Lights & "Cold"

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Posted by Iguanamomma on December 21, 2000 at 11:58:37:

In Reply to: Re: REALLY WORRIED!! posted by Kimberley on December 21, 2000 at 05:55:39:

I don't think reptiles get "colds" per se but they can get respiratory problems (which are almost the same thing?).

I also use nightlights. You are going to have to check the temps if you haven't done so already to make sure he is warm enuf during the day and at night. I just switched from a 50W to a 75W night light because we are colder now. Mine don't really seem to have a preference between red and blue. Some of the red, however, come in what is sort of like a "spot" light and direct the heat more down than down&out. You might need that kind if it is really cold in your area/house. If you can't locate these lights in the reptile section of a local pet store....try the bird section. It's the SAME bulb. On line stores do have these things cheaper but you can't wait for delivery at this point. Get what you need now and then order some for later on line. If you can afford the ceramic heater and think you can use it safely, then that is your best bet. It's costly but it does last longer than the bulbs. I can't use it because of kids (ok, ok so it was ME that got burned on one at a store, but I figure if I can be stupid enuf to touch one that's on so can they!)

You really do need to get those temps right. By being too cold their appetite goes down---it is already decreased this time of year any way. And by remaining too cold what little they do eat will not digest properly/timely. And, lastly, by not warming up, the "germies" and/or parasites (worms, mites, etc) have an excellent chance of getting in their system.

It may be that all your babe needs is to get warmed up enuf and all will be right in his world. However, I am NOT a vet and can't make that call for you. I agree with Kimberly that you're gonna feel better if you have him checked out by a vet.

If by chance the vet thinks he needs antibiotic therapy, try to get oral meds. It would probably be Baytril and most of us have no trouble giving it via putting the dose on a treat food (mine is bread). Ask the vet also about upping the temps somewhat during the sick time. Also, if antibiotics are given, you'll want to review stuff about giving a bit of yogurt after the last dose to help re-establish the gut flora. I'm pretty sure this is covered at Melissa Kaplan's website and I hesitate to work from memory at this point and risk misinforming you of dosages. I also think there's a section on respiratory problems there that you might want to review for symptoms.

Good luck and I hope all will be right soon!

glenda

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: : I don't think reptiles get "colds" per se but they can get respiratory problems (which are almost the same thing?). : I also use nightlights. You are going to have to check the temps if you haven't done so already to make sure he is warm enuf during the day and at night. I just switched from a 50W to a 75W night light because we are colder now. Mine don't really seem to have a preference between red and blue. Some of the red, however, come in what is sort of like a "spot" light and direct the heat more down than down&out. You might need that kind if it is really cold in your area/house. If you can't locate these lights in the reptile section of a local pet store....try the bird section. It's the SAME bulb. On line stores do have these things cheaper but you can't wait for delivery at this point. Get what you need now and then order some for later on line. If you can afford the ceramic heater and think you can use it safely, then that is your best bet. It's costly but it does last longer than the bulbs. I can't use it because of kids (ok, ok so it was ME that got burned on one at a store, but I figure if I can be stupid enuf to touch one that's on so can they!) : You really do need to get those temps right. By being too cold their appetite goes down---it is already decreased this time of year any way. And by remaining too cold what little they do eat will not digest properly/timely. And, lastly, by not warming up, the "germies" and/or parasites (worms, mites, etc) have an excellent chance of getting in their system. : It may be that all your babe needs is to get warmed up enuf and all will be right in his world. However, I am NOT a vet and can't make that call for you. I agree with Kimberly that you're gonna feel better if you have him checked out by a vet. : If by chance the vet thinks he needs antibiotic therapy, try to get oral meds. It would probably be Baytril and most of us have no trouble giving it via putting the dose on a treat food (mine is bread). Ask the vet also about upping the temps somewhat during the sick time. Also, if antibiotics are given, you'll want to review stuff about giving a bit of yogurt after the last dose to help re-establish the gut flora. I'm pretty sure this is covered at Melissa Kaplan's website and I hesitate to work from memory at this point and risk misinforming you of dosages. I also think there's a section on respiratory problems there that you might want to review for symptoms. : Good luck and I hope all will be right soon! : glenda

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