Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently found out that I was not providing enough vitamin D for my alligator lizard.

He seems otherwise content and doing well, but he isnt shedding.

He's been eating crickets, mealworms, and fruit in the form of babyfood which he likes to lick up. i was giving a calcium powder which I thought had vit. D but did not.

If I get him UV lighting now, or feed vitamin D now can he recover? he hasnt shed for about six months.

I really appreciate any information -
Anna

Vitamin D and UV is important for calcium absorption, but if he is healthy and has a healthy appetite he probably hasn't developed any serious problems yet. Adult als don't shed as often as growing als but providing uv and vit d and a box or something with damp substrate would be a good idea.
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My greybands:
Prince Mandrake and Princess Caldera

In my experience deficientcys such as vD3 are non reversable. Thats not to say the indevidual cant live out a happy life but if damage has been done it will stay that way. Is there any noticable swelling in the lower jaw or limbs? I dont recal shedding or lack there of being a sign of this so I would not worry but you will need to provide a full spectrum light, I use reptisun lights, as well as a vitamin powder. I curently use ZOO MED'S Reptivite and am very happy with it. Its my understanding that you should chose a supliment with at least a 2/1 ratio of Calcium and Phosphorus. I am told more than 1 part Phosphorus per 2 parts Calcium can actualy interfear with D3 synthisis. The above is my oppinion and the way I have done it for years and still do it. The info is tryed and trued however if anyone ells has anything to ad please do so.
Foot Hill Reptiles

Hmm, thank you so much for your input.

I dont notice any type of swelling or anything. He just hasnt shed for some time, and has even seemed to be getting lethargic in the last few weeks. But its also been extremely cold here recently so I didnt know if that was it. No swelling though.

I tried to increase the humidity (he has a box and a plant that is misted) but that hasnt helped so far. if they normally go without shedding for that long though maybe its ok.

I will get him a bulb and some good powder. thanks so much! Ive been looking for care sheets and havent really found any. If anyone knows some mabye they could let me know.
thank so much
Anna

Try this
http://www.google.com/search?q=Alligator Lizard care&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial
Without knowing what kind of Gater you have its hard to get perfect care but I googled "Alligator Lizard Care and found about 223,000 pages
Foot Hill Reptiles

For insect eaters you actually want a phospherus free calcium supplement. They do need calcium and phospherus in a 2:1 ratio. Feeder insects are, however, high in phospherus and low in calcium. Therefore, if your supplement already has a 2:1 calcium to phospherus ratio you'll end up with too much phospherus. I use and recommend rep-cal with vitamin D3 for als; it is phospherus free.

-Alice

actually looking up my empty jar i actually found out that i -was- using rep-cal.. with d but no phosphorous.. which was a big relief to find. the new kind i have is called rep-pro. im still getting a bulb as soon as i can afford one.

thanks for the information. this lizard was 'rescued' and i think he was wild caught here in oregon.

he looks exactly like the photographs at the top left of this list.

thanks again for the help.
anna