Hello,
I apologize, I saw your thread earlier, but just have not had time to get to it until now. I was actually kind of waiting for pictures.
Unfortunately, I know exactly what his ailment is. How long have his hands & feet been swollen like this?
He has an advanced case of gout, which at this point is going to be extremely difficult to get that swelling down. I suggest that you get him to the vet for a blood test. Get the levels of his uric acid, his BUN, calcium, phosphorus as well as others that are included in a complete blood count test. If you don't mind sending me a copy of the blood tests when you do get them, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
How do his urates look, are they hard or soft?
You have gotten great advice already so no need to reiterate that. As far as the temperatures go, you do need to get either a digital probe or a temp gun so we can see exactly what the temperatures are.
Gout is caused by several factors that we can discuss. I can tell you what medications you need to use, but, know once they do have gout, that means that he has compromised renal function & will always need to be on the meds to maintain & help his kidneys function properly.
Some things that you can do now, is to stop feeding collard greens, mustard greens, kale, & any other greens that are higher in oxalates. Oxalic acid can cause the decrease of calcium absorption & the increase of buildup of calcium & or other minerals which can cause stones, kidney damage, etc. So, in general, it is best to avoid high oxalate foods with patients that have gout.
I suggest using the spring mix greens which have raddichio greens, romaine lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, acorn squash, butternut squash.
Also, I would cut down the protein & definitely cut the mealies out completely. Use leaner sources of protein such as silkworms, hornworms, & some superworms. You can also use some crickets or roaches if you want to. Overall, I would keep the protein/feeders to 30 or under per week, & focus on greens & veggies right now, along with increasing the fluids.
His calcium to phosphorus ratio is most likely off since you feed bugs but do not dust with calcium at all. So, I would start using calcium, but only 2-3 times per week as you don't want too much with his condition.
Genetics can also play a role in this condition too. Inbreeding can cause health problems as they become adults unfortunately.
Chronic dehydration is also another factor. Improper temperature gradients are another culprit. They cannot effectively excrete uric acid in subpar temperatures due to their kidney design.
Getting a new
UVB light will also help with his ability to absorb calcium & vitamins more efficiently because without it, calcium cannot be utilized properly. Lighting & supplementation are a three-fold dimension & work synergistically together.
As stated above, there is a possibility of retained shed, since keeping them on sand can dry them out. However, I have seen cases like this with this type of swelling & it was always gout. That is why I recommend finding a vet to do a blood test & an x-ray.
Today, I would start trying to get 4-6ml's of fluid into him, on a daily basis.
Oh here is a neat chart on oxalates:
http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Tracie