Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Finally took Tobias and Novia to a vet, they got a physical examination. It's so bad, he said "Do you want to put him down..?" and I said no... Turns out they're suffering from a severe lack of UVB (my bulb must have gone bad) which in turn decreased their appetite, causing them to starve.

I'll be feeding them baby food through a syringe for a week. They're on two medications. I got a new bulb, and they're basking under it already. He prescribed an hour of sunlight each day for a week. (Funny prescription, huh) U also got them some waxworms and superworms, for the heck of it.

In a week, if they still aren't gaining any weight, they (more likely Tobias) will probably be put to sleep.

Please wish us luck. I don't want to lose them.
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Amanda
Contact me

i am so sorry for tobias. just make sure the boy gets some sunshine. it really does do wonders
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vonnie
***There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is in having lots to do and not doing it. Mary Wilson Little ***

bad news also ! Although atleast you do know why the ill health. And have a chance to turn things around.

I sure hope you get the uvb light needed, and also can get them in some sunshine. Let us know how they make out.
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Eve / PHEve

I really hope Novia and Tobias start getting better. Such a double whammy. I'll keep them in my prayers during this week.

Nicole

I am sure your lizards will turn around.
This really brings home the need for diagnosis by a vet. Enjoy the sunshine along with your lizards!

... not the UVB, but eating wise. Dexter has been to the vet multiple times now and thankfully, he keeps on pulling out of sickness. Although, my vet, who is a vet for the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, also stated that once a Collared gets sick, it is tough to ever being them 100% back. She gives me this new stuff made specifically for this type of lizard and is in a powder.... you mix a teaspoon of powder and teaspoon of water and feed through a plactic tube syringe sort of thing. It has done wonders for Dexter. She also told me not to feed Dexter superworms b/c they are difficult for Collards to digest and eat b/c of their size... just some ideas.
JIM

I think your vet is right my lizards never like to drink water, and whenever I gave them superworms over the past week they drink quite a bit of water. Yesterday they didn't even want crickets because I think they were still digesting the worm meals. No more superworms for Ezra and Annabella.

Hey, thanks Jim. Good to know that I shouldn't expect a 100% recovery, now I won't get my hopes too high. I'll have to ask my vet about that powder as well.
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Amanda

I have learned quite a bit about Collard's regarding sickness since having Dexter. I have racked up over $300 in vet bills so I don't mind sharing what I have learned from my vet. She is on top of things. Feel free to email me anytime.
JIM