Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A few weeks ago i found out my two collared lizards couldn't coexist anymore so i separated them. One was weak because the other bullied it and ate all the food, so i took care into making sure it got water every day and ate as well. It was doing really good recovering and starting to act like normal again. However, i noticed a bump starting on the middle of its head. I figured it was something that would just go away. it's been there for about 2 weeks now, and has grown bigger. It likes to sleep alot under the heat rock, but other than that there's nothing specific i know it does. If you have any advice on what i should do or what could be the problem it would be appreciated. Here's a photo...

well are there any abrasions of the head or cuts/sores, just a hunch but it could be an infection and if thats the case then you would want to get it to a veterinarian as soon as possible before the "bump" gets any worse.
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infinitescales.com

there were never any cuts or abrasions before or during when it got the bump. And i don't really know if the vets around here really look at lizards...

he definitely needs to go see a vet, that is just my humble opinion. i would call around to the different vets and see if they can tell you someone close to you or see if they can take him and maybe consult with another reptile vet. its just so close to his eyes and his brain. if you wait much longer, it could turn into something alot worse.
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vonnie
***Marriage is a great institution, but I'm not ready for an institution yet. Mae West ***

The "bump" could be a number of things, but it is probably an abscess, a burn, or an abscess as a result of a burn. I do not personally recommend heat rocks for use with reptiles, especially with heliothermic (sunloving!) reptiles.

Even though you did not see any cuts or abrasions, you might have missed it and has healed since. A small bite, a cut or a scratch, can develop an infection if the suitable conditions are present, but you will not know until the area and its contents are exposed. Most vets should be able to at least expose the area and treat it accordingly. They may not know the husbandry requirements of a specific reptile, but they can surely take a sample and analize it. I would first look around and try to find a herp vet. Here are some links that may prove useful:

HERP VETERINARIANS: http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#vetlist

HERPVET CONNECTION: http://www.anapsid.org/vets/index.html#vetlist

Keep us posted. Regards,

Fabian

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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