Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The vet did the necropsy, and the leg paralysis and anus prolapse that didn't repond by contracting when touched were all indicators of something besides a food blockage. The vet found no tumors that could be seen by the eye, but felt that Bailey may have suffered a stroke or an intradural hemorrage that would require a pathologist with a microscope to determine. I had been soaking him in warm water and massaging his limbs for several days with no response, so putting him down was the only answer. I couldn't let him waste away or suffer unable to pass food. Although he was the picture of health, he was old, and it is hard to imagine, but our little Chuck frinds do suffer from congenital heart failure, strokes, cancer, etc., just like us.

Maureen, that is a very good point. We think about age related illness in our furry critters, but we should also be aware that our lizard friends have hearts, and neuro pathways, and circulatory systems just like everything else, and they get old. I am really sorry that you lost him, but what a great ride he had with you! I hope I can keep mine going that long! You did the kindest thing that you could for him, and if there is a chuck heaven, I know he appreciates all the years that you made his life great and appreciates that you made the end easier than it could have been.

As you said these guys do suffer from health problems not caused by us just like any other animal. Keep your head up Maureen and keep up the good work.

So true, Maureen, I totally agree, sometimes we kick ourselves too much and feel as though we did something very wrong that caused them to die.

But in reality they get ill and have inner things going on that no matter how good of job we do, sometimes it's just nature, and unfortunitly there is diease.

Take care buddy, your a wonderful CHUCKER mom
-----
PHEve / Eve