Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I had a hatchling fence lizard leap into my swimming pool right in front of me, and so I quickly scooped him up though he was totally shocked or something I think and was not wanting to get off my hand. Since I keep a few bearded dragons, and I've cared for two fence lizards in the past, I figured it couldn't hurt to house him for a week or so and make sure he's ok. He's been eating pinheads and mini mealworms, and some fruit fly maggots. He's a uvb and heat, and I monitor the temp all day.Just when I was thinking it was a good time to let him go again, he started acting kind of funny. He still eats and he has pooped every day, but there's this white crusty/flaky white stuff near or on his tiny nostrils. It looks just like when my dragons are shedding and the skin in their nose is ready to come out. He has been breathing hard the entire time I've had him, but it has become more labored the last two days, and now I am really worried. Should I release him anyway or take him to a vet first or does anyone have any suggestions?

He probably aspirated some water when he jumped into the pool and it's taken a few days to develop into pneumonia. Letting him go would mean he would definitely die, either from the respiratory disease or a predator scooping up easy immobile prey. I'd take him to a vet to give him a chance, and don't waste any time doing it.

That is what I was suspecting (pneumonia), but suddenly his symptoms changed completely. He is breathing more normally now, but I suspect he might be impacted. His hind legs have become completely paralyzed, and I can tell his lower body (his tummy near the base of his tail) is very painful to him. It also seems to tremble and twitch, along with one of his back legs. What's strange is that he almost seems to feel better; he is more alert, breathing better and cruises around with his front legs, though he can't really climb or he flips over - it is so heart-wrenching to watch, because he is just so perfectly precious and innocent. Today he ate a fly, three or four maggots, two ants, and a tiny moth, and when I misted him, he drank water - but he did gape for a moment after drinking. But he has not pooped and I am really scared for him. I just want him to get better so he can be free with the other hatchling outside in the rocks. How do I help this guy? Can anyone tell me or refer me to someone who can? Our local reptile vets are gone all weekend and the emergency place hasn't been very impressive with their reptile knowledge in the past. How long does he have to live if it is impaction? Should I soak him in a bath like a dragon?

TAKE HIM TO A VET NOW. He is more than likely suffering from URI, Warm his enclosure up and keep it dry other than a small water dish. The white build up around the nose is calcium and other mineral deposits in your drinking water and posably your pool. They expel them through there nose similar to the way marine iguana expels the salt from the water. If he is already paralised in the rear end it is more than likly to late for him and he will eventually die, Your post was made on a Thursday, He should have gone to the vet for a check up that day. Use this as a learning experience, Always take newly collected reptiles to the vet ASAP and then again at then again at the first signs of a problem.
Foot Hill Reptiles