Ok, this one has got me and my vet stumped. The next step is costly blood work or possibly harsh and unnecessary meds. I thought I would get some opinions here before proceeding.
Ojay is a two year old male. He has been brumating on and off since October 2002. He hasn't lost hardly any weight. About a year ago he developed stomatitis (mouth rot) and was treated with a round of Baytril. I later learned that stomatitis was a secondary infection and caused by something else. That "something else" was thought to be a pseudomonas (spelling?) infection. He was better for a while, but his appetite has not been the same since he developed the stomatitis.
I've tried the acidophilus and yogurt with active cultures to try to boost the good bacteria in his system. I've tried Parazap and a product called JumpStart - anything to help increase his appetite. Nothing seems to be working.
His enclosure temps are good and his light and UVB (T-Rex Active UV Heat) stay on for about 14 hours a day at this time of year. His basking spot is around 100-105 and 80-85 on the cool side. I just can't figure him out. I've had several fecal tests done (last one a few months ago) - all clear. The only thing I can get him to eat is live prey (superworms or wax worms) and sometimes strawberries. Other than that he won't touch his greens and veggies. He used to be my best salad eater. Some days he hides under his log and "sleeps" there all day. Although he usually has his eyes open, he just lays there.
I have to bathe him to get him to poo. And when he does go its extremely hard. The white part is so hard that I can't break it. To me that's a sign of dehydration. Even though he drinks water from a dropper once or twice a week... Sometimes he will come out of his log and bask, but that usually doesn't last for long. I wonder if the infection or stomatitis has come back. His mouth looks good except that isn't a pink color, it's a little pale.
I'm going to take him back to the vet again. The reptile specialist that I go to is young and learning right along with me. I try to get as much info before I go and see him. He always appreciates it when I do some research. I am wondering if getting Ojay back on Baytril would be a smart decision. Or is there a better general antibiotic on the market with very low side effects. Maybe like amoxicillin or penicillin (spelling?). Please let me know what you think? If the blood test has to be done- then I'll do it. I'm just worried that it could be something wrong with his kidneys. And giving a harsh antibiotic could make things even worse right now.
Thanks for any input or ideas.
Veronica
Beautiful Dragons
