A few concerns about Ralph

[RalphIsKing]

Wow! Today is Saturday, so of course I slept in. By the time I woke up and went into feed Ralph, he must have been really hungry. He saw me walk in, and he RAN over to where I was standing and just started staring at me. I haven't seen that much spunk in him for a long time now. I fed him about 15 worms, he ate them all so quickly (he's chewing them good, even though he's eating fast). He's also started a little tradition for me after his bath. Last night, as usual, he spent his entire bath trying to get out of the tub. I figured out I can calm him down a little by taking a cup and slowly pouring water over his back, but the calmness never lasts long. Well, I always wrap him up in a towell after, and have my husband snuggle him in the towell or against his stomach to warm him up while I bleach out the tub afterwards. He loves this time. Last night I did the holding, and he just fell asleep like a little beardie burrito in the towell, all content and happy. I put him in his cage since the lights had gone out, and he slept just like that all night. Apparently he loves if after bath snuggle time!

I'm concerned about his tongue, it's still very dried out looking at the tip, and looks like it may be damaged (although he uses it fine to get those worms!), so I made him his first vet appointment for this coming Tuesday. I figure it's time for him to get checked out, and I want to make sure that tongue (and his bones/jaw of course) is going to heal, that it's not going to get infected or something. I'm lucky to have a reptile specialist vet who's only a 20 minute drive away. It's really cold here in Colorado right now, how should I get him there? I have a little travel cage, about the size of a childs shoe box, should I just make sure the car is warm and put a towell in the bottom? I saw some posts about using hand warmers, is that a good idea? Should I try to collect a poop to bring to the vet? What if there's not a fresh one to bring? A lot of questions, I know!! Also, he hasn't pooped in a few days, I'm hoping it's because he wasn't eating much before I got those worms on Thursday....I'm pretty sure he couldn't be impacted, as he doesn't have sand or crushed shells or anything in his cage (tiles)....now I have something new to worry about, not enough poop! Does it ever end???

I'm just soooo encouraged by his show of spunk this morning, it really put me in a great mood!!!

 

[Embee]

Great news that Ralph had a spunky day! It is such a relief when that happens when they haven't been themselves. I imagine you're correct about the poop. If Cloudy hasn't eaten much for a few days, she'll go on a poop strike. My feeling is, you'll see some tomorrow though, and all the yummy worms! :mrgreen:

Great that you a reptile specialist to see. Indeed, I wonder if the tongue simply has something to do with the mouth being open? It will be nice to get some suggestions on what you might be able to do help Ralph with it/feel more comfortable. Very encouraging that despite it's issues, it still seems to be working just fine. I myself haven't transported in cold weather as of yet, but yes, many suggest the hand warmers. I think some mentioned that it's best to wrap them so they aren't too hot/won't burn beardie. Perhaps a decent box, one that can fit Ralph, the warmer, and a small blanket or towel, and then perhaps "burrito" Ralph and place him next to the warmer?

Oh, I'm so ready for spring...

The best, and keep us posted!

Em