Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I work in a pet store and someone brought in a water dragon that is in horrible shape. He's brown and sickly looking, underweight and his face is all banged up. He also holds one of his front legs completely under his body and appears unable to use it and theres a good chance its broken and he may have mbd. He's about a year old and only 12 inches long. I know he wont get any vet care at the store so i was thinking of buying him and maybe finding a rescue to take him or fix him up and adopt him out. As far as a cage for him, what would I need to get? Would a twenty gallon be alright till his arm heals? He can't climb at the moment and just lays on the bottom of the tank that he's in. He's still eating so i don't think he's beyond hope.
-----
1 crested gecko
1 RES
1 leucistic texas ratsnake
3 bullfrogs
1 dusky conure
4 australian shepherds
3 cats

You can definately try working with him if you want to but if he is in bad shape it can be a lot of work and take a long time.

First off you will have to take him the vet immediately, bring a feca sample with you to have that checked. The vet should give your lizard a physical and be able to tell you what you will need to fix about the little guy. He can diagnose the CWD if he has parasites or MBD, or any other conditions that will need treatment. Don't try and diagnose him on your own, it could prove to be harmfull to the lizard.

Overall, set him up in a sterile enclosure, paper towels work good as a temporary substrate. I would try to use a slightly larger tank than 20gallons, but if its a 20long you might be able to get away with it for awhile. Make sure he stays nice and warm, with a basking spot of 95-100degrees, make sure you put lots of visual barriers up to keep the dragon calm. He will also need a UVB light. Provide him with a shallow water dish, and make sure he stays hydrated with daily warm water soaks. Feed small insects and finely chopped veggies with a good calcium and vitimin supplement.

Good luck!
-----
1.0 green iguana-Deitrich
1.1 Common Boa-Un-Named, Ursula
1.0 Ball Python-Anabell (go figure!)
1.0 Red Tegu-Uteg
1.0 Albino Cal King-Pig
0.1 Mexican Black King-Morticia
1.1 Bearded Dragons-Unnamed, Hanabil
1.0 Albino San Diego Gopher-Unnamed
0.1 Hermans tort-Esio
1.1 JCP-Milton, Medusa
1.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn-Unnamed
0.1 Snow Corn-Unnamed
1.0 Hypo Okeetee Corn-Unnamed
0.1 Motley Okeetee-Unnamed
1.0 Western Hoggie-Wyrm
0.0.1 Rose Hair Taruntla-Unnamed
2.0 Leopard Geckos-Reptar, Pogo
4.1 cats-Tucker,Poe,Abhib,Emerald, Felicity
0.1 Bullmastiff-Asha

I don't think you should have to buy him, the pet store should be happy to give him to someone one will actually get him treated. He does need vet care, a vet can give him calcium injections to get a jump on the MBD, and antibiotics if he has any infections. A 20 gallon tank should be fine for rehabilitation. Make sure you have a UVB light source and keep him warm. Worms are a good coice since he shouldn't have to chase them.
-----
A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 1999
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04