blue belly lizard - watery and smelly feces

Question

lews bellies 2 023   QUESTION: Hello, and thank you for taking time to answer this question. I've had a blue belly for 13 months now, and in the last 2 weeks, his feces is soft and smelly, and I notice his appetite is non existent. I used to watch him eat alot, but lately not as much. His personality is a spoiled domesticated male lizard that knows I'm his keeper and friend. I have all the necessary lighting and temp requirements, plus, I also take him outside and allow him to bask in natural sunlight 3-4x's a week for upwards of an hour to 1 1/2 hrs each time. I don't have any funds to afford a vet - is there anything I can purchase from a vet or store to fix his problem b4 he dies? A vet bill is a little out of my price range, and need advice. This is a very special little guy to me as I caught him when he was 1 1/2 inches in length. I have a "Zilla" desert series 50 UVB, and a natural lightbulb (50-60 watt), crushed walnut shells as a substrate and attached a photo of his 40 gal. fishtank I've had him housed in since I brought him home.

ANSWER: Like other pets, reptiles require regular veterinary care, including a yearly routine vet check up.  Wild-caught reptiles should be seen by a veterinarian soon after capture, because all wild animals carry internal parasites.

In a captive environment, reinfection from contact with parasite eggs in the lizard's feces can cause parasite loads to build to lethal levels, and your lizard's symptoms are completely in line with this problem.  A reptile may carry parasites in captivity for a long time without symptoms, if its environment is kept clean, but any type of stress can tip the balance and the reptile will inevitably succumb to them.

If you cannot afford the vet, you cannot afford the pet.  Release your lizard immediately to a reptile rescue group or shelter that is equipped to get him the basic veterinary care that he needs.  Allowing your lizard to die of a preventable health issue is not just wrong--it is animal cruelty, which is illegal.  I'm sorry to be harsh, but it should be understood that failing to provide veterinary care for a sick pet is not a moral or legal option.  If you cannot provide for your pet, then you must give it up to someone who can.  He is clearly suffering.

If your reptile has not lost so much weight that he is severely weakened, then a simple course of worming drugs will probably be all he needs to recover.  The exact drug needed depends on which parasite is afflicting him--different drugs are used to treat round worms, tape worms, and protozoa.  These drugs are not available over the counter in the concentrations and form needed to treat reptiles, so you can only get them with a veterinary prescription.

If you wouldn't let a puppy die of worms, don't let your lizard die of them either.  There is no difference, they both have an equal ability to suffer and feel pain, and the law sees no difference, either.

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QUESTION: Dear Donna. (Dr>), I made an appointment with a vet for the 6th and the Vet said $100 should cover fecal test, initial exam, and possibly medicine too. Thank you very much. You are right though - If I can't afford the Vet, I can't afford the pet. Honestly and straightforwardness is a trait I appreciate. I am from NY, and appreciate brutal honesty. Please go on Youtube and watch my lizard do push ups (for a laugh) ---- Youtube : "FREEWAY DOING PUSH UPS" God Bless you !

ANSWER: Thank you, and I'm glad that you're a good pet parent, as so many out there aren't. :)  I hope he does well for you!

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my Freeway   QUESTION: Dear Dr. Donna - my little boy is actually doing better. Alot of interest in the female that shares his fishtank, Alot of push ups :), yesterday he ate a cricket and a meal worm, today he ate 3 mealworms. He has lost some weight in the last 2 weeks, but was very healthy (kinda fat) before this ordeal began. I am still taking him to the Dr. on Monday as I am a good pet parent, and if something like this little guy brings me much laughs and joy - why wouldn't I spend the necessary monies to ensure he lives to his full age potential? I want to thank you for your advice, you were very honest and helpful, and convicting. Remember, if you want a laugh - watch my little boy on Youtube. He will only live another 5-10 months and then God brings him home, such a short life cycle for such a cute lizard (push-ups ?!!!!!!!!!) God Bless You and thanks again. This photo was taken about 6 weeks ago - look carefully, he's smiling.

Answer
I'm glad to hear he's perked up.  I did watch the YouTube video, it was cute. :)

While references say that Western fence lizards live about 3 years, that is actually probably the lifespan for wild individuals.  I would guess that the captive lifespan is unknown.  Green anoles were said to have a similarly short lifespan in the wild (only 1 to 3 years), but in captivity they may life 5 to 8 years.