Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just received a Ukraine Giant Legless Lizard via UPS about 14 hours ago, and I am a little concerned about it. I set it up immediately in a tank following the instructions that I have been given for this species, and it seemed fine, just understandably a little sedate from the trip. The thing that concerns me is the fact that all along it's body, randomly placed, are red spots that look like somehow the scales must have been traumatized. There are still visible normal scales in these spots, but they look a bloody red color, and are not gooey to the touch. There are several red nasty looking patches concentrated around the nose region, like they may have resulted from being rubbed on a rough surface. It is just strange that they occur all along the body and head being very heavy around the nose. Also, there is a one-and-a-half inch long spot on it's back where the scales appear to be forcefully raised and dark in color and somewhat thick, so you can see a funny grey-ish color underneath them. This afternoon, it was moving around a little bit exploring the cage, but is now laying with it's head propped on the glass wall, with it's eyes shut. I am assuming untill I check again that it is alive and I am really hoping so. What could have caused these ugly red patches all over it? I hope that it is not something serious, but I have never seen this before. Any help is appreciated! I am very concerned, as this is a beautiful, large lizard. Thank you in advance! Aubrey

The description given seems to indicate a septic infection, as the red discoloration is throughout the body. Also, inactivity with the head propped-up is not a good sign. Are the temperatures correct? Parasites, bacterial infections, dehydration & stress are common in WC (wild caught) reptiles & should be addressed promptly. It would be best to get the lizard to a reptile qualified vet ASAP.

It has been a few days now since I received him and have moved him into a much bigger tank. I am not going to rule out bacterial infection, but I asked the breeder that I got him from and he said that it sounds like shipping trauma. I was told to soak him to rehydrate him, which I did, and to apply antibiotic cream to the red areas, which I also did. He seems to be feeling better now, and most of the red patches seem to be lightening a little. Where most of the patches are, the scales seem to be a little irregular looking, like they are slightly damaged. I have also fed him two meals of 4 wax worms, 2 mealworms, and a pickle jar lid full of canned dog food, and he has eaten all of it. The temperature is in the mid 70's at night and in the mid-high 80's at the hottest point during the day. He seems to be feeling better, he is burrowing, and is pretty active during the morning, exploring his new cage, and is not what I would consider exceptionally lethargic. Eyes are bright and nose is clear. He feels strong when I have had to handle him,(I plan on handling him regularly after he settles in), not weak. He is of good weight and visibly looks better since he was soaked. His scales look better. Particularly around his mouth and nose the red spots are rapidly fading.The spots being so concentrated here is what made me initially think that this is shipping/scale trauma. Also, in some pictures that I have seen on the internet of these lizards they display the same reddish patchiness on the body. I wonder if they are sensitive to scale trauma? If you still think that this is an infection, please let me know and I will get him to a vet, but he just seems like he is feeling better already. Thank you. Aubrey

It sounds as though the lizard may have suffered trauma from shipping; however, since it is a new animal, it is always a good idea to have a reptile-qualified vet check out the lizard's health.

I would also suggest to not feed the lizard dogfood--this is not a natural food source in the wild & may lead to health problems. Also, be aware that this particular lizard, (Ophisaurus apodus)can live over 50 years if given proper care.

I've posted a link to a web site that has some husbandry information.

Goodluck.
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