Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, my paleosuchus palpebrosus has some sort of eye infection. The one eye is swolen shut and he has stopped eating. Has anyone seen this before or know how to treat it? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Telling us that he has an eye infection (without photos) and that it is swollen shut and that he has stopped eating can be a variety of things and falls outside the scope of any support that can be provided over a forum. If this is a matter of setup issues or diet issues, then we can typically help to correct it before it causes problems. In this case, you already have a problem and it needs to be corrected before really anything else can be done. What state are you in? Perhaps someone here can point out a reliable reptile/crocodilian vet that can assist you.

Chris
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My Website
www.herpfanatic.com

Turns out thats what I already did. The vet gave me an antibiotic and says that my caiman should be fine in a week. Thank you anyway though for replying-Cody

what kind of medication is it? Eye drops I would imagine?

Any type of odd white marks, blistor, puss pockets any where on the body? Any red dots on the belly?

i had that once. i dont know why. i immediately changed the water and it cleared up. if you can go to a doctor then go ahead. but maybe you cant. i like alot of others live in an area where that is not an option. so if you cant then i understand. when you have medicine for a certain thing and its for one animal sometimes it helps other animals as well. over the many years i have become my own crocodile doctor. i have used medicines for cats on my caiman and it worked. very small dosages ofcourse. i dewormed my palp with cat dewormer. its as healthy as can be now. some fruitloops in here will get all high and mighty like they know everything and condemn such actions but sometimes you have to take things into your own hands.

Since I'm not a fruit loop, I can offer support for your position. There are relatively few veterinarians who are educated in the treatment of ectotherms, since it is not yet a lucrative field for specialization, given the vast number of mammal and bird pets kept in households.

There are quite a few non-vet herpetologists who have specialized in this field because of the need, and, although this may ruffle some feathers (er, scales) here, I actually admire your initiative in educating yourself on reptile veterinary care and practicing it for the welfare of your charges. A growing number are educating themselves in this field.

Veterinarians chide herp owners for treating their own reptiles(perhaps because they lose potential income when you do), but, statistically speaking - and I stand by this - if you take your ectothermic friend to the average veterinarian, you have likely sealed it's doom. I have seen this way too many times. Choosing a vet should be considered carefully.

There are a few good books, too, among them Fritz Huchzermeyer's "Crocodiles: Biology, Husbandry & Diseases," an expensive(about US$ 170.00) but important volume.

I must mention that there ARE some good veterinarians for reptiles out there, and if you can reach them for their services, you should. Some are listed at the international directory at the link below.

Not to patronize, but I do support the intiative.

Regards,
Izzy
link

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Israel Dupont
Winter Haven, FL

I didn't mean to make it sound like you shouldnt learn at least some basic veterinary care. I personally learn as much as I can regarding reptile veterinary care, so that...

A.) I dont have to run to the vet for every minor instance.
B.) I can save money
C.) I enjoy the experience and the ability to assist others

However, when first considering the ownership of ANY animal, (reptile, mammal, or other) after the consideration of whether or not you are able to properly care for the animal long term and provide a good home....veterinary care should be your next concern. An animal shouldn't have to suffer or die because a potential purchaser failed to do their veterinary homework or research a good and reliable veterinarian. I was lucky enough to find a knowledgeable reptile/crocodilian veterinarian here in Ohio that assists me and somewhat mentors me in basic reptile/crocodilian medicine and rehabilitation. Others may not have this option, but it is still a concern nonetheless that should be taken into serious consideration BEFORE bringing any animal into your home and under YOUR care.

JMO,

Chris

>>Since I'm not a fruit loop, I can offer support for your position. There are relatively few veterinarians who are educated in the treatment of ectotherms, since it is not yet a lucrative field for specialization, given the vast number of mammal and bird pets kept in households.
>>
>>There are quite a few non-vet herpetologists who have specialized in this field because of the need, and, although this may ruffle some feathers (er, scales) here, I actually admire your initiative in educating yourself on reptile veterinary care and practicing it for the welfare of your charges. A growing number are educating themselves in this field.
>>
>>Veterinarians chide herp owners for treating their own reptiles(perhaps because they lose potential income when you do), but, statistically speaking - and I stand by this - if you take your ectothermic friend to the average veterinarian, you have likely sealed it's doom. I have seen this way too many times. Choosing a vet should be considered carefully.
>>
>>There are a few good books, too, among them Fritz Huchzermeyer's "Crocodiles: Biology, Husbandry & Diseases," an expensive(about US$ 170.00) but important volume.
>>
>>I must mention that there ARE some good veterinarians for reptiles out there, and if you can reach them for their services, you should. Some are listed at the international directory at the link below.
>>
>>Not to patronize, but I do support the intiative.
>>
>>Regards,
>>Izzy
>>link
>>
>>-----
>>Israel Dupont
>>Winter Haven, FL
-----
My Website
www.herpfanatic.com