How To Save A Dying Lizard: A Step-By-Step Guide

Finding an injured or ill lizard can be alarming. If the reptile is still alive, quick action on your part could help save its life. This comprehensive guide will provide tips on determining if a lizard is dying, basic first aid steps, and when to seek professional veterinary care.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Carefully move the lizard to a secure container lined with paper towels, provide warmth from a heating pad under half the enclosure, lightly mist the lizard with water, and quickly transport it to an exotic veterinarian for evaluation and treatment.

In this detailed guide, we will cover how to assess a lizard’s health, temporary housing considerations, methods for hydration and warming, and signs that indicate a veterinary visit is vital. With the proper information and prompt care, you can greatly improve the chances of a sick lizard making a full recovery.

Assessing Whether a Lizard is Dying

Examining Physical Symptoms

There are several key physical symptoms to look for when assessing if a lizard is dying or in poor health. Here are some of the most common signs:

• Weight loss or emaciation – Lizards that are dying often lose significant weight and muscle mass. Their tails and head may appear thinner.
• Lethargy – Sick lizards are often lethargic and lack normal energy and activity levels. They may move slowly or remain still for long periods.
• Labored breathing – Breathing difficulties like mouth gaping or shallow, rapid breaths can indicate respiratory distress.
• Discharge – Look for discharge around the eyes, nose, or mouth which can signal infection.
• Loss of appetite – A dying lizard will often stop eating or drink very little.
• Skin discoloration – The skin may appear bruised, reddened, or darkened in places which can indicate problems.

According to the reptile veterinarians at VCA Hospitals, monitoring weight, eating habits, and feces/urates are some of the best ways to catch health issues early on. Skin infections, respiratory infections, and metabolic bone disease from poor nutrition are some common ailments in pet lizards.

Getting a sick lizard checked by an exotic vet quickly can greatly improve outcomes.

Behavioral Changes

In addition to physical symptoms, there are behavioral signs that may indicate a lizard is unwell or dying:

• Hiding – Lizards often hide when they feel vulnerable. A dying lizard may hide all the time.
• Gaplng mouth – Open mouth breathing signals respiratory distress.
• Closing eyes – Due to weakness, sick lizards may keep eyes closed.
• Clinging to heat source – Feel cold due to illness and cling to heat lamp.
• Prolonged soaking in water – Attempt to rehydrate due to dehydration.
• Digging – Instinct to bury self when dying.
• Seizures – Neurological issues may cause seizures.
• Tremors – Shaking due to illness, stress, or fear.

According to veterinarian Dr. Branson Ritchie, other signs of a dying lizard may include lack of awareness, inability to walk or right itself, and prolapse of the hemipenis or cloaca. He recommends gently collecting fecal and urine samples for analysis if illness is suspected.

Catching health issues early by monitoring weight, appetite, energy levels, and overall behavior can help give a sick lizard the best chance at recovery. But if a lizard is exhibiting multiple late-stage symptoms, humane euthanasia may be the kindest option to prevent further suffering.

Providing First Aid and Temporary Housing

Setting Up a Basic Enclosure

An essential first step when providing care for an injured or ill lizard is setting up proper housing. A basic temporary terrarium or enclosure should replicate the animal’s natural habitat as much as possible.

The enclosure should contain clean substrate such as newspaper, cypress mulch, or reptile carpet lining the bottom. Add hiding spots like branches, cardboard tubes, or small boxes so the lizard feels secure. Be sure to include a water bowl, proper lighting and heat sources, and ventilation.

Hydration Methods

Keeping a sick lizard hydrated is crucial for recovery. Provide fresh, dechlorinated water at all times in a shallow dish that won’t tip over easily. Mist the enclosure daily with room temperature water to increase humidity.

In severe cases of dehydration, you may need to administer fluids under the skin via subcutaneous injections – consult an exotic vet for assistance. As dehydration worsens, the eyes may appear sunken in and the skin loses elasticity.

Monitor urine and feces output to gauge if hydration efforts are working.

Providing Supplemental Heat

Most lizards require specific temperature gradients to digest food, fight infection, and recover properly. Use an under-tank heating mat on one side of the enclosure to create a warm zone of 88-92°F. The cool end should be 75-80°F.

Measure temperatures with a reptile thermometer probe placed at ground level. You may also need overhead basking lights to sufficiently heat the warm zone depending on the enclosure size. Turn off all heating elements at night to create a natural drop in temps.

Carefully monitor the lizard’s behavior – if he avoids the warm area, temperatures may need adjusting.

Be sure to bring the injured lizard to a qualified exotic veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment if his condition does not improve within 2 days. With attentive supportive care in a stress-free environment, many sick lizards can fully recover.

Getting Veterinary Care

Signs Requiring a Vet Visit

There are certain signs that indicate your lizard friend needs to see a veterinarian right away. These include:

• Not eating or drinking for more than 2 days
• Vomiting or regurgitation
• Diarrhea that lasts over 24 hours
• Labored breathing or respiratory distress
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
• Lethargy, weakness, or inability to move
• Swellings or lumps on the body
• Injuries such as bites or broken bones
• Weight loss

If you notice any of these symptoms in your lizard, don’t delay – get them to a qualified reptile vet immediately. The sooner a sick lizard receives treatment, the better their chances of recovery. Better safe than sorry when it comes to your scaly friend’s health!

Choosing a Qualified Exotic Veterinarian

Not all vets are equipped to properly treat reptiles like lizards. When choosing a vet, make sure they have experience specifically with exotic pets and reptiles. Here are some tips for finding a good exotic vet:

• Ask fellow lizard owners for recommendations in your area.
• Search for vets accredited by the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV).
• Look for a vet who sees exotics routinely, not just occasionally.
• Make sure they have specialized equipment needed for small reptiles.
• Ask about their experience with lizards – ideally 5+ years is good.

A qualified reptile vet will be up on the latest care standards and treatments. This gives your lizard the best chance at an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Don’t be afraid to interview vets thoroughly beforehand.

Transporting the Lizard Safely

Getting an ailing lizard to the vet without stressing them further requires some preparation and care. Here are some tips for safe transport:

• Place the lizard gently into a plastic critter carrier or small box lined with a towel.
• Avoid overcrowding if carrying multiple lizards. Give each their own container.
• Put a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel in the carrier to maintain proper temperature.
• Keep the container in a dark, quiet space during transport.
• Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops/starts to reduce stress.
• Talk softly and limit noise to keep the lizard calm.

It’s also a good idea to bring a fresh fecal sample so the vet can test for parasites. With some planning ahead, you can safely get your sick lizard to the vet for the urgent care they need. Stay calm, drive safe, and let the qualified exotic vet take it from there!

Causes of Lizard Illness and Injury

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a common illness in captive lizards caused by improper calcium, vitamin D3, and phosphorus balance. It affects over 50% of pet lizards according to the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine.

The disease causes soft, deformed, and easily broken bones leading to fractures and spinal curvatures. MBD is prevented through proper supplementation based on species, age, size, and feed intake. Young, growing lizards are especially susceptible.

Infection

Captive lizards suffer from various bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections. Salmonella is the most common bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and environment. Reptile-associated salmonellosis infects over 70,000 Americans each year.

Other common infections include mouth rot, respiratory infections, scale rot and septicemia. Careful husbandry and quarantining new lizards prevents transmission. But prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment is key, which may include topical antifungals/antibacterials, fluid therapy and antibiotics.

Trauma

Improper housing often leads to serious traumatic injuries in pet lizards. Small enclosures, inadequate substrates, sharp decor and hot rocks frequently cause thermal burns, bone fractures, tail loss and toe/foot trauma.

The Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians estimates over 85% of initial clinic visits are housing related issues. Provide ample space with hiding spots, varied textures and temperatures gradients. Monitor for signs of stress. Target train lizards for handling.

First aid like bandaging wounds greatly improves recovery. Seek immediate vet assistance for serious traumatic injuries as permanent damage can occur rapidly.

Caring for a Recovering Lizard

Housing Considerations

A recovering lizard needs a calm, temperature controlled environment to heal in. Some recommendations for housing a recovering reptile buddy are:

• Use a glass enclosure with plenty of space around 10-20 gallons for the little guy to move around in – larger is even better.
• Place the enclosure in a quiet room, away from loud sources of noise or stress since a lot of activity outside their tank can be overwhelming. A bathroom or spare bedroom works well!
• Use a heat lamp and an under tank heating pad to let your scaly patient thermoregulate and get to its optimal body temperature. Maintain a hot side of 90°F and a cooler side around 78°F.
• Add places for the lizard to climb, hide and perch as they recover – toilet paper rolls, branches, cork bark and reptile hammocks are great options to spice up their habitat. Just be sure to sanitize anything going in the tank to avoid infection.

Feeding and Hydration

Your convalescing reptile companion will need all their strength to recuperate, so giving them the right nutrition and fluids is crucial for their recovery process. Here are some tips:

• Feed food items at a frequency and size appropriate for the species like crickets, worms, greens and small vegetables two times a day in most cases.
• Lightly dust feeder insects with calcium and multi-vitamin powder prior to offering them to your rescue buddy since extra nutrients support healing.
• Make fresh water available every day in a shallow water bowl within the enclosure – change it daily.
• Avoid handling the lizard for the first few days after taking them in as this can stress them out – use long tweezers instead to place food in the enclosure if needed.

Monitoring Health Status

Keep an eagle eye 👀 on your recovering lizard friend to ensure they remain stable. Here’s what to monitor:

• Weigh your rescue pal every 2-3 days at the same time of day to ensure they aren’t losing significant weight.
• Watch out for changes in appetite – a decreased appetite may indicate a medical issue is developing or there’s still an underlying problem.
• Note changes in their energy levels and activity – are they moving around less than before? This can signal illness.
• Observe their habitat for signs of normal bodily functions – defecating regularly is a good sign.
• Take note if the eyes appear sunken or the skin seems loose instead of smooth which can indicate dehydration or weight loss.

Armed with these tips on a habitat conducive to healing 🏡, nutritional support 🥬 and close monitoring 👀, you’ll have your new lizard buddy back to full health in no time! Just don’t forget regular vet checkups and loads of TLC during recovery. 😊

Conclusion

Discovering an ill or injured lizard can be stressful, but don’t panic. With careful handling, temporary housing, first aid measures, and prompt veterinary care, you may be able to nurse the reptile back to health.

Monitor the lizard closely over the following days and weeks while providing supportive care as it recovers. With some basic knowledge and fast response, you can potentially save a dying lizard’s life.