Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey Everyone,

I need some help. I have posted on here before and received some great help. So I am posting again.

I recently purchased a Nigerian Uro 2 weeks before x-mas. I would def say he is under a year old. He was eating like a pig when I first got him, def underweight but was gaining it at a very good rate.
Now he has not been eating in 3 days, is loosing weight, doesnt even touch the food dish, and is falling asleep in it, or where ever he stops he just falls asleeps.
I do not know what to do?
I know bearded dragons go into brumation around mid oct and should be waking up now.
But what about Uro's? I think this guy I have now is too young to be going into brumation and I am soo worried because I am noticing that he is loosing weight. My family members are noticing it too.

Please help!!!
Thanks!

I'm not sure if there are any dandilions where you live, but even though we've been having snow in D.C., I've been able to find a few. I know that Batista is really sick when he won't eat a dandilion, so I would try finding some and see if he eats. I wouldn't say that this is a winter problem, unless you have been keeping the temperatures too low, or have been limiting the light simulating early sunset. Also, try holding a smushed pea in front of his face, since peas are also a desired treat and smushing it a little gets the smell going.

Good Luck, and is the treats don't work, I would begin to worry about parasites, worms, and other things that would require a vet visit.

Thanks for the help,

Although, we do not have Dandalions here until the spring. I have tried about 10 stores and its a seasonal product or they just plain out do not sell them.

Since I just got him recently, he will not eat out of my hand as of yet. I have tried, and it is frustruating.

I have also noticed last week, that I figured out he is a wild caught. Underneath his arm was a very sharp needle. At first, it didnt click to me, but then I realized it was a real cactus needle.

There is not weight loss with a normal winter slowdown. Double check your temperatures with a reliable digital thermometer. Then make an appointment with your herp vet as soon as you can. If you can get one, bring a fresh stool sample with you so they can check for parasites.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.0 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, and Tank)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
0.1 Collared Lizard (Rorschach)
2.0 Green Anoles (Bowser and Sprocket)
1.1 Chubby Housecats (Roscolux and Jenny)

Yes I thought it was my temps as well, but they are fine. Although, he never really enters the hot side, he usually just spends all his time during the day in the cool side.

I wish I could get a stool sample, that is another problem. If I am lucky he will go in 2 days, he does not go every day.

Not trying to be a bearer of bad news, but my nigerian I purchased last year crashed and burned within two months of purchase from a local herp show. My understanding is it's a chance with nigerians as most, if not ALL, are wild caught. I also read that they can appear fine at first, then spiral downward rapidly for no apparent reason. You may try contacting Deer Fern Farms or Urotopia for some advice on this species in particular. A vet may be able to identify the cause/parasite, etc., and provide prompt treatment.

Also, no disrespect to you, but some people can't afford a vet bill on a lizard that cost 50-100 bucks. That being said, you could try treating with panacur that you can get at most local feed/horse stores. Petsmart or Petcos that have horse supplies may also carry it. I am sure I may be flamed for that statement, but its worth a try if you know you are not going to be able to get vet attention.

Hey everyone,

I need some help- OK so I brought him to the vet as was described. The vet looks at him, not even knowing anything about this breed which bothered me alot.

Basically comes down to it, she said he was dehydrated. Asked what I should do about it (thinking she would give me a syringe with pediylye or something) she tells me to soak him everyday in warm water. This way he can absorb the water through his skin. I told her that I tried soaking him but it's not working - I only would soak him once a week. She said to keep soaking him but do it EVERYDAY!! and if that does not work She then says that we would need to hook him up to IV's, keep him in the hospital, do alot of tests ( blood work) etc....at this time I am about to fall over. Then proceeds to tell me, that for the price of him, and the price it would be to keep him in the hospital, you can either do that or try and give him back to the pet shop.

She then asks me if I give him water, and what the percentage of humidity in the tank is..I tell her I dont give him water, and that the tank is dry to a bone. Then I get the look of death when I tell her I dont give him water. --- I always thought uro's dont need water in there tanks????

I dont know what to do???? I know that uros should NOT be soaked everyday due to tail rot etc.... and I also always thought that they should not have water in there tanks?? But my poor little guy is in need of help!

I am soo confused, the vet visit made me more confused as ever.

I am not even sure if he is a guy or a girl because the vet did NOT want to check in fear she might destroy his internal organs if she tried.