Bosc monitor loss of balance

Question
QUESTION: My bosc monitor is showing a loss of balance both when he walks and when going for his food. This all started yesterday after his heat light had blown through the night, the temp. had dropped quite a lot. Before this he was perfectly healthy with a great appetite. I have kept him in the warmth and he has improved today, he is not shaking his head, his balance is still off but has improved from yesterday, and his aim has also improved. I would like to know if it is the cold that has dis-orientated him, or, if this is something more? Hope you can help. Thank you very much.

ANSWER: If you are 100% certain that he showed no symptoms at all prior to the temperature drop, then he may have what is termed 'cold shock syndrome'.  Tropical reptiles do not tolerate cold temperatures well, and can develop neurological symptoms as a result of being too cold.
Animals can die from this syndrome.  If they live through the first 48 hours afterward, they are usually ok, and will go on to slowly recover over time.  There is no treatment for this.

Also keep a close eye on him for infections that may take advantage of his weakened immune system (weakened by the cold).  Respiratory and mouth infections are most common, and will require veterinary treatment.

However--it must be pointed out that these monitors are usually kept with a night time temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees.  So, unless your home dropped below 60 F (15 C) at night, it's very unlikely that the cold is responsible for your lizard's issues.

If it wasn't the cold causing the symptoms, loss of balance and tremors are also a symptom of hypocalcemia.  (Lack of calcium and D3 in the diet, and lack of UVB light).  If you have a fluorescent UVB reptile light for him, remember that it must be replaced every 6 months, and should not be more than 6 inches above the animal.  (The new mercury-vapor UVB reptile lights are probably a much better choice for large monitors).  If you supplement his diet properly, and the lights are current and at the proper distance from him, then I would recommend an immediate vet checkup.

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QUESTION: What would you suggest would be the best course of action? Would it also be wise to get hold of some baytril to fight off infections? I have kept an eye on him, he seems to just want to rest. His balance has improved slightly again although not much and he definately has an appetite, but still has trouble getting his aim straight. I have kept him nice and warm, and made sure there is plenty of water available for him. Should I give him a soak in the bath to try and rehydrate him a little? It would be very much appreciated if you could get back to me. thank you so much.

Answer
A warm soak wouldn't hurt.  I wouldn't give him any antibiotics unless he develops symptoms of an infection.  It's great that he has an appetite.  Make sure to use plenty of calcium/D3, since we're still just guessing at what happened to him--covering all the bases can't hurt.  (Just be sure not to overdose the D3 itself, if you're giving him anything other than insects--just a light dusting if he's eating ground turkey or something).

If he gets worse, rather than better, definitely get him to a vet right away, as that implies it wasn't cold shock syndrome.