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Posted by djfletcher on April 22, 2003 at 20:32:59:
In Reply to: Gravely ill PTS posted by brumzoo on April 22, 2003 at 07:52:47:
Hello there:
I'm not an exotics expert, but I am a vet and a PTS owner (and a former classmate of Jess B's!). Jess's female Gertie had an episode that was very similar to what you're describing, although I'm not sure that the white cell count was as elevated. Although your skink does indeed have a very high white cell count, this doesn't necessarily mean that he has an infection. White blood cells mean that there is a significant amount of inflammation, but all inflammation does not equate to infection. My concern would be that your skink has bloated and may have an intestinal perforation that could, indeed, lead to a very bad infection. I'm hoping that's NOT what's going on.
When Gertie had her problem, Jess treated her with lots of fluid (subcutaneous administration as well as frequent soaking) and oral feeding of dilute Oxbow Critical Care. Gertie eventually passed some very dry, hard feces that had probably caused an impaction. If you're not already trying to deal with Adonis' hydration, I strongly recommend that you soak him in warm water 3-4 times per day.
As for ultrasound, I agree that it probably wouldn't be useful, but not because of the possible infection (if it were some kind of abscess or perforation leading to a peritonitis and ultrasound would be very helpful). The problem is that the x-rays showed a lot of gas in the intestines (hopefully not free in the coelom?), and ultrasound doesn't penetrate through gas.
Good luck with your PTS. I hope your vet is successful in identifying the underlying problem.
Dan
