Reptile & Amphibian Forums

On monday, i brought home my PTS. I had sorted out the vivarium, with the plants and everything being set up. I left him for the night to settle down. I turned down the temperature in the night and went to bed. I woke up at 5am to find all the lights in the vivariums on very bright. Turns out there had been a sudden temperature change over night, and the temperature had dropped rapidly. So in the day, i was feeding and cleaning out the vivariums, when i spotted the PTS lying on his side. I took him out, only to find he had died overnight. My theory is that the sudden temperature drop, mixed with the stress of travel and new surroundings got too much. I was distraught when i found him. I'd taken every measure to insure it'd be fine, but it seems the elements were against me. So my advice for the winter is make sure you keep the central heating on through the night. As expensive as it can be, it could possibly save the lives of your animals.

n/p
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Edward
Carpe diem

SOUTHERN FLORIDA CORUCIA RESEARCH CENTER (SFCRC)

Location: LEE/1.

Hi DEKE,

We never like to have the Corucia here see temperatures below 68F, However, they have been known to handle well brief dips to 60F. I would preceed with the theory since she/he was a new arrival, that it was a combination of induced stress with illness. I would have a nacropsy done to sort out the variables.

My deepest condolences,
Brian
SFCRC

I am so sorry! What a horrible shock that must have been. I agree with Brian's post that a temperature drop was probably not the cause of death. It may have contributed, but unless we are talking alot lower than 60, it was probably not the temperature only. Cold reptiles can't digest and their immune systems don't work well- but an evening of being cold and sluggish in a healthy PTS shouldn't do much more than predispose it to getting sick. Mine have tolerated the occasional 60 cold snap during the night, before I got the supplemental heat in place (winter). Gertie has had some 'bloat' problems I have blamed on being to cold, but she recovers with supportive care. Your new PTS likely had a pre-existing problem and arrived in ill health. As Brian recommended, a necropsy would be a good idea- and would probably answer many questions. Take care, and again- I am sorry for your loss.
Jess b

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