Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Lately my alligator lizard has not moved a lot drank a lot or eaten a lot and his body is shriveled and weak. Also, he has a hole in the side of his body. Next to it is a growth of some sort, adn i don't know what either of them are. If anybody has any ideas of what they are or what is wrong with my lizard please let me know.

How long have you had him?

It sounds like he may have a wound that absessed and opened. From your description of his symptoms he probably has some sort of systemic infection. His best hope is a visit to a vet who can properly diagnose and treat him. In the mean time, clean the wound and apply some neosporin, and try offering him water via an eye dropper. Paper towels would probably be the best substrate so that more dirt doesn't get into the wound. His chances for recovery, however, would be much improved, I think, with veternary care.

-Alice

Thank you for your advice, i took him to a vet today and they bandaged and cleaned the wound, the growth next to the wound was apparently a scab from a similar wound that healed. The doctor also said that his front legs were basically useless and have no structure to them. If you or anyone else have an idea what that means i would liked to hear it.

PS: I have had him for 5 years this may, and i caught him when he was still growing (i am not sure what age exactly). his name is Bob.

The lack of structure sounds like MBD (metabolic bone disease). This results from insufficient calcium, when the animal doesn't receive enough calcium it metabolizes the calcium stored in the bones. This results in weak bones.

In alligator lizards, MBD usually first manifests itself in weakened jaw strength. It then progresses, and the limbs seem to bend under the weight of the body.

Ultra violet / UV light enables lizards to sythesize the vitamin D3 needed to properly metabolize calcium. I've had success / no MBD even without UV lights, but I now utilize them just to be safe. I dust all food items with Rep-cal with vitamin D3 and Herptivite.

Have you been supplementing? Do you use UV lights?

I noticed mild cases (slightly bent limbs) in some of my young leopard geckos when I was using another brand (can't remember the name) of calcium supplement. Rep-cal and Mineral indoor seem to be the best regarded supplements.

I've heard of people using turkey baby food to successfully rehad severly malnourished leopard geckos with poor appetites. This may work for your al as well. Mix in a generous amount of calcium, especially if you suspect MBD. See if he will lick it from an eye dropper. Be very careful if you try to force feed, as weak bones will break very easily.

By the way, what kind of alligator lizard do you have?

-Alice