Vet Q&A-Reptile

The Waddle of my baby iguana has turned yellow and hard is that normal

The dewlap should not feel hard or firm. There are variations in color, so the yellow hue may be normal or not. You need to have Edoardo examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. In the meantime, confirm proper environmental parameters and diet. See your vet sooner if you notice lethargy or decreased appetite.

Hi i just got my beared dragon today and my questions do i turn the baskin light off at night? I have no red light.

If it projects light, then yes, it should be turned off at night, so their natural circadian rhythm preserved. However, you should ensure that there is an alternative heat source (i.e. a heat pad). I always found it difficult to ensure that the light is turned off at night and had timers set to do the job for me. I hope that helps and all goes well with Scratch. These are great pets! Below is a link to some very good (veterinary recommended) information about caring for your Beardy: http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

My dragon Mayu was a little bloated so I gave her a soak and she passed her poop as soon as I put her back and I was a little worried about the way it looked, I feed them bearded dragon smoothie once a week because there fruit just spoiles in there tank.

That may be due to the smoothie or the soaking providing hydration. You can submit it to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites if that is a concern. Offer a "spring mix" as well as other dark, leafy greens (collard, mustard, dandelion greens). Vegetables can also be finely chopped and offered. Pumpkin, squash, gourd, carrots, peppers and bok choy are all safe

Hi! I was wondering what reptile/amphibian/insect/arachnid I can keep in a medium eco terra faunarium? (Roughly 7.5 x 12 inches)

It is too small to be used for much beyond transport, quarantine or temporary housing (i.e. during cleaning of main enclosure). The plastic construction does not allow for light or heat sources which most reptiles or exotic pets require.

Will a bearded dragon die if they eat a yellow Kowhai seed (because mine did and I don’t know whether to take him to a vet)

All parts of the Kowhai plant but especially The yellow berries are posonoisnti humans. That’s not to say that your beardie won’t be affected. I would recommend you call ASPCA poison hotline so that you can obtain more information.

So, my bearded dragon, Toothless, recently has not been eating as well as normal, and is acting a bit strange. I don't think it is impaction, or anything to do with the food itself, but it worries me a bit. Could it just be some sort of brumation?

Brumation is possible, however if he is kept at a constant temperature and photoperiod, this is less likely than anything else. If he allows, check in and around his mouth for signs of injury or infection (redness, discharge, bleeding or swelling). If necessary have him examined and treated by your herp veterinarian. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This can warm him up and rehydrate him. Massaging his abdomen during the soak may stimulate defecation if he is constipated. Once medical causes have been ruled out, you can revisit brumation and treat him accordingly. Most beardies will stop eating during the brumation cycle but will still need to remain hydrated. This can be done with a 10 minute soak twice weekly during brumation.

My iguana has a back leg that was black but now looks like color is coming in but but scales are white and sum parts are shedding brownish

That looks like dysecdysis (abnormal shedding). This is due to improper husbandry like not enough humidity or incorrect temperature but can also be due to infectious causes. Here is a link to an article about this issue and tips on how to remedy it. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Reptile-Health/Diagnosing-and-Treating-Dysecdysis-aka-Retained-Shed/ If you try some home treatment and the issue does not resolve then I suggest you take Scarlett to a reptile veterinarian for a complete exam.

i have a adult and baby bearded dragon i. seperate tanks one tank is probably like a 40g and the other one is pretty big not sure of gallon size. what uvb light is best for them. and could it wait a couple weeks until i get paid or is it crucial today

The ReptiSun 10.0 bulb by Zoo Med is widely recommended. It should not be obstructed by either glass or plexiglass or be more than 18 inches away from the basking area. If you can't get one just yet, natural unfiltered sunlight can be provided daily if you can do it safely and without risk of escape.

I have a red eared slider turtle and he barely sleeps. He seems to always swim, but this may be due to the small basking platform he has. He also gets very excited when someone walks into the room, or if he hears someone coming. I would just like to confirm if this is normal behavior?

This could be very normal for him as long as he is still eating normally! If he isn’t eating then I would have your vet look at him. You may consider making his basking platform a little bigger if you’re concerned he is having trouble staying on it. I hope this helps! Red eared slider have great little personalities!