adopted a special needs uromastyx lizard

Question
I have adopted a 3 year old Uromastyx lizard.  He has several problems:  a
swollen hind foot, rather stiff peeling skin over most of his upper body.  He is
very active, friendly and appears to be eating well.  He is eating spinach,
carrots, and has also eaten a small cricket this week.  I was told to bathe him
several times a week to loosen the skin and to make sure that he has UV
lighting, as the lack of UV light was the probable cause of the peeling skin.  I
have placed a heat pad under one end of the tank and a basking bulb at the
other end.  I am keeping him in my classroom (I'm a teacher); is it ok for him
to be left over weekends with extra food and the UV light left on?  He would
have the heat pad on but not the basking light.  Thanks for your help.
Mary

Answer
Hello Mary,

The swollen foot sounds like it will probably end up being not good news.  That usually indicates gout.  If he has had poor care, it is a huge possibility.  Can you get a bloodtest done on him to determine his uric acid levels?
No, do not bathe him, that is not recommended.  They don't do well with water.  The peeling skin is just a shed, nothing else.  
The lack of UVB is one of the problems but that wont have anything to do with the peeling skin.  The lack of UVB will cause metabolic bone disease along with other health problems.
What type & brand of UVB are you currently using?  
What are you measuring your temps with?  I recommend a digital probe or a temp gun.  Uros need their temps around 120.  
No, leaving the UVB light on all weekend is not a good idea.  That will greatly disturb his sleep & if there is not bright light being used with it that can hurt his eyes.  If you are using a mercury vapor lamp, then, that is too much UVB day & night.  
You can get a timer to use, so it will automatically shut on & off.  
I would not use spinach as it has oxalates & will bind calcium absorption.  The best greens are mustard & collard greens, endive & escarole, cooked beans such as lentils are also used, along with squash varieties.  
He needs some special care right now.  Is there any way you can take him home with you on weekends to watch him?  

Tracie