My Uromastyx is lethargic, not eating, and panting. What should I do?

Thanks for reaching out a about Flapjack. There are multiple reasons for anorexia including intestinal parasites/infections, metabolic disease (liver, kidney), malnutrition, poor husbandry, stress and others. Check husbandry first, as uromastyx like it hot. You can try offering a meat flavored baby food via a syringe to give calories, and also to offer water. A veterinary visit is needed to assess Flapjack and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

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.

Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Confirm proper environmental parameters. Low temperatures can affect activity, appetite and digestion in reptiles. Soak him in a warm 50 /50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 20 minutes. This can warm him up and may treat or prevent minor dehydration. Offer appropriately sized crickets and mealworms as well as fresh, chopped greens and fruits. Follow the link below for more information regarding care. http://www.anapsid.org/waterdragons.html

It does appear to be a juvenile angulate tortoise. His behavior and symptoms may indicate a respiratory infection. This species does not do well in humid environments. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be strongly recommended. Any me pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home anyway to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any preexisting conditions. Antibiotics may be indicated if respiratory infection is diagnosed. You can soak him daily in a warm 50 50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Offer dark leafy greens and provide sufficient heat and UVB lighting. Additional care and diet information can be found at the link below. http://www.chelonia.org/articles/cangulatacare.htm

Thanks for reaching out about Pedro. Review husbandry and diet, as if too cold, will depress appetite. Illness such as upper respiratory disease (sinus congestion) or intestinal infections/parasites can affect appetite. If husbandry is adequate, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Use a background to block his view. This may prevent glass surfing or nose rubbing as well as provide more privacy/security. Again, check the temps in his enclosure to make sure it is species appropriate. Offer a variety of crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, silkworms and wax worms. Gut load prey for 24 hours prior to offering. Dust appropriately with vitamins and minerals regularly. He may also benefit from a soak in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. If his appetite does not return after adjustments to environment and diet, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth.

Check the temperatures in his enclosure. It may be too hot or too cold. Either can affect his appetite and activity. Check his mouth for injury or sores. Offer a varied diet or greens, squash, mango, papaya, crickets, dubia roaches and horn worms. You can find more options for feeding online. Prey should be gut loaded prior to feeding to maximize nutritional content. Soak Marley in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes daily. This will help prevent or treat mild dehydration.