Savannah monitor not eating or moving after rescue. Is he sick?

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.

This is probably due to improper UV lamp and possibly not enough Calcium in the diet causing MBD. you need to get a new UVB bulb and you need to change it every 6 months, you also need to sprinkle calcium powder on his food every day.

Thanks for reaching out about Sanic and including photos. Several of the nationally renowned herpetological societies (Chicago, Arizona), have good online information on husbandry and diet. As medical advise, an initial visit with a veterinarian for a physical examination and fecal testing (at least) is recommended. Annual visits are also recommended as follow ups. Husbandry and nutrition are key starting points for long term health, just like in people. A well rounded diet with multiple components, is more likely to avoid vitamin and mineral deficiencies and excesses. As with any animal, exercise is important. Good luck.

Check the temperature in his enclosure. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. If he isn't eating or not exposed to high quality UVB lighting, he can become calcium deficient which could account for the tremors. If he is less than 30 inches long, confirm a basking temp of around 115 F. If he is bigger, bump basking temp to between 125 F and 135 F. Multiple lower wattage lights over a larger area are recommended over one high intensity light source. Try to get him to eat and offer a calcium supplement. If you can get a liquid supplement, that would be best right now. Zoo Med and Fluker's offer such a supplement.Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent minor dehydration. if he doesn't eat or if the tremors worsen, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles as soon as possible.

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.

Give him a good soak (20-30 minutes) in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. This will provide hydration and warm him up which may stimulate his appetite. An exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet is always recommended for "new" pets or pets that may be ill or injured. Offer food about an hour or 2 after the heat lamp comes on in the morning. This will allow him to warm up and he will be more likely to eat what is offered. Use a variety of prey if possible. This can include crickets, dubia roaches, phoenix worms and the occasional superworm. Superworms are good to feed if you have a skinny gecko that needs to put on weight. Review additional care info here: http://www.anapsid.org/leopardgek.html