Reptile & Amphibian Forums

All,
My name is Jay and some of you may recognize me from the Uromastyx mailing list. I wanted to stop by here and ask for some thoughts on something. I was recently at a local petstore and they had received a shipment of Malis. There are 3 or 4 that are in really bad shape. I made an offer to the store to adopt them and attempt to save them. I have the space and resources to do so but I've never had a Uro this bad off. What are some of the things to consider? Obviously, hydration and starvation are my biggest concerns. Until they're are hydrated and eating I won't even consider anti-biotics. I guess I'm looking for people who have success stories with rehabilitation. Anything you did that worked, may help me out if the store takes me up on the offer. There is a very good chance that they will. I've done alot of business with them. They're normally pretty good with their animals so this situation is a little out of the ordinary. Thanks in advance for the responses. Jay from VA

Well, I have no success stories about saving animals really. But I did have a pet shop straighten themselves out for me.

Uhh well, they could be impacted, have tail rot, parasites, mouth rot, repritory(spelling?) infection, I can't think of much because I am by no means at all an expert. There are people who know a considerable amount about them though, and also Doug Dix knows a whole lot (DeerFernFarms.com) I don't know if this'll help but keep at it!

I would think that they would probably need to go to the vet if they are that bad off. But pay attention to the signs such as excessive gapping of the mouth (respitory), runny poop and sluggish, possibly worms of some type. Try to feed them things that they would probably not turn down first, such as dandylions, peas etc. and see how they do with this.
They are most likely imports if they look as bad as you say, so I would reccomend a round of Panacur and Flagyl (dewormers) anyways when they start eating as this may be the source of their problem. If you aren't familiar with this medicine please go to the vet to get the proper dosage and info on care.
Some people on here will have a problem with me telling you to give them dewormers without a fecal, but I think that all imports should be given this anyways b/c they most likely will have worms. But these guys will probably need to go to the vet if they aren't eating right. If you know the owners pretty well you might want to ask about their status of being imported or not--if you can trust they will tell you the right info.
Good Luck!!!
Julie
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Julie Redmon
FSU!!!

I think its great you want to help out these uros. However, just taking them in to "save" them to me isn't enough. They should be turned in for animal neglect to hopefully avoid them just bringing more in after you take those ones. Unless your planning on buying all the ones that come in sick.

I took in 2 uros that were BADLY neglected. One was almost near death. Explained as "skin hangin off the bones" by a vet. The other had a totally swollen foot, bloody, the scaled had rotted off her feet, and started to on her underside. Also was left with a major spine deformity. The first one is doing well altho became sick recently but not b/c of the neglect. He's a very plump, happy guy. The other unfortunately died suddenly earlier this year. . But she did well till then.

Just a note that I did turn them in, testified against them, and won. They were fined an extrodinary amount and now have that record to follow them.

Good luck!
Renee

Renee,
Congratulations on your court victory. It takes quite a bit to accomplish something like that. I don't fault the store in this case because they ordered a batch of animals and this is what they received. I don't believe they intended to get animals that were in such poor condition. So who do you put the blame on? The collectors in the field? The exporter overseas? The importer here in the states? Or do you go fo the guy easiest to get to.. the store? It's tough to point the finger at just one guilty party. I know this situation brings out emotion in everyone and it is sad that it comes up so often, but as I stated in the original message, this is out of the ordinary for the store. I've also been in contact with the reptile department manager and they currently have the animals quarantined and are treating them. I only offered because I have experience with Uros and didn't know if they had the personnel and resources to do so. I will try to keep you all up to speed if anything changes.

Jay from VA

I hear what your saying. I'm glad that they are taking the efforts to get them into better health before selling them. Also good for you to help them become knowledgable .

Hope they all get well soon!!

Renee