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Posted by dmz on April 21, 2003 at 18:03:03:
In Reply to: I can't watch her suffer anymore posted by Lauri on April 20, 2003 at 14:40:20:
I have been going through a very similar situation as you. Travis had ingested calci-sand which led to impaction. The first signs were diminished appetite and bowel movements. After a week I started to force pedialite into his mouth, a few cc's at a time to keep his electrolytes up and dehydration down. I was soaking him ten minutes daily. After all of that his condition continued to worsen and I was really upset that the vet he was going to didn't seem all too concerned. I found a vet who specializes in herps and left him there for a couple of days. The vet told me that Travis was very fortunate because even though he was very lethargic and toxic(due to the build-up of the waste products), he would most likely not need surgery because I had been trying to keep him hydrated at home. What a HUGE relief! He came home a week ago a different lizard, active, hungry, pooping. I know how you feel about the cost--it is overwhelming. I am getting married in 3 weeks and this financial blow couldn't have come at a worse time. I also thought that Travis would have to be put down. I'm very glad that I waited.
Some suggestions that you can try at home to help him:
1)pedialite, about 1 or 2 cc's to keep the hydration up
2)mineral oil, both orally and anally. It's not pretty and made me nervous as hell, but if you can't afford the vet, this is what they would be doing. If you have a syringe with a small opening, use that. Only about .5cc's or so by mouth with the pedialite, probobly 1cc from the rear. I was pretty squemish as I didn't want to hurt Travis any more than he already was. If you have any doubts, let the vet do it.
3)continue baths and gentle belly massages.
Please don't give up yet, I know how hard it is to see them suffer. Maybe try calling your local zoo. They may have someone on staff or know of a herp specialist in your area to take him to.
Hope all that made sense. Please keep us posted and the best of luck to you both. Diane
