Posted by:
dpjm
at Sat Dec 15 13:24:17 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by dpjm ]
Frigidis, you say that you are using a R-Zilla UVB bulb. Is it possibly a Desert Series 50? If it is then I would recommend that you stop using it immediately. A recent study on these and some other newer flourescent bulbs advertized to emit high UVB levels have shown that they emit UVB in a dangerously low spectrum (under 280 nm which is actually UVC). These levels are even below that of solar radiation. This is believed to have lead to some newly reported cases of photo-kerato-conjunctivitis (PKC). Typical symptoms of PKC include a refusal of the animal to open the eyes, lethargy and inappetance. More severely affected animals developed swollen eyelids, and a small number developed lesions resembling burns and exfoliation of the skin of the eyelids. This sounds quite close to the symptoms you reported in your cham.
Here is a link to more detailed info about PKC and the bulbs thought to cause it:
I would stop using that bulb right now and get a proper one with the UVB spectrum more closely resembling solar UVB (305 - 315 nm should work). I found that Mega-Ray mercury vapor bulbs are great, which are available online from reptileuv.com. If weather permits, take him outside for some real sunlight, you can't beat that. I would make a vet appointment ASAP. Good luck to you and your baby cham.
[ Hide Replies ]
- help - Frigidis, Wed Dec 12 11:31:36 2007
- RE: help - Carlton, Wed Dec 12 12:41:33 2007
- RE: help - Frigidis, Wed Dec 12 15:21:34 2007
- RE: help - Carlton, Wed Dec 12 17:04:14 2007
- RE: help - Frigidis, Wed Dec 12 17:44:45 2007
- RE: help - kinyonga, Thu Dec 13 01:38:29 2007
- RE: help - Frigidis, Thu Dec 13 11:42:15 2007
- RE: help - Carlton, Thu Dec 13 13:42:44 2007
- RE: help - Frigidis, Thu Dec 13 14:27:07 2007
- RE: help - Carlton, Thu Dec 13 19:09:08 2007
- RE: help - Carlton, Thu Dec 13 13:39:48 2007
RE: help - dpjm, Sat Dec 15 13:24:17 2007
- RE: help - dpjm, Sat Dec 15 13:26:03 2007
|