Sick Monitor?

[Laghairt]

Hi all,

I recently obtained a pair of gillen's monitors (my first monitors) and they are great. The only problem is that it seems the female has a respiratory problem. I think she has had this since I got her two weeks ago to the day but since I wanted to allow them to settle in I tried to leave them alone as much as possible.

The night I brought her home I noticed she was opening her mouth occasionally to "gulp" air but didn't think too much of it since she was basking a lot and actually took a few crickets within an hour of getting home. She has continued to eat and bask a lot (much more than the male), however after handling her tonight I noticed there was sometimes a small "pop" as she breathed like a small mucus bubble (I can't see any discharge). When she is basking she allows me to get quite close and I can tell her breathing is not always labored she just lays there with her eyes closed and then occasionally breathes out hard with her throat pouch, that's when I hear the pop.

I think the reason she is out basking so much more than the male is that she may have a respiratory problem. I have used the temp gun and she seems to be maintaing her body temp (especially her head) at around 34 deg C (33-32 at the base of her tail).

Should I be worried? I have kept her basking lamp on (they are in separate enclosures) and she is still out staying warm when the male retired a long time ago. What should I do from here? I have set up a heat mat under her hide for tonight to keep her warmer than usual

The temps (without the heat mat) are 28-30 at the cold end with a basking spot that varies between 50-72.

I would appreciate any advice you could give as I am seriously worried about her.

Thanks

Anyone?

 

[hugsta]

Sounds like you are doing everything right, most important thing is to make sure she can keep her body temp as this is their only way to fight a 'cold'. If it doesn't improve I would get to a vet to get some Fortum or the likes and get her treated. She will clear up pretty quick with a proper dose of anti-biotics.

 

[Laghairt]

OK thanks, should I keep the basking lamp on all night or do you think the heat mat will be enough? She is still out now in the same position she has been in for hours so I don't want her to have to move.

The heat mat seems to be keeping the cold end at just above 30 deg C but she seems to like it warmer than that at the moment. At what point do you think I should get her to a vet?

 

[dozerman]

hey anouc, your enclosure temps seem fine,approx. what i run my gillens enclosure at. I'd be getting her checked out, this isnt regular behavior. Are there any good vets preferably with herp experience in your area? Good luck, keep us posted.

 

[Laghairt]

Thanks dozerman, not sure about herp vets in my area as I've never really had a problem before (lucky until now).

 

[hugsta]

I would leave the heat light on all night, the heat mat is not hot enough on its own. She is keeping her PBT up higher to combat the infection. TBH, I would seek a vet sooner rather than later, better safe than sorry as there is no telling how long the infection has been sitting there. So the quicker you get anti-biotics the quicker she gets back into shape for the coming breeding season.

 

[dozerman]

sorry guys, Im all thumbs and toes when it comes to typing, looks like hugstas got you covered.

 

[hugsta]

You're not the only one Dozer...lol

 

[Laghairt]

Yep will get her to a vet tomorrow, there are a few members in my area I could ask for a good local herp vet. Not sure how I'm going to get away from work though.

Just to update the situation I went to the vet tonight and confirmed it was an RTI. She was given an injection of antibiotics and I have to continue to inject her every three days for two weeks. There is also an oral gel but not sure how I can administer that without seriously stressing her out. The guy I bought it off is great and has offered to pay the vet bill ($55). I'm sure she will improve a lot over the coming days.