HELP-Curly Tailed Lizard

Question
QUESTION: My curly tailed lizard has decreased appetite, has been sleeping much more often than usual, also seems less responsive to touching, and seems to have coconut fiber bedding stuck to his anus. I noticed this when cleaning his tank. I found blood on his rock. Then shortly after, noticed bedding stuck to his anus. I attempted to remove the bedding by hand but to no avail. I am currently 18 years old and do not have money for a vet. But I love him very dearly and can't stand to see him suffer. What can I do? Is this common?

ANSWER: It could be something more serious than stuck coco fiber...he may have a cloacal prolapse.  Internal parasites can cause this, and curly-tail lizards, almost always being wild-caught, generally have them.  (A fecal exam and medication can deal with those, when a wild-caught reptile is first purchased, but in general, I do not recommend wild-caught animals for first-time reptile owners.  Captive-bred is best).

There is no option other than a veterinarian...I hate to quote the cliche, but, 'if you can't afford the vet, you can't afford the pet'.  Always plan for vet expenses before you buy any animal.  You will have to surrender him to a reptile rescue group or shelter.  You may have to call around to find one that will accept a reptile.  If this is a prolapse, the prognosis may not be very good at this point, because that would have required prompt treatment.  Either way, he's definitely suffering and is ill, and needs a vet promptly.  This is nothing that can be treated at home, and it is not fair to leave him to suffer.

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QUESTION: How much do you think a vet bill for that would cost?

ANSWER: I had a local vet treat a prolapse in a snake for a total of $60, ($30 for the office visit, the rest for supplies and treatment).  You will need to call around and check rates, because vet prices can vary dramatically.  Don't be afraid to shop around, but do choose someone with reptile experience.
Your lizard will probably also need worming medication, so that may be extra.  I would not expect you would have to pay more than $120 total, however, if you find a reasonable vet.  No more than the cost of your lizard's cage and equipment.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you think having him wait four days for my check would matter?

Answer
If he has a prolapse, waiting one day is too long.  It is an emergency.  He should be kept on wet paper towel until treatment, though from what you describe, it may already be too late to prevent the tissue from drying out.  The vet will tell you if that is what is wrong with him, and if he can be saved.