Well, I don't think things are going too well. I've been giving scout oral meds for his mouth rot, and eye gel for his eyes. His eyes seem much better, but I don't think his mouth is getting better. He still won't eat, so I've been giving him pedealyte (sp), and baby food chicken or lamb a couple times a day. He's gotten so thin! Now the last couple of nights he doesn't even go under his rock to sleep, he sleeps with his nose pointing up to the sky and his front legs stiff holding him up. It's really strange. I wish he'd just curl up and look comfy and cute like he used to. I don't know what else to do, but it seems like a long and painful process. Any more suggestions out there? He seems to be a little more content when I hold him, but I can't do that all day, and it's not getting food in his stomach. I hate to see him suffering.
Thanks for all your support!
Kim
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Update on Scout
Replies (2)
You have to continue to get the food and liquids in, thats a must.
If I were you I would talk with someone who has water dragons, only because mouth rot or (Ulcerative Stomatis) is very prevelent in them.
They may have some little tips on helping it to heal faster or how to better deal with it, so he can get back to eating.
I'm sure right now his mouth is to darn sore to wan to eat !
Go to the Water dragon forum, and tell them about Scout and ask if they have any experience with it ! Any tips to help it heal faster !
Heres the water dragon forum addy
http://forums.kingsnake.com/forum.php?catid=60
I wish I could say or do more to help, its such a shame he hurts.
Keep us updated okay!
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Eve
I personally would concentrate more on hydration than feeding. Reptiles, even arid species, can dehydrate quite quickly when ill; not permitting proper function of certain internal processes. On the other hand, be very careful when administering a liquid, as they can easily inhale it. Let the lizard tell you when it has been enough. Sleeping with its head up is, to me, an indication of an attempt to swallow excessive liquid. This is particularly dangerous when sleeping. If you administer liquid, make sure it is a few hours before the lights go out. Start with a few drops at the tip of the animal's mouth. Let the lizard drink it on its own. If you force the mouth open, it might inhale. In the event that manual hydration does not work, you could always allow a vet to administer fluids subcutaneoulsly.
Feeding is important, but a dehydrated lizard is not likely to benefit from much food.
Best of luck!
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Fabián Aguirre
Zookeeper/ Freshwater Aquarist
Department of Herpetology and Freshwater Biology
The Dallas World Aquarium
(214) 720-2224
fabian@dwazoo.com
www.dwazoo.com
