is left behind when they slither around and that if a dog comes into contact with it that it can give them heart worm. I am concerned about that because of her and my dog. She handles her snail enough that I need to make sure that she is washing her hands every time she is done handling it. I don't want either her or my dog to get sick from having a snail as a pet. Should I be worried about this??

[Les E]

HI There,
Its a question Ive often thought about too.Whenever I accidently crush a snail underfoot I usually just kill it assuming it will just dry out and die slowly anyway,but from now on after reading this thread if its not too badly damaged Ill put it somewhere damp to recuperate.
Regards Les.

[Jason Green]

Originally Posted by ickylicky501

My daughter has a pet snail named Gary after the snail on Sponge Bob Square Pants!! I looked up wether or not they could repair their shells as her snail mysteriously got a crack in its shell. She was devastated when she thought he was going to die because of the crack in his shell. I told her not to worry about it cuz Gary was going to heal just fine. She was really happy to hear that but I just read a post on here that said that snails carry larvae in their snail trail Jizz, the slimey stuff that is left behind when they slither around and that if a dog comes into contact with it that it can give them heart worm. I am concerned about that because of her and my dog. She handles her snail enough that I need to make sure that she is washing her hands every time she is done handling it. I don't want either her or my dog to get sick from having a snail as a pet. Should I be worried about this??

First off, welcome to WAB

Snails can carry larvae in the slime trail? Hmmm... not something I know too much of. Some flies, such as those in the Sciomyzidae family (known as snail-killers) prey on them, but as for giving dogs heart worms? Never heard of it, I can only really suggest that you post this as a new thread and see what you get.

I would assume that the snail is kept in a tub or such-like, so contact between the dog and snail is minimum? Therefor I should think your daughter and dog should be OK, especially if she washes her hands!

[johog]

i like snails, i think they've got character i hate seeing them squashed.

i know they carry nematodes and this causes heartworm in cats and dogs, and also lungworm in hedgehogs, which is one of their biggest killers in the autumn/winter time

[Les E]

HI There,
I did not know of any link between snails and worms either.But kids have been playing amoungst dirt and snails for generations without heartworms being a problem,I think most parants should fear speeding cars and the health implications of the local McDonalds much more.My sisters springer spanial actively eats snails (barf)and she living to a ripe old age.
Regards Les.