My lizard ate too many crickets, is fat & mouth open. Is he sick?

Thanks for reaching out about Drago. Check and correct husbandry including environmental temperature and UVB exposure. If too cold, metabolic, appetite and immune systems are suppressed. Try offering vegetables by hand or pureed through a syringe. Open mouth breathing could be a respiratory infection, enlarged internal organ or metabolic concern. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. A diagnosis early in the problem, usually has a better prognosis. Good luck.

If you suspect a URI, have her seen by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet for confirmation and treatment. Additional symptoms include wheezing or popping sounds while breathing, lethargy, decreased or lost appetite and discharge from the nose or mouth. You are correct in that prey that is too large is also a potential cause. Feed prey that is no bigger than the space between her eyes to ensure she will not have difficulty eating. If mealworms are offered, feed only freshly mooted ones to decrease the amount of chitin ingested. This can pose a problem for juvenile beardies.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

The easiest thing to do is to check tank temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. Next, look in and around the mouth for signs of infection or injury. This may include redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or discharge. If you see anything suspicious, you'll need to have your lizard physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. For now, soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes daily. This will provide warmth and hydration. Be sure to feed appropriately sized prey, no bigger than the space between the eyes.

Thanks for reaching out about Stummpy and including a photo. Mild upper respiratory infections can present similar to this. Respiratory secretions can accumulate over night due to less vigorous respiration during sleep. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a treatment plan, prior to possibly evolving into a more serious problem. Check and correct husbandry, including temperature and humidity. Good luck.

He should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian. The symptoms described may indicate a respiratory infection. The vet can confirm or rule out this possibility then dispense antibiotics if necessary. In the meantime, increase ambient temperature by about 5-10 degrees F to aid in recovery. Make sure he stays hydrated and continues to eat normally.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.