Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

Seems like I always have sad or bad news... sorry about that...

Dexter's nose is healing... nicely... but he hasn't been coming out much and he is getting pretty skinny... still seems to eat a little bit... but I noticed at lunch today that his right eye looks weird... kinda all "gummy" ... didn't open it too much... and seems to have like a mucous layer over it.... seems to bother him b/c he occasionally would wipe his head in the litter... and then it would stick to his eye lid a little bit...

I took some water and my finger and cleaned it off for him... but just doesn't seem right... The reptile vet near me is $50 plus meds, etc... anyone have this problem before and know what I should do????????

Thanks!

JIM

symptoms, as far as the his eyes ! Sounds like he may have a resp infection.

Don't want to alarm you, but I do know JohnE just had a beautiful male die, from one, and his eyes were constantly gooped up, and watery !

Its sorta yellowy stuff ? Its almost like when we get conjunctivitis in our eyes. They may even get stuck shut!

I would not have mentioned it other than you are also saying hes so thin, and not really eating.

I hope he will be okay, and it is not serious, But sure sounds familiar.

Hes had a tough time lately !!
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Eve

I was told my lizard has a serious upper resp. infection, and was suffering from emaciation/ possible kidney failure. He recommended I administer Baytril, as well as keep him warm/hydrated. Everything I had been doing previously to taking him in.

Is there any labored breathing??? Mine was having the breathing trouble, then the eyes. I suggest removing any litter in the tank, as that will only irritate an infected eye even more. Try using sterile saline to rinse the eye, rather than water.

If he is not eating, you may have to force baby food. Pick something with high colories. Only give about 1 ml at a time, and make sure to get the syringe deep in throat. I try to make sure it is beyond the throat, or else they can aspirate it into their lungs (big problem).

That is really all I can suggest. Other than that, keep the eye clean. If it does not get better, you should think about a vet visit.

John E.

There is no labored breething... looks normal... he just seems to be under his rock a lot more these days and not out and about all happy... there is an advantage b/c his nose is healing w/o him hopping around.... but he is also losing weight...

Is Baytril something you can get over the counter or is that prescribed?

I have spent so much on my new puppy lately that a vet visit for Dexter would be financially straining... but then again... if it is at that point, I will do what I need to do... but just wanted to exhaust any chances of being able to do something for him on my own... I appreciate the input!!

Sounds like is is localized to the eye. you may be able to get some Neomycin (eye ointment). I think this is very inexpensive, but then again, not over-the-counter.

John

I went home at lunch and he was sleeping again... so I took him out from under his rock and looked at his eyes... the one looks like it has a sort of film or something over it... he struggles with that one.. keeping it open... plus, most of the time, you can't even see his pupil in that one... the other one looks pretty good... SO.... I think his non activity is probably due to his eye and that is also related to him not wanting to eat much... if he can't see....

He did eat a wax worm today... but only one Hopefully he eats more before he goes back to bed. I feel like I should take him to the vet now... so am going to call....

I appreciate your help!! Collareds are new to me....