Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an alligator lizard that I rescued from my cats. I had a spare tank so I kept it in that so the leg wounds could heal. It seemed to be doing well. It was eating crickets and I would dust them with calcium every third feeding. During the time I've had it it has shed twice.

For the past week and half to two weeks it has been hiding in the substrate but moving around. Yesterday I got home to find it out but not moving like before, then it seemed to go limp. When I pick it up the tail is limp and his back legs aren't moving and are pointed towards the end of its tail. This front legs move but it always end up pointing towards the tail too. It will open its mouth and move its head but that is about it and the eyes seem alert.

Today the lizard appears to be in the same condition.

If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated. I am puzzled as to what I should do. Thanks in advance.

Not sure exactly what's wrong. It could be from the initial injuries or it may have developed metabolic bone disease (MBD).

Is it still eating / interested in food? I'd dust the crickets with calcium at every feeding (without religious supplementation als are very prone to MBD). You'll probably have to hand feed. Make sure your calcium supplement contains vitamin D3 and is phosphorus free (no calcium phosphate etc). Make sure there are no wandering crickets as the dust falls off rapidly (feed only as many crickets as your al can eat in a sitting and remove any uneaten after 15 minutes). I'd also recommend getting a UVB light. This will enable your lizard to synthesize some of its own vitamin D3. Make sure you place it so that it is within the manufacturer's recommended distance from your lizard (usually 10-12 inches).

Good luck,
Alice