Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The reptile vet I go to knows about several species of reptiles, but when it comes to Uro's he has to get out his book. LOL So I try to arm myself with as much info as possible before going in to see him with my uros.

Maya (my female Saharan Uro) has lost 25 grams in under 2 months. First I thought she was brumating, now I know it has something to do with her eyes. Her eyes water a lot and she keeps them closed most of the time. She has also gotten very weak. So weak that she used to run from my hand but won't now. She will scratch or rub at her eyes like they itch. But she's not shedding. I try to bathe her but it's like the water irritates her eyes if she splashes around and gets her face wet. Has anyone heard of a uro having an eye infection? Or could these symptoms be a sign of something else?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

Good luck first off, secondly i would really like to know what is wrong with your uro. My female that was a fresh WC haspretty watery looking eyes. i have a reptile vet around me but she has no idea about uros at all. I had to tell her last time what meds to use. I just wanted an exact perscribtion. Let me know though i ca drive a few hours out to another but she seems to be doing ok otherwise...
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Lauren
Leos and Uros
1.1 Saharan Uromastyx
0.0.1 Mali Uromastyx
1.1 Jungle Albino Leopard Gecko
1.1 Hypo/Baldy Leopard Gecko
1.1 Tremper Albino Leopard Gecko

I'll definately let you know what he says. I just hope it's more than I already know.

This is going to sound weird, but my husband and I have both developed "pink eye" (Conjunctivitis) within the last week. Our uros have had watery, itchy eyes for a month now. I wonder if this eye infection is contagious to humans? I'm certainly going to ask the vet. This is just too much of a coincidence for me.

Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

Well, in my opinion...I think what needs to be answered is the frequency of this eye "iching" My uros will sometimes do this...mostly when they are in a shed but sometimes they do this when they aren't in a shed...It could be dusty in the cage...and too much ventilation could be a problem...it could be a huge variety of things. Some weight loss (some RELATIVE to their "previous" weight) is normal during brumation. My uros will useually have their weight flatline, and sometimes slowly fall, then climb again. BUT if this frequency of iching is alarming and there is no shedding present...then your concern should addressed by a vet. I hope everything is well with your uro. I really want to know about the outcome of this.

~Chris~

I just got off the phone with Doug Dix and he says he's fairly certain that Maya's got pneumonia! That's the one thing I didn't want to hear him say! She's going to the vet today at 3 and I'm praying for the best. Also, Doug said he couldn't remember what the best antibiotic was for pneumonia. It's not Baytril or Gentamicin. Does anyone happen to have any experience with this and if so, what drug was prescribed?

The one thing I said (besides the runny eyes) that made Doug believe it was pneumonia, was the fact that Maya has started to hold her head up high. Doug says that since Uro's can't cough up the liquid in their lungs, the leaning back will force the liquid to the back of the lungs and make it easier to breath. Poor Maya!

Thanks so much to everyone that helped and wish us luck. I'll let you know how it goes.

Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

let us know, and take care of your eyes, both you and hubby.

Eve

n/p
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Torey
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
1.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Bowser and Leeloo)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

The worst possible news! Pneumonia! Her chances are fairly good since we caught it early. The vet prescribed Baytril. Problem with Baytril is that some strains of bacteria are resistant and she will get sicker and weaker if that's the case. The only thing we can do is hope that the Baytril works and that she gets better.

I'll keep everyone updated on her progress.

Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

Oh no!! Poor Maya!

Just a mention of the recent discussion about Baytril that took place on the icomm mailing list (and I'm sure you know this already): Baytril is very harsh and reptiles become dehydrated very easily when on it. Take care to keep her well hydrated!

Best of luck - keep us posted! Let me know if you need anything!
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Torey
1.1 Uromastyx Geyri (Joe and Arthur)
1.1 Anolis Carolinensis (Bowser and Leeloo)
1.0 Betta Splendens (Mr. Miagi)
1.1 Felis Domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

Yeah, the vet told me to keep her hydrated but getting liquids into them is so difficult! I've tried everything I can think of. Have you had good luck getting their mouths open some how?

Thanks for your help and support,
Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

I'm wondering the same thing! In an earlier thread I had mentioned health problems with my uro (lethargic, not eating, and a lump/swelling on her side). I took her to the vet yesterday and he said the swelling appears to be infection and prescribed Baytril... but she WILL NOT open her mouth for me! I have a needle tipped syringe that I'm trying to slip in without poking her. Plus the dose is so small. It's crazy!
Also, he said she appears calcium deficient (she's not really using her hind legs), so he gave me a liquid calcium supplement as well.
So... if anyone has tips, it sure would be appreciated!