Worried about something I read

[Chris and Ant Huckstepp]

Hi
I read this on another forum. Is it true? My curly hair t has a red spot on the underside of its abdomen and I'm really worried about it now

THE HERNIA
One peculiar problem afflicts a very pretty species of tarantula from Central America, Brachypelma albopilosa (Plate 4. It seems that these large, docile tarantulas have a tendency to develop a scab-like lesion on the lower surface of the opisthosoma (Plate 35). It may be in response to abrasion from gravel or other coarse substrate, or may merely be a congenital deformity. Once formed, this lesion grows and eventually ruptures and kills the animal. This rupturing usually occurs during moulting, but the authors know of one instance when the tarantula literally burst from eating too much.
The authors have had some limited experience with this problem, but minimal success in treating it. Other hobbyists who have these animals as pets are encouraged to experiment and report their successes or failures.
In an effort to prevent the development of this condition, it is recommended that the animals be kept on soft, nonabrasive substrates. Soft potting soil of the sort used for African violets, or vermiculite from a florist's shop is recommended. Those animals which are already suffering the condition should definitely be moved to such a substrate.

[paul fleming]

Could this be also caused by overfeeding,where the abdomen gets too big and heavy and so "drags" along the floor ?
I now my L.para will eat until she busts if I let her.
Just a thought
paul

[Matthew Bagley]

I read something like this somewhere not so long ago . If you are worried just give your tank the once over and look for possible sharp edges/abrasive surfaces .

[Chris and Ant Huckstepp]

Thank you for the advice. My curly isn't huge but I think I'll cut down on the feeding as they're large crickets. I'll also check it's tank and maybe change the substrate to a mixture of potting soil (organic) and vermiculite.

[Mark Harrison]

Hey chris and ant, i asked that question when i first started keeping tarantula's and have it on good authority that the scab on the underside of the abdomen is uncommon. As long as there is nothing sharp in the tank ie cactus etc the T should be fine.

[Chris and Ant Huckstepp]

Thanks Mark. That's good to hear