Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey Guys,

As you know, if you read the post on eye problems, I am having some trouble with my youngest Chuck. The problem has gotten worse, and seems to be beyond anything I can daignose or treat on my own.

I am wondering if anyone here knows of a good reptile vet in Southern California... Los Angeles area, I would prefer someone that has worked with Iguanas or especially Chuckwallas.

Thanks,
-Kory

I found this:
http://www.herpvetconnection.com/calif.shtml

If you search for "herp vet" or "reptile vet" on google stuff comes up. As far as if they are good or not.. well I will let you know soon as I am in south ventura county and will be looking around this week for one.

If you find one that is good, please share

good luck,
Matt
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1.2.0 Desert Iguanas(Dipsosaurus dorsalis)
1.2.3 Western Fence Lizards(Sceloporus occidentalis bocourtii)
2.0.7 Common Side-blotched Lizards(Uta stansburiana)
0.0.1 California Alligator Lizards(Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata)

There are two excellent vets that know Chuckwallas and Iguanas and any other lizard. One is in Yorba Linda. His name is Dr. Tom Greek. The other is in Costa Mesa. His name is Dr. Chapman, and he works at All Creatures Care Cottage. Both are excellent. Which one is closer to you?? I will give you the numbers when I get home from work tonight. Let's get those eyes back in order!!

Thanks!! I have seen Dr. Greek's name pop up in quite a few places. He sounds like the vet to take Little Giggles to. I live in the Pasadena area so it's about a 20-30 minute drive... Not bad.

On a higher note, Mr. Chukkles is doing much better, no mites, eating on his own, and seeming to be much happier. He is also beginning to shed..He looks velvety black, with nice cream, white, and orange speckles. I've got to get some pics up soon!

Thanks for the help,
-Kory

Coincidentally, I received a card fromDr. Greek today saying that the Yorba Linda practice has been sold and that he is in limbo searching for a place to call his own! He is working temporarily at other locations, part time in the interim. He says you can reach him on his website for further information. It is www.tomgreek.com. Good luck!

Thanks, I'll look for his phone #!!

There was a bit of progress yesterday/last night! Giggles opened his eyes and was acting quite normal. He ate a bit of food and went back to sleep.

I am pretty sure that the new UV bulb burned his eyes. I found some eyedrops to help sooth sunburned eyes and they seemed to help. I still would like to rule out any kind of fungus or infection, but I am pretty sure it was the light. I may be the first person to have caught a nocturnal chuckwalla!! I'll call it "Sauromalus Ater Nocturnicus"

For now, I've got a nightlight bulb in his cage, and have shut the UV off as a test to see if this is what caused the problem.

-Kory