Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I never wanted to be one of these folks posting a sick uro message but here I am...

My 3-year old male has suddenly become ill. He was thriving in terms of weight and color and showed no signs until just tonight. I found him in an awkward position tonight after the lights went out - his upper body completley vertical, lower body horizontal, kind of bent. His mouth opening and closing - gaping perhaps. I picked him up carefully and found that he was extremely limp - not the usual defensive response he displays when awoken. He looks as if he is just hanging on.

I'm assuming these vague and general symptoms wouldn't indicate anything to anyone. But I thought I would take a shot.

Thanks in advance.

I would say if you are that worried, a vet check would be the only reasonable thing for us to advise. I do know that when I disturb any of my lizards after the lights have been off for a good time period, they are very sluggish b/c their bodies have cooled so much (the whole exothermic thing).

The only thing that any of us could help you with is your husbandry; we need to first know what size tank, the avg. temps, basking temps, what his diet consists of, and all that fun stuff. I think starting there and scheduling a vet appointment ASAP is the best thing for right now. Good luck and I hope all works out in your favor.

-Nat

I would take him to a vet.When a uro has respiratory conditions one symptom that they may have is pointing the nose straight up known as star gazing there may be other symptoms such as thick possibly stringy mucus in the mouth, nasal discharge, lethargy(will still move about when stressed), loss of appetite, consistent basking and audible noises when exhaling.I'm not saying this is what your uro has as there isn't sufficient information but put these up just in case you've noticed any of these symptoms.If your concerned that there is a health issue then a vet visit would be the best bet.Good luck and keep us informed.
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Cajit
Clearwater,Florida,USA
URO'S RULE ALL!!!

1.0 Mali Uromastyx (OZ) DOUG DIX

Yes, please give us more info as others have stated. Uro's typically don't go from healthy to "hanging on" overnight. It sounds like a vet visit is your best option.
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1.1 Ornates (Lindsay Pike)(Doug Dix)
0.0.1 Mali
0.0.1 Egyptian
0.1 Weimaraner

Or possibly an esophageal obstruction. Anything in the substrate that he may have ingested?

Felix did not make it through the night. It's amazing how much it hurts to lose him. It makes it worse that it looked like he was suffering.

thanks for trying to help

I know how it hurts to lose a companion animal. There are no words that can truly comfort your heart, right now; only time will heal. Please accept our condolences.
~Loraine & Dan

I'm extremely sorry for your loss.
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Cajit
Clearwater,Florida,USA
URO'S RULE ALL!!!

1.0 Mali Uromastyx (OZ) DOUG DIX

I'm terribly sorry you lost your uro, it always feels pretty bad when ya lose a pet. My thoughts are with you. A bit late but I feel your sadness.

Take care,
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PHEve / Eve

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