Reptile & Amphibian Forums

what can i do to help the little guy pass whatever he ate, i know that he is impacted because he is dragging his feet and i have seen impacted lizards before. right now, i have him on newspaper and i have stopped feeding him more, in hopes that he will be able to pass whatever it is. is there any remedeis i can use, like mineral oil, or anything? i know that if he doesnt pass whatever it is, he will most likely die, i have seen it happen before.

Give plenty of fluid (ie water) to keep him well hydrated. Bathes can help with this. However, also make sure he is getting good basking temps and ambient temperatures in his cage. I suggest basking site between 100-115F with ambient around 85-90F but still have a cool end for him to return to.

If the rear leg is definitely from a too large food item, doing the above may allow him to digest the food enough for it to past. If you are not sure what is causing the impaction./rear leg paralysis...you can still try the soaking/hydrating..but if he doesn't pass it in a couple days..or show signs of stress or straining when pooping..take him to a vet.

Soaking, good basking temps etc, only work if the impaction is minor and food related. If its impaction due to ingestion of substrate or other foreign matter, then a vet trip is definitely needed, and in worse cases, surgery to remove the blockage.
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PHLdyPayne

I have read that you can try a small amount of mineral oil. I have never has an occaision to try it personally but have read it from several sources. It's real important that the oil does not get into the lungs though so don't force him/her to take it.

mineral oil is typically used to relief constipation. It won't help a serious compaction. The best way to offer mineral oil is to add it to his food.

Pureed squash, sweet potato, carrots and other watery vegetables are also good to offer...Dragons seem to love it and the high water content help relief constipation.
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PHLdyPayne

thanks for the advice