How to care for my Nile monitor: diet, health, and behavior tips?

He is likely suffering some degree of nutritional deficiency. He should be examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. Blood work may diagnose calcium deficiency. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. Calcium injections, deworming and subcutaneous fluids may all be indicated. He should be eating a varied diet including kingworms, crickets and larger prey such as pinky or fuzzy mice. Adequate heat is necessary for proper digestion. Keep daytime temperature between 85 F and 95 F. Nighttime temps can be set about 10 degrees lower. A UVB light source should also be provided to maximize calcium metabolism and utilization. . You can follow the link for more information regarding care of monitors: http://www.anapsid.org/savannah.html

Thanks for reaching out about Draco and including photos. A fracture or neck luxation is a possibility. A veterinary visit is recommended to sooner the better. There are multiple competent reptile veterinarians in your area, and a radiograph is likely needed. Analgesia, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, might all improved conditions. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. The approach must be logic, starting from offering different kind of food. A check up is needed if inappetence lasts for more than 24hours. 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!

Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes. Gently massage his abdomen, front to back, during the soak to stimulate defecation in case he is constipated. See your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet if your monitor does not begin eating or remains lethargic. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth.

She is stunning. The best way to confirm good health is to have her examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. In the meantime, make sure she is active and alert. Look for missing scales or injury along the length of her body. Check in and around her mouth for discharge, redness or swelling. Offer appropriately sized prey. At her age, she is probably eating hopper or weanling mice depending on her weight. When feeding any reptile, it is important that the temperature is species appropriate. A cold snake will not eat. If you feed pre killed, be sure to completely thaw it and allow it to warm to at least room temp. Some owners choose to feed in a container other than the enclosure. A snake should not be handled after feeding to prevent regurgitation. Follow the link below for more information regarding care. http://www.anapsid.org/ball.html

Thanks for reaching out about Spikey and including a photo. A veterinary visit is recommended, for diagnostics and treatment recommendations, as something might be done to improve quality of life. Check and correct heat support and other husbandry parameters. Offer food and water via a syringe. A vegetable based baby good would work well. Good luck.

Adjust temps to between 85 F and 95 F during the day and 75 F to 85 F at night. At night, you can use an UTH, IR light or ceramic heat emitter instead of a bright, white light. You can soak Ciatra in a warm 50/50 solution of unflavored PediaLyte and water until she is back to her normal level of activity. Once this happens and she is eating/drinking normally, you can stop.