Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got home today from work and found my breeding pair of red-tails laying near lifeless in the tank and extremely hot. if anyone knows what i should do to get them back to normal please any info will be appreciated.

Carrolltonboaguy,
....How hot were they? Cage heating system malfunction or room temperature get too hot? Get them into some water. You want the water to be around ideal cage temperature in the 80s. Watch them to make sure they are able to control their bodies and keep their heads up so they can breath. If they are only slightly dehydrated it can cause them to be lethargic. More serious dehydration and they will be totally uncoordinated in their movements and they could drown in the water. If they are not too far gone they will drink while in the water and possibly absorb some water through their skin. If they are unable to keep their heads above water their dehydration may be serious and they will need veterinary help.
Good luck,
Jeff

>>I got home today from work and found my breeding pair of red-tails laying near lifeless in the tank and extremely hot. if anyone knows what i should do to get them back to normal please any info will be appreciated.

hi jeff. i got them into water as soon as i could. I actually forgot to turn off the lights on the tank for about 2.5 days. i had 2 100 watt bulbs going and i noticed them near death. They were able to keep their heads above water and they began to flail around in the water. They looked as though they were not under control of their bodies. this morning they were still sluggish and very limp when i handled them to check them over. my male was moving around but a little twitchy in his movement. They were actually stretching their heads straight up and somewhat backward out of the water. any other info would be greatly appreciated.

aaron

aaron,
...Their continued neurological symptoms may indicate brain or internal organ damage. I would have a good reptile vet look at them. It could be that their electrolytes are out of balance and a veterinarian could do lab work and possibly correct the problem and save them.
Good luck,
Jeff

>>hi jeff. i got them into water as soon as i could. I actually forgot to turn off the lights on the tank for about 2.5 days. i had 2 100 watt bulbs going and i noticed them near death. They were able to keep their heads above water and they began to flail around in the water. They looked as though they were not under control of their bodies. this morning they were still sluggish and very limp when i handled them to check them over. my male was moving around but a little twitchy in his movement. They were actually stretching their heads straight up and somewhat backward out of the water. any other info would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>>aaron

update on their condition...they are coming around and the twitchy behavior has almost completely stopped and they are in a cooler environment now. I appreciate all the info Jeff. Looks as though my female was beginning to show signs of a shed so i willcontinue to update you guys on their status. Thanks again

Aaron