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MY female rhino not bouncing back after laying

backyard_herps Aug 22, 2005 09:36 PM

She is having a really hard time this year after laying a clutch of 20 on 7/26/05. I am getting a little worried, She also seems to have a very weak back, It almost looks as if you could fold her in half, she sits up at almost a 90 degree angle. Her back is not broken and I don't think she is egg bound. She had her biggest clutch ever this season, so i would be shocked if that is the case.I have a vet coming to check her out and give her a shot of fluids, but I am not convinced that this is the answer.I have owned and bred cycluras for a long time and I don't have a clue.Please don't respond with MBD or poor husbandry. They get CA sun, have a huge outdoor enclosure and are on an amazing fresh diet.However all other suggestions from the many awesome iguana hobbiests out there would be greatly appreciated.The picture is a shot of the way she normally looks. thanks for your time Matt

Replies (1)

cycluracornuta Aug 26, 2005 02:45 PM

Congratulations on the 20 eggs !
It is not uncommon for cyclura to draw calcium from all bones to make the eggs. Some are more adept at obsorbing calcium than others. Keep in mind that calcium supplement is not just used for bone production, but also muscle functions. I believe that liquid calcium is easier for some cyclura to absorb, so you might try neocalglucon if you have not already. Inspect that she does not have any broken bones. If something looks bent, splint it straight, otherwise as her bones recover and harden, it will be permanently bent. Have observed cyclura with bent tails and broken crooked backs -- this can be a by-product of a difficult egg laying. Let us know what the vet say, and good luck.

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