Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've isolated a fence lizard who is gaping, an obvious respiratory infection, in a small plastic terrarium with a small heat mat underneath. I've been giving him a tiny chip of Baytril every 3rd day when I feed him (he will eat waxworms by himself but not crickets) a canned cat food/Nutrical slurry(which he eats, and he is not too thin at this time). This gaping has been going on way longer than any other respiratory infection that I've ever seen. The lizard is otherwise active and responsive, he's just gaping. How can I resolve this to get this poor guy well?

A heat mat is not the correct way of heating most lizards. You should get a tank in which you can make a thermal gradient. Keep the ambient temp in the mid 80's & hot spot around 115F. Supply heat via a heat emitter or halogen light. Also, supply UVb.

Good to hear that it's eating; however, waxworms tend to be fattier than other insects. Also, due to keeping elevated temperatures to stave off the URI, keeping the lizard hydrated is important, too.

When you say you're flaking off bits of Baytril, that sounds like guessing on the dose/illness. You should consider taking the lizard to a vet & getting the proper diagnosis, medication & dose level.

Goodluck

Also, Baytril may not be effective against the pathogen, if it is even infectious. Obstructions of the respiratory tract may also cause RI-like symptoms, and can range from a foreign body to a growth.

If it is a bacterial infection, the dose of Baytril (enrofloxacin) you are giving may not be accurate (especially with oral meds in such a small animal) or effective.

Enrofloxacin, even in reptiles, is typically given once a day or every other day to obtain a therapeutic level in the animal's body. The bacterial pathogen may not even be susecptible to enrofloxacin, which does occur.

If the pathogen is a fungus or virus, then enrofloxacin, which is antibacterial, will also not be effective.

I agree with Lizarman on the heat mat issue... Sceloporus sp. are diurnal heliotherms- They require an overhead heat source so that they may bask. While a heat mat is increasing the ambient temperature of the enclosure, it is not the natural way that this species would seek out heat. Also remember to check your temps so that it doesn't get too hot. I am not familiar with the preferred temperature range of these lizards (and it probably varies with different species of fence lizard), but make sure he has the high end of the temperature range available as well as a place to cool down if he chooses.

A vet visit would be his best chance!

Good luck, and keep us posted

Christina
www.herptiles.net

Both excellent responses, nice to see lizardman and Christina appear, havn't seen you two in a while

Ian