Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a baby water moniter, it was in a 55 gal tank with bark, substrate, a pool at one end, and a basking rock at the other, with several hides. Basking rock temp is 120 the rest of the cage is between 85-95 depending on which end you are at. I have been feeding mainly dubia roaches with the occasional cricket. After the first week the baby started making coughing sounds every once and a while, accompanied by labored breathing, and it progressed untill it was very lethargic and I no longer noticed it eating, I notified the seller,returned it, and got a different baby. This one has been eating well and doing well up untill today (about a week). This morning its right eye is swollen, and it is not normaly hiding like it usualy does, it is also making the same occasional "coughing" noises accompanied by a few seconds of labord breathing. I dont have a very knowledgable herp vet near me... has anyone heard of this before I have had lots of herps in the past, but never have seen anything like this...I really want a good start with a healthy baby water moniter and dont know what to do ?

What kind of substrate or bark?

Lowes Organic untreated mixed bark mulch (no cedar) It is about 7-8 inches thick.

I would get your water monitors environmental issues right before going to a vet and spending money hand over fist. Vets will easily charge you $300 USD for a visit with a lizard.

Buy a temperature gun to measure surface temps not air. Move the rock to the middle of the cage away from the light and put some wood stacks or wooden logs under the light. That way he can get up to the 130F temp he needs access too. YOu can lay a piece of pleiglass over the top of the screen to hold humidity and keep out drafts. You can also switch to top soil if you want. If you want to take monitor back to the store and switch to a smaller more manageable species I think Switzer reptiles has some yellow ackies for sale from time to time.

Peace out