Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a green anole that appears to have an eye infection. Both eyes are swollen shut. I have been trying to hand feed him but without much success. I feel that he is suffering and I need to do something. Please tell me a painless way to put him to sleep.

Thank you

Injectable barbituate /- a premedication for sedation/analgesia. Inhalent isoflourane is often a quick and easy method for tiny critters like this.

Not the answer you were looking for eh?

I really believe the most humane way to put down a reptiles is by taking them to a vet that is familiar with the species. In this case, the vet would most likely see the anole and suggest some rather promising treatment options (depending on the anole's presenting condition of course).

Some might have a few suggestions of how to kill an animal at home. Perhaps one might suite your needs, however I'll discredit a few methods considered inhumane, yet many people still think is okay.

Freezing, a no-no. Cells crystalize prior to unconsciousness, thus most definately quite painfull.

C02, might work, however it would take a very long time as reptiles can revert to anaerobic respiration in the lack of oxygen. A secondary method of euthanasia must be done once the reptile is garanteed unconcious (I'd expect at LEAST 1/2-1hr in pure C02)

Decapitation is questionable in reptiles, and not recommended. Anecdotal evidence suggests this is not the quick kill as seen in mammals of similar size; thus painfull.

Hope this helps, I still recommend option #1.

Ian

Thank you for your advice. Certainly I would take him to the vet if there were any way possible that I could afford it. Unfortunately I just had to take my 12 yr old cat to the vet 3 days ago which in the end was a cancer diagnosis and an $1,100 fee. So I simply cannot afford it at this time.

Give them a call and see what they advise. I hate to speak on their behalf, but with such a small critter, and such that you're already a well known client, they'd might consider doing it for free. Never hurts to ask anyway ?

Ian

at least at the practices ive worked at if you just spent all that on a cat and are in need of putting down a small animal we would do it for very little. the price of a basic euthinasia where i work now is $32, for hampsters and other small animals we will often do it free because its not costing us much and we would rather not see an animal suffer.

now moraly they may ask you to try to treat the infection before putting it down w/out trying any treatment for something as simple as an eye infection, unless there are other issues also.

if they will not do it for cheap try to work out payments, if you just gave them a large amt of $, they now you can get it and if you spent all that on a cat they know you care and will pay in a timely manner

no one went into the vet field for the $, we are not a wealthy group, we did it because we love animals, please give your little guy the proper treatment or peaceful end he needs.
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hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!