Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,
Well, I'm sorry to say that Scout is not going to make it. After weeks of antibiotics and force feeding, I realize that I'm just prolonging his misery. What do I do now? I thought that he would just die quickly, but its not happening. Do I take him back to the vet to be put to sleep, or is there a compationate way to do it at home? The nearest lizard vet is almost an hour away, but thats what I'll do if need be. I feel terrible that I can't make him better, but I can't stand to see him suffering anymore!
Thanks for all your help,
Kim

i am sorry that your little boy is not doing well. i would just take him to the vet. i have never heard of any compassionate at home kits. i know it sucks but you really are doing the right thing. i will be thinking of y'all.
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vonnie
***One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries. - A. A. Milne***

I agree. Euthanasia methods conducted at home are not humane at all, at least in my opinion. Freezing for example, is a very slow and uncomfortable death (and not accepted in the veterinary world). Cervical dislocation is a possibility, but it would probably be very, VERY difficult to perform on a lizard. I would recommend allowing a vet to administer a lethal injection. Your vet will probably use some sort of concentrated barbiturate solution such as Sleepaway* or Beuthanasia*.

These decisions are always hard to make, but when the quality of life of an animal is no longer acceptable, the best thing you can do is to terminate that life.

Best wishes,
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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

and you are sure he can't recover than I would take him to a vet and have it done.

There are some on here that do the freezing thing, but I agree with Fabian, I think it is terrible.

I could not and would not do it. I also have heard it is a very
nasty way to die.

If it has to be, I say let him go in peace and comfort!

Hang in there, we all feel saddened when one of our forum buddies little pals, are hurting or sick!

Please Take Care,

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Eve