My Blue Tongue Lizard has a swollen tail and a pink rash along the bottom of the tail. It is also not eating and sleeping alot. What could be wrong with it?
Hello,I apologize that no one has responded to your question sooner. Different experts come online at various times. I just came online and saw your question. I'm sorry to hear that your lizard is ill. Some additional information will be useful.What substrate do you use on the cage floor?What temperatures do you maintain in the basking area and on the cool side?What kinds of lighting and heating equipment do you have?How long has your lizard been sick?Thank you.Anna
Hi Anna
The substrate we are using is Critter Litter. The temperature at the basking side is 28 degrees, a little colder than usual as it is getting cooler here and the temp has dropped. The cooler side 20 degrees. I use a well named lighting and heating source from the company Reptile One. We use a UV tube for sun and a fan forced heating 50W for the heating. I guess I noticed the rash about 4 weeks ago. At first it was like a ring at the beginning of the tail but now the bottom of the tail (under the lizard) is a light pink colour where it should be white. We cleaned the enclosure hoping it would go away nut it didn't. Usually our lizard loves to eat. We feed it a variety of veggies and some meal worms. He loves feeding time. We also feed it a snail for a treat every now and then. We collect the snails from our garden but we keep them in a container for 3 days before feeding them to him. The temp has been getting colder as it is coming on Winter here in Australia.
What do you think is wrong with him?
Thanks
Nicole
Thank you for getting back to me. I’m working on your answer and will post it as soon as I have it typed up. Please don’t respond to this post as that can lock me out of the question. I’ll be back shortly. Anna
Thank you for waiting, Nicole. Of course it's impossible to be certain based only on an online description, but it does sound as if your lizard is suffering from an infection. It probably began at the tail, but has now become systemic. If that si the case, you'll need prescription antibiotics from a vet to treat it. This link will take you to a directory of reptile vets:http://www.wolfwood.com.au/rept2.htmlYour temperatures are cold (for a lizard), and that alone often results in appetite loss and lethargy, and eventually illness. The very coldest part of the enclosure should be 24*C. The gradient in the tank should be from 24*C to 29*C, but directly under the basking light, it should be 33*C to 35*C. Night-time temperatures should not fall below 21*C. These lizards are omnivores and need animal-based foods. But, live prey insects from the store are how the animal-based foods should be supplied. Live crickets, earthworms, silkworms, and mealworms are good. Creatures form outside, such as snails, are often a source of infection. Fruit should be a treat only. The diet should be 60% produce, and 40% meat-based foods. The following site will give you better ideas for the plant foods:http://www.repticzone.com/articles/fruitsandvegetablesrated.htmlThey also need a plain calcium supplement. To read more about care:http://www.the-lizard-lounge.com/content/species/blue-tongue-skink.aspI recommend making a vet appointment, adjusting the temperatures, and as a first aid measure, give the lizard a special soak. Buy an electrolyte solution. In Australia, it’s a human product called Dioralyte. Prepare a shallow bath consisting of 1/2 water and 1/2 electrolyte solution. Soak your lizard for about 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. Reptiles can absorb the electrolytes and fluids through their vents (where droppings pass out), so make the water deep enough to cover the vent. Be sure to supervise closely. If you have more questions, let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope your lizard will reach a full recovery.Anna(The above answer is intended for informational purposes only. If your pet is ill, you should consult a veterinarian. )