I went to feed my baby Savannah (about 10 inches grown so far) yesterday and today, and he wont eat. This is the first time he has been uninterested in food. Also, he is very uncoordinated, and will rarely use his front legs. He is having trouble moving about the tank, and only shows any sharp reactions when I reach for him and he snaps at me (still not very social, this is common for him.) I'm not sure what to do. He is shedding at this point, but when is a fast-growing baby not? I don't know if that has something to do with it. Up until this point he has eaten crickets + worms voraciously, and has been very active and quick when walking around his tank. I'm very worried. If anyone has any information that could help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Chip

I originally posted this yesterday. Today, he looks the same, if not worse. He will push himself through the substrate (coconut bark) using only his back legs, and keeps his front legs curled under him. I'm very concerned. I haven't noticed any other strong symptoms, no mucus, maybe some heavy breathing (respiratory infection?) but nothing that alarmed me.

Tell us more about his set up. Temps, size of enclosure, humidity, and most importantly diet and supplements. Do you have a UVB source?

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Right now hes in a 55 Gallon tank with a solid top to keep in moisture. Temps are 95 hot side --> 80-82 cold side during lights-on. Basking at 105-110. Humidity between 40 and 60%. Diet has been small crickets (10-20 per feeding) or small worms. Crickets are dusted once per week. I was told UVB was not necessary for Savannahs, but I guess I was misinformed as that was part of your questioning. Normally he would have very regular bowel movements (always in the water dish) but those have stopped in the last 3 days as well.

Nope, I'm not that familiar with Savanah's so I was asking so the more experienced keepers could chime in. Its the first series of questions we ask when wondering about an ill animal.

How large is your monitor? Have you considered a vet visit?

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I've considered it. The only place in the area that treats exotics like monitors is not close, and definitely not cheap. And I know the whole "don't get the pet if you can't afford it" situation, and its not that I can't afford it, it's just that I would rather not spend $750 on an overnight stay + treatment + antibiotics if I just need a bulb, which I'm sure you can understand.

Go to a vet immediately. Lethargy and lack of eating is a direct sign of internal parasites. Happened to both of my baby savs, I caught the signs too late. Almost all savs are wc because no one wants to waste the money or time, when people can get them as imports for 10 bucks a piece. Try to get a vet appt asap.

Uvb lights are not required but are very beneficial when it comes to monitors.

Please go to the vet. I agree with Shannon that it sounds like internal parasites. Your Savannah Monitor is nearing the no return area of illness. We have a Savannah, plus we have the colleges Savannah for the summer. Both were undercared for reptiles who needed much, especially parasite treatment and for ours, electrolyte and supplement treatment, so to save them, we needed our vets. We feed canned Monitor food per our vet and the colleges 2 vets. We also feed a couple of pinkies (frozen/thawed) a month to them. The colleges Sav also has fatty liver disease, so the special diet is crucial to controlling that. I understand about costs and all that, but ours never had an overnight stay, just medications and good care at home. Please explore your vet options. These are sites I have seen Liz refer to frequently when trying to help people find reptile veterinarians in their respective areas. Please give the sites a try. Good Luck.
Herp Vet Connection
ARAV
oh, also, use only newspaper or papertowel as substrate while sick, these are easy to clean up and dispose of infective agents and increase your heat and humidity some.

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Kat

Thanks for the posts. Emergency Vet visit in 45 minutes. Will let you all know how things go. Thanks again.

Chip

Good luck to you and the little guy.

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Answers are great. But I prefer questions!

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