Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I got this large B/T 4-5ft this weekend. The guy who brought him in was desperate to dump him and now I see why. Sadly this is the second abused one I have gotten in. He appears dehydrated and his claws badly need cut. I have him in a huge cage(8x4x4ft, bilevel) with a 3x2 water tub to soak in. When I got him home last night I placed him in a smaller cage for the night as it was late and I had some big burms in there, so today I moved the burms and put him in the monitor cage. Anyway on to what I need help with. The dehydration I am not to worried about as he can soak in the tub and Ill soak him in our bathtub tomorrow as well to make sure he soaks a for an hour or so. What worries me is his claws. This poor animal cannot even pull himself up on his front legs as they are so long, you can see he is in pain when he tries. While in the smaller cage I threw in a weanling live rat to see how bad he was because all he has done all day is lay in one spot and not move. He was hungry, when the rat ran past him he tried to lunge at it using his hind feet. He didn’t get it and tried to get up to chase it but was in to much pain and after 30seconds of trying lost interest and laid back down.(don’t flip on me for throwing a live in there it was the only way I could get him to move) Some of his claws are 2.5-3inches long. I know how to clip dogs claws and am assuming this is the same. They only problem is with dogs you don’t want to clip into the live tissue as it hurts them. Well his claws are so long I believe 2-2.5 of the 3inches have live tissue in them. So without seriously hurting the animal how do I clip them back to a reasonable length. He is a beautiful animal, got a wicked attitude but considering who could blame him. Should I just say screw it and cut them all the way back because it wont ad to much more pain to what he is in? Or is there a better way to go about it? Any suggestions from people who have dealt with situations like this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jason
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Jason & Danica
Heads I win tails you lose. Get out of my way I am coming through. Roll the dice and dont think twice when we crush....crush....crush em...crush em! Megadeth
Classic Dums

It's similar to a dog's claws.It's very distinct where the pointed part ends and the thicker part begins.When in doubt,just take off a little at a time.My 5' Blackthroat's claws are only an inch long and I clip them every 6 months or so.

Hello.
PLEASE don't cut them all the way back!! The pain from having twisted toes is nothing compared to having the living tissue amputated. You are very right on that.
Toenails are toenails, be it dog, bird or lizard. Take off a little at a time, once a week. Allow the nerve ending to recede. Have a stypic pencil or powder, or bottle cap of cornstarch at hand. If one bleeds, dip it into the bottle cap right away. Keep in mind, it is hurting.

My suggestion to lower the stress of this is get someone to help you! Place a large towel over the head of the animal, and wrap loosely. Have your helper keep a hand on the towel, and one on the animal. If he's flat on a smooth floor, he isn't going anywhere. Gently pick up each foot and clip as quick as you can. I always let the foot go if mine pull hard. Then I pick it up again. Nothing makes them struggle like not letting go of their foot. It makes them panic. The towel should calm the lizard (somewhat) and prevent you from getting bitten.
Good luck with your rescue.
D.

in order to keep them short and dull, and not like big needles, set it up with some large sandstone rocks to climb up onto a basking spot. I never had to trim my blackthroat's because the stone kept them filed down nicely. Works just like stone purches for large parrots..etc. Sorry I don't have any advice on the current problem, but prevention will be a good step to take after they are cut.
Good luck,
Tim