Vet Q&A-Reptile

I just purchased a baby leopard gecko from petco. I noticed it was the smallest of all of them and occasionally it will shake its legs individually like thumper... what could this be ? It eats really good!

If it is only occasionally, continue to monitor him/her. A nutritional deficiency is always a concern, especially in juveniles, but as long as the appetite is good this is not a concern. Be sure to supplement with a calcium/D3 at each feeding and a multivitamin several times a week. Repashy, HerptiVite and Rep-Cal w/D3 are all options. If the shaking/thumping worsens or if you see lethargy, lameness or swollen limbs/joints, then have the little one examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet.

It appears my beardie broke a finger on a front leg. What can be done about this. Should she be seen by a vet? Appetite and behavior have not changed. She is an walking normally and doesn't appear to be in serious pain (though I know reptiles are notorious for not showing pain/illness). Just need to know if a vet visit is necessary and what can be done if seen by a vet. I would prefer to avoid amputation if possible (obviously) and since the finger isn't turning dark, i would think not needed.

Hi! I would definitely recommend having Abby seen by a veterinarian. They will perform a full physical exam and will be able to prescribe her pain medication and possibly antibiotics if they think it’s necessary. This will give Abby the best chance of healing and avoiding amputation. The pictures you provided donsuggest that trauma and likely fracture has occurred. Just like if you or I broke a finger, and especially if the skin was open, we would feel much better with some pain control and antibiotics. They may put a light bandage on the foot, though surgical repair is not likely to be necessary in such a small bone. Good luck!

I am pet sitting a friend’s bearded dragon. He has been eating very little. I put him in the tub to swim around like my friend does. That helps him poop. His hind left leg started twitching and he swam normally for a bit and then flipped over and looked dead. I quickly got him out and put him back in his cage to heat up and rest. He lost his color, is breathing heavy, and his beard is black underneath. He is breathing heavily and his ribs are poking out.

Give him some time to settle down. If the heavy breathing persists or if you hear wheezing, popping or see discharge from his nose or mouth then have him examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. If possible, contact your friend and ask if Draco has ever exhibited this behavior in the past. He could be stressed to begin with at the absence of his owner.

My bearded dragon has been very lethargic the last week or so. He hasn't pooped in several days and hasn't been eating as much as he usually does and he loves food normally. He has also been sleeping non stop inside his cave which is unusual for him. Usually he will sleep on his branches that are out open in his tank. I'm just worried if I should be worried about him from this behavior or if this is something they normally will do from time to time?

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Ideally, it should range from the mid 70s (cool side) to mid 80s F (warm side). The basking spot should be 90 F to 100 F. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. To stimulate defecation, soak Lucius in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20-30 minutes. During the soak, gently massage his abdomen from front to back until he defecates. If the behavior persists or worsens, consider an exam with your veterinarian or vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. The link below will provide more information regarding husbandry. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

My crested gecko is really fat and I don't know how you known if it pregnant and if she does lay eggs I need help finding a cheap incubator

Weight gain and shape are the best indicators of a Crested gecko being gravid. She will need a moist lay box for her eggs. You can search online for an incubator or search local reptile shows if there are any being held near you. The article at the link below describes an easy DIY incubation box. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/How-to-Breed-Crested-Geckos/

I have a fancy bearded dragon that is almost one now. When I first purchased him we got a 10 gal tank and he seems to be getting bigger. Do you think if I purchase a 40 gal tank he’ll be set for a year or two? Thank you.

Yes, I think a 40 gallon tank will be sufficient for now and may be enough long term depending on hiow big he gets. Just make sure to properly control his environment with temperature, an area to eat, and an area to hide away. Good luck! Thanks for using Boop by Petco.

Hi my mississippi map turtle has a cist like lump just by his left nosstle, it's all puss but not leaky pussy, it's like soft cheese. It started off as a little white dot, have u any ideas, bits keep falling off the lump too. Leaving open wounds. Stewart.

It appears as if Gobo has developed an abscess. An abscess forms as a result of some minor infection. Ideally, he should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. The abscess should be cleaned and flushed. Antibiotics will likely be indicated after. Maintain adequate water quality and increased temperature by about 5 degrees F to aid in recovery.

Hello, I would like to know the gender of my snake Duck. Is that possible to do without probing Duck? If possible would you tell me how to do so? Thank you so much!

Unfortunately there is not a good way to sex a snake without probing to look for the hemipens. A veterinarian that is comfortable working with reptiles should be able to do this easily for you. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Boop by Petco. Best of luck.

How do I know when my tortoise is in hibernation?

If kept outdoors, they may hibernate from June to September. A tortoise may burrow into the substrate and remain inactive during this time. It is not recommended to hibernate juveniles, sick tortoises or underweight tortoises. If Franklin is kept indoors at constant temperature or will not be used for breeding purposes, he does not need to hibernate.