Hi All

I am new here, and will do the intro and stuff at some point, at the moment I am concerned about a Uromastyx I purchased 4 days ago (on Saturday); I am sure she has respiratory issues/infection. Though her breathing seems normal, she keeps her eyes closed almost 24/7, and one eye tears; (1st indication of RI). Though she does eat, I am certain she is not eating sufficiently. She is also somewhat lethargic though she does scamper off if disturbed directly. As of today, she is also sneezing, and I have twice seen clear fluid droplets discharged during these sneezes.

The viv is a new setup, so no issues with what may have been kept there previously - everything is brand new.

Viv temp is correct for species, (Uromastyx acanthinura negriventis) - a little on the high side actually, certainly not too cold.
Cold-end temp is 38 deg C with 44% humidity (but measurement is near fresh greens giving off some moisture)
Hot-end temp is 46 deg C with 23% humidity

The best I can do is starting tonight - let her overnight on a lizard-hot-rock (guaranteed to not cause burns) - and to ensure she is getting some vital nutrients yesterday I started giving her hydo-life:
"An electrolyte formulated for the treatment of dehydration, exhaustion, starvation and shock"

For the last 2 months (prior to my purchase) - she (and her mate) were housed in a pet-shop in inadequate conditions, which will explain the cause - The male is fine, and I just hope I can restore her health. Using these tactics I did once manage to revive a young uro that appeared dead, but I saw a mere glimmer of life - so I am hopeful, but any advice would be helpful and much appreciated.

Regards
Lynx

Hello. I am not up to date on Uros so I will let others answer most of your questions.
Keeping the eyes constantly closed and being lethargic is not good. A vet check up is in order.
There is no such thing, regardless of what it says on the packaging!
Any of them can malfunction and cause burns. Don't use it.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

Actually you could bump up your temps on the basking side up some to at least 120-125. Uros like it really hot. I would also suggest a vet visit for a check up and maybe some antibiotics. As Merlin said, definitely do not use the heat rock.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

I agree with both Marsha and Merlin about the Hot Rock. There just are NO guarantees.... A vet trip is in order. Here are some listings for Reptile Vets in the U.K. Herp Vet Connection

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If it is an RI. There's no telling how bad it is without a vet checkup. Sounds like excessive fluid could be in the lungs.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

Definitely a vet check should come next. Stay away from that heat rock. By the way what is your basking temp at? What are the air temps at? What did you use to measure the temps with. Stick on strips/ circle stick on with the needle or digital? Also do you use air temp gun for the bakings site?

Thanks all,

i will check out the vet site, best one I know of is some ways away and I work 12 hr shifts, but yes I do expect she will need antibiotics.

as for temperatures, i did mention the cold and hot end....
Cold-end temp is 38 deg C (100.4 F) with 44% humidity (but measurement is near fresh greens giving off some moisture)
Hot-end temp is 46 deg C (114.8 F) with 23% humidity

Basking temp is around 120 F - 125 F - will measure exact tomorrow

temperature measured with a ditgital Temperature and Humidity instrument trademarked as a "Hygro-Thermometer" (see ETI Ltd - Thermo-Hygrometer 810-155)

guess someone will ask - so here is another answer - heating is in the form of lights, both Repti-sun and infra-red as well as zoo-med 12% UVA/UVB

Regards
Malcolm

All the vets are miles from me - the closest being some 50 miles away

The best one I know of in the UK, and probably the nearest exotic pet vet to me, is one I have used before, but is not listed on that herp-vet connection, but I will add it.

for those interested (or in the UK) - you can check out

Great Western Referrals
Shrivenham Road, County Park, Swindon, SN1 2NR
017 9360 3800
Great Western Referrals veterinary small animal dog cat referrals Swindon UK

thanks again all

Regards
Lynx

OK first off your cold end and hot side are too hot. you should aim for 85F on cool side and 100-105 warm side. You are using the right tools to measure your air (ambient temps) and humidity level is good. also make shure your taking these temps from just over the substrate and not half way up the tank where your uro never can get too anyway.

however I did not see you mention how you obtained your basking temp (surface temp of the rock he lays on). the only way to do this properly is using a IR Temp gun. dont think you can lay your digital temp gauge prob on the rock and get the proper temps. I forgot where I got mine but you can get them for 25-40 dollars and you want to aim for 125-130.

uros also prefer bright white lights as too infrared lighting. you should have no lights on at night. if you need additional heat at night I would recommend a ceramic heat emitter (just dont touch one or let your uro touch it cause they are mad hott). the temps for night time can be 75-80F.

Also whats the surface area of the enclosure. is it a fish tank if so how many gallons is it. i may be able to help you get the proper lights and if possible reduce the amount of lights but still maintain proper temps. i am experienced with all types of sizes of enclosures. i currently have a 4x4x21" high now for my mali and I believe this will be his final home. however he has been in two other enclosures.

And last he will need antibiotics if there is a ur infection for shure. you sound very concerned and I will try to help the best way I can.

If you have any pics of its enclosure please post it will help us give you advise also.

Just stating your position you are, that's all.
The biggest thing which you seem to have covered is providing a wide variety of choice temperatures for the inhabitants. WE don't know what they want so providing as much temperature and humidity gradients as possible with hide areas as well is what we have to do. I agree with Urorex though that you should have an area that goes a little cooler than your lowest present temp.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa