Reptile & Amphibian Forums

warning: long

Questions:

1) What are some "favorite" tips for rehydration? Details, plz. I have looked up a bunch online, but I also want your suggestions.

2) What's the "best" way to get food into this guy? How long do I wait before trying to force-feed him? (how long after rehydration?)

Stopping at the pet store for crickets, I found an emaciated ig in a 20-gal with a DESERT set-up (dumb ppl...) that had been dropped off the night before. The store didn't want him (They don't like dealing with igs), and gave him/her to me for free.

There are NO fat researves, but his body doesn't seem underwight. The green is dim, but he's starting to shed, too, and he's a little brighter at home than at the store. He just pooped in the tub and it seemed small but normal. and he's a bit dehydrated tho not too badly, I think, since he's alert and bright-eyed. He's been soaking about 3 hours this evening in my bathtub, in hopes that will help. There is some strength in his legs, he moves around, but he's a bit weak. He's 5.5" nose to vent, almost 20" to tip of tail (no breaks). He didn't fight me at all when I first got him, but he gave somewhat of an effort to get away from me earlier.

So, any suggestions? I also don't think I want to keep him/her, since I live in a small 2 bedroom appartment and already have one... So if my mother in law doesn't want him (she used to have one, and has stated recently she wants another lizard of some sort) I need to find him a good home - likely for free if they can show s/he'll have a good home... Any suggestions for that? Or if you live in the Tampa/Sarasota area of Florida, we can work it out if you want to take him/her home.

I KNOW it's not too likely he'll live since there's no fat on him, but I'm going to do what I can. I think the people tried to take care of him, just didn't have a clue... I'll update you when I can.

Thanks, and sorry it's long... lol!
~Krystie

1:1 collard lizards
3:1 blue bellied fence lizards
0:0:1 iguana
0:0:1 rescue iguana
1:0 frilled dragon
0:1 veiled chameleon
0:0:1 legless/glass lizard
1:2 ball pythons
1:0 burmese python
1:0 brazilian white knee T
1:0:2 rose hair T
0:1 costa rican zebra T
0:0:1 orange baboon T
1:0 beta fish
0:1 toddler
1:0 husband who fuels the obsession...

it takes a long time for a herp to get to a point like this, so dont try to rush things, just start to give ideal husbandry and slightly more food/baths. dont ruch things, youll end up with worse problems..
see the pics below of the poor thing ive got, she doing much better, will post new pics soon, im in NC or id take this baby too, best of luck!
id consult a vet if possible asap. even as a consult the advice of a pro getting hands on can be very helpful!
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hanging out under heat lights burns up my brain cells!!

In know way whatsoever am I any sort of expert or am I experienced, however I know what I've read on these and other forums and have heard great things of them.

If any of the senior members who are more experienced would like to correct me, elaborate, or confirm this information, that'd be wonderful.

It is my understand that to rehydrate dehydrated reptiles, a bathtub with pedialite inside of it will do the trick rather well. I don't know if the iguana is to the point of using that, or if there even is a point where you shouldn't do it anymore.

3 hours seems a bit excessive, in my iguana book by James Hatfield mentions that a soak should not exceed 45 minutes.(Under the justification that an iguana is not a boat nor a fish).

As for 'fattening up' the iguana, I think gerber babyfood may do the trick. If heard of people feeding emaciated near death iguanas babyfood and soaking them in pedialite with a success stories.

(actually to be 100% honest I don't think I've read tragic stories on herps, aside from the abuse of the animal of course)

Just to say it again; Could a senior, more experienced member give their say on this?

Thanks for the help. The 3 hours were total - 3 different soaks, the first being about 90 minutes because of it helping to warm him and hydrate him. Normally, I only would do 30-45 minutes, I just want to get this one back to health.

This morning he's perkier for sure, holding his head up more and slightly greener than last night. It making me happy that he's doing well.

Anyhoo, I'll update when there's stuff to say...

~Krystie

Hi y'all! Thanks for the replies.

The poor lil' guy is doing much better this evening. He's moving around more, taking water from a plastic spoon, and licking up some "Jump Start" off his lips (ESU Reptile caloric supplement and appetite stimulant, fairly good contents for the imediate need in an emergency case). He has no interest in the Ensure I've tried to give him, but the Jump Start I got from a neighbor is taken willingly... There's a LONG way to go, but it's a good start! I think he'll make it.

I almost want to keep him, but... At least I found someone at my church that says either she or her daughter will take this youngling if needed when he's ready. Or I might convince my new husband (of a week) to let him stay on here at home - tho we have to see if we can provide for both of these igs, must sex them and maybe spay/neuter to maybe help (no breeding no matter what for igs - there're too many already!). We'll cross that bridge when we get there.

~Krystie

spaying/neutering in reptiles is still pretty innacurate, people who have had their igs spayed or neutered to reduce breeding season aggression haven't had much luck, if any. Best bet to keep them from mating is to keep them seperated, and if you are unable to do that, when you find eggs throw them in the freezer to stop cellular activity before throwing them out or burying them. (if you bury them without freezing them, they might, given location and temperament, hatch out. ex, florida).

and one last thing, Do Not House Males Together. If they're probed and both turnout male, they'll rip each other apart when they become sexually mature.

Yeah, i really have no interest in attempting to house two males in one house... Nor do I want eggs period... nor do I really think I want to deal with the dominace issues of multiple igs in one house with the human dominace issues to boot... lol! Thanks!