Lizard health problems

Question
We have some Podarcis wall lizards (little Mediterranean generalist insectivores) and after a
while in captivity, two of them just developed the same problem with their eyes and mouths:
while the animals seem to be in good general shape, they suddenly cannot open their  mouths
anymore  (which are 'glued' shut by what seems to be a combination of dried mucous and
sand). Similarly they seem to have trouble opening their eyes which also seem to be stuck
shut. Applying water and softening the mass on the lips allows them to open them again but
it seems that something has changed in their consistency of their tears/saliva making it more
sticky.Is this attributable to a vitamin deficiency? Or perhaps Ca? What is your suggestion to
dealing with this?
Thanks,

J

Answer
Hi John
Please excuse the delay in my answer as I have been having health issues

What you are describing with the mouth of the lizards sounds very similar to mouth rot
I can not be certain as I am not a vet nor have I seen the lizards but I would take them into a vet as this can and will kill them
A herp vet will be able to provide meds to clean up the bacterial infection(if it is one) and decide from an examination of the lizards if they are lacking in calcium or any other supplement

Bringing anything wild into captivity always increases stress which can often lead to a problem with any internal parasites that they are carrying
A vet will most likely give you worming medicine too

This is a diurnal species which needs UV lighting when kept in captivity and not having this lighting will result in a problem with calcium absorption and general good health

Good Luck with your lizards and please let me know how the vet visit goes

Sandy aka LadyGecko