Reptile & Amphibian Forums

You know sometimes when there is just something telling you that you can't ignore... I am very concerned about Dexter making it through the evening. I think it has finally come to that time. He has taken a dramatic turn for the worse tonight. He is coughing about every 30 seconds and when he does so, his tongue sticks out and then he closes his mouth and what appears to be him trying to swallow about 5 times. When he coughs, he takes in a very deep breath to fill up his body and then when he does the swallowing, he deflates. His breathing also is labored sporadically.

I just called my vet... the office was still open at 8pm, but he was gone and not on call tonight. I called Animal 911 (emergency vet for reptiles) and she said I could bring him in and they could put IV's on him, etc., but that would cost probably about $300-400. She suggested that I not give him his usual nightly routine of meds, water, etc.

He keeps on holding up his head and resting it against things in his home... my vet told me in the past that with kidney failure they will do that b/c they are retaining water and it makes it more comfortable for them.

I don't want to come across as dramatic, b/c that I am not... I'm just honest and real. I took him out and held him for a little bit... I feel so bad for him... not knowing how to make him comfortable... I just don't think he will make it through the night We have been down such a long road that it makes it tough to lose such a cool little dude.

Bummed in Vernon Hills
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JIM aka jakeleolizard

1 Collared Lizard -Dexter- DOB 4/23/03
1 Beagle/Pug mix -Teagan- DOB 11/26/03

i am so sorry. i know how much you love him. it is so hard to see them this way. i still remember when walter the first died and it still makes me cry and i am not a sappy person. if it is his time to go i just hope it is the most peaceful way possible
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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 ***

Thank you! Yeah... I am not a sappy person either... trust me... I am usually very non emotional actually... not that I have been emotional... I just hate to see him ... what appears to me... to be suffering at this time... I just don't know what I can do to help him at this point... to make him more comfortable... He is still doing it... a little less often, but not much... it is nighttime now for him... (well, for me too... but you know what I mean ) He is just sitting there with his head up... his eyes don't really open... I did put some drops in them tonight... but I don't think he can see... he seems to be breathing less.... as if his body is shutting down
Will see. Thanks tho! I was wondering if anyone ever went through this with theirs and if they had suggestions... I know most people usually just walk in and see theirs dead... so this is new...
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JIM aka jakeleolizard

1 Collared Lizard -Dexter- DOB 4/23/03
1 Beagle/Pug mix -Teagan- DOB 11/26/03

I am very emotional when it comes to animals, it really bums me big time when one is sick. It rips me up if I have to watch them leaving me. And it does not embarress me to say so.

I'm very sorry about little Dexter, seems he has had a dang tough time in his short life, one thing after another. And you have been there to help him over each hurdle.
Which makes it all the harder to deal with losing him.

With all the medicine and force feedings , so on you have done this past year, I can understand the BOND with this little lizard believe me.

You asked if any of us have gone through this, so I will say...

I have had 2 lizards that I did not find dead, and had to watch what your watching, and I would have to agree with your thoughts, even though I hate to admit it.
All I can say is make him as comfy as possible, let him keep his head up, they do this to help in breathing.

You may after a time if he is in a bad way for a long period, want to take him to the vet and let them help him find comfort again. Thats up to you, if you feel hes bad.

Well , buddy I do not relish talking like this, don't mean to be somber, make you feel worse, I just want you to know I feel your helplessness, and can only hope for the best.

Hang in there. We will be here if ya need to post.
Let us know how he does will ya Jim!
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PHEve / Eve

Thanks Eve!! I appreciate your posting!!

I am surprised... but he made it through the night.. He was sleeping normally this morning... all flat and breathing normal... head down... but I am sure when the lights come back on, he will probably be struggling... will see.

I am taking him to the vet today at 11:10. I feel like I really should... what is going to be tough if is he says that it would be best to put Dexter to sleep. I have never had to do that with a pet... I am not sure if I will be able to... but I also know that I don't want to see him suffer.

I'll keep you posted
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JIM aka jakeleolizard

1 Collared Lizard -Dexter- DOB 4/23/03
1 Beagle/Pug mix -Teagan- DOB 11/26/03

The Dr. looked at him and said that he was in fact suffocating due to the water retention due to the kidney failure. That is why the gasping breaths. He also said his windpipe was swollen. When I got home, he was pretty lifeless except for the deep breaths...

Dr. Barten (who I found out today from the receptionist, is nationally recognized and respected by herp enthusiasts... I didn't know that) said he was suffering and there wasn't anything more we could do because death was immenent. I asked him what he would do if Dexter was his, and he said as much as he hates to do it... he said it would be better for Dexter to be put to sleep than to have him suffer and struggle for air.

So I conceded and said to go ahead. I have never had to put a pet to sleep.... it was more difficult than I thought it would be. I had been through so much with him and he always made me laugh, didn't frustrate me (which I can't say for the dog), and he just had a great personality...

I feel bad, but I really do think it was best for Dexter

Thanks to everyone for thinking about him. I'll get another Collared at some point in the future... but not for now...
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JIM aka jakeleolizard

1 Collared Lizard -Dexter- DOB 4/23/03
1 Beagle/Pug mix -Teagan- DOB 11/26/03

I know how hard that was, very very sorry ! But it is awful watching them go through that.

So now hes with a pretty collared lady, running and jumping and catching crickets FOREVER !

Feel better soon pal ! I will wait a day or so and email you!
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PHEve / Eve

he is in a lot less pain now, you did the right thing. my parents told me once (to make me feel better) that Of course all animal lovers know that death is an inevitable part of life, and an excuse to get 2 more. i hope you continue to post because you do have alot of information to offer people!
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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 ***

I appreciate your comments!!

It is good to know you guys felt I did the right thing too...

I will continue to come on and try to pass along my knowledge I have gained and sometime in the future, I will get another one... Collared's are just so cool. Plus, with all that I have learned through this, it would be a shame not to use it!!

thanks again!
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JIM aka jakeleolizard

1 Collared Lizard -Dexter- DOB 4/23/03
1 Beagle/Pug mix -Teagan- DOB 11/26/03

Hey your one of us now buddy, a collared lizard enthusiast,

We will get ya set up again, when ever your ready!

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PHEve / Eve