Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A little while ago, I fed Kismet and she started eating. As she went to take a second bite she almost looked like she was choking. She started coughing and bubbles came out of her mouth. Then she seemed okay and went to take another bite and got more bubbles. I called the vet, but he's out of the office until 4. I have a 4:40 appointment, but plan to go just before 4 in case they can squeeze me in earlier. The receptionist also said she would try to let him know and she gave me the name of another vet who sees reptiles in case she gets worse before then, but I know that my vet knows iguanas and I don't trust another vet.

Has anyone ever heard of anything like this?? Right now she is under her Mega-ray and looks fine, but this episode was not at all normal!

Susan

Here is what it looked like:

I have seen this before when they are choking. My greens have foamed up when this happens. I usually grab whatever they were eating and they foam a little and then they stop foaming.

I dont think its going to be anything diagnostic
-MV

Turns out he found a respiratory infection. He said we caught it early enough not to be a concern. She's on amikacin so I'll be giving her injections.

Amikacin is a very effective antibiotic for gram (-) infection but very hard on lizards. I have heard some horroe stories about it but I am thinking it was maybe overdosed in those instances. I have used it on Sauromalus varius for mouth infection and a joint infection and it worked ourstanding.

Tom

Thanks Tom! The first thing I did when I got home was read everything I could find so that I would know what to watch for. I’m used to doing subcutaneous injections on tiny baby sparrows so I’m really good about measuring tiny amounts of liquid so I don't think overdosing will be an issue. I do know that this antibiotic is particularly hard on the kidneys and she did have some kidney issues when she first came to us so we are being very watchful and cautious. Even though Cyclura don’t need the humidity that greens do, I’m going to bump up her baths to every day to make sure she is hydrated. The first question I asked the vet about was raising temps, which we are doing. I’m very very fortunate to have the vet that I do, since he is so incredibly knowledgeable about reptiles. He’s been a vet for 32 years, but he also keeps up to date on everything so he has both current knowledge and lots of experience. I live in constant fear that he will decide to retire and then I don’t know what I will do.... One thing I like about him is that he explains everything he is doing and why he is doing it and shows what to watch for and look for. I know that he has come to genuinely care about my animals. When I’ve run in to him at reptile shows or other places he always greets me by name and asks about my animals by name. He is truly amazing.

hows it doing ???

She is doing fine. Thanks for asking! I'm not seeing any more signs of the respiratory infection at all and, knock on wood, she hasn't had any side effects that I can see from the antibiotic. She has one more dose on Monday.

Kismet finished up her antibiotics. She is such a good girl. I was even able to give her the last shot by myself. Her temperament has always been incredible. She tail whipped halfheartedly to let me know she was upset, but didn't try to bite or anything during any of the shots.

I took her out on her leash for a while. She still doesn't have a lot of appetite, but did pick and choose from the items we grow for her to eat. Her color is good. I'm still keeping a close eye on her though.