Blackbearding

[Reptilelady]

So he is trying to move and be active but that arm is like paralyzed

 

[KarrieRee]

So he is trying to move and be active but that arm is like paralyzed

Have you had any blood work done ? Uric acid levels to see if he has gout? What staple feeder are you feeding?

 

[Reptilelady]

Yeah I had some blood work taken in July/August just before he went into brumation the vet didn't seem to think anything of it or maybe it was too early to "catch". I just know there is something going on with him. We were in transition of moving so it was difficult to make his normal foods but I hate to say this but he was eating superworms. I know not the best nutritionally wise but I have stopped giving him superworms or any high fat feeders. I know he needs more salads which I'm trying to find more calcium rich foods for him, hard to order silkworms at the moment but I can get him some hornworms and salads for the time being. He doesn't like BSFL otherwise I would offer him those too. As he got older, he's been a bit more pickier with foods except superworms or worms in general lol

 

[KarrieRee]

Yeah I had some blood work taken in July/August just before he went into brumation the vet didn't seem to think anything of it or maybe it was too early to "catch". I just know there is something going on with him. We were in transition of moving so it was difficult to make his normal foods but I hate to say this but he was eating superworms. I know not the best nutritionally wise but I have stopped giving him superworms or any high fat feeders. I know he needs more salads which I'm trying to find more calcium rich foods for him, hard to order silkworms at the moment but I can get him some hornworms and salads for the time being. He doesn't like BSFL otherwise I would offer him those too. As he got older, he's been a bit more pickier with foods except superworms or worms in general lol

Do you still have the blood work results? If so post them-- super worms are treat worms - I would look at getting some silk worms for him- I can post websites for them-- I would suggest dubias but not knowing if it's gout you don't want to feed him those that is why I asked about the feeders

 

[Reptilelady]

Here's his blood work. He was having muscle twitching before he went into brumation and now he is much worse

 

[Reptilelady]

Here's a video of him trying to walk

 

[KarrieRee]

Here's a video of him trying to walk

Poor guy ---- lets have Tracie take a look --
@Drache613

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I took a look over the blood test results. They don't look too bad, overall. The calcium levels are
in the normal range, the AST (liver enzymes) are good & the Uric acid levels are good. Though,
his Potassium is up somewhat which can indicate renal issues.
I'm wondering whether or not he might be starting to develop gout. Can you please post some
pictures of his hands, fingers, feet, etc so I can try to determine if there is any swelling going on?
Which type/brand of UVB light do you use & how oten are you using calcium supplementation?
It appears he has some type of inflammation going on, but not sure what kind.
Can you get him started on black or tart cherry juice extract to help start to flush out his system
in case his kidneys are having a hard time?

Tracie

 

[Reptilelady]

Hi Tracie,
Here are some photos of his hands, fingers and feet. I just got him a new T5HO Reptisun 10.0 just a few months ago before he went into brumation so its still really new. I haven't been using any calcium supplementation for awhile. I can start him on black or tart cherry juice extract and where do I get it? Thanks.

 

[Reptilelady]

Also, would something like this be ok to give him? Just Black Cherry Juice, 32-Fluid Ounce — RW Knudsen or Organic PURE Black Cherry (32oz, 6-pack or 2-pack) | Lakewood Juice I can pick up these juices from the local grocery store.

 

[Reptilelady]

Was able to get him this stuff how much should I give him?

 

[Reptilelady]

I just gave him a few drops so he will have something going. Also, he is not interested in food or salads

 

[hdochow]

i get tart cherry powder from tracie's website. it gets mixed with water and added to liquid calcium and vitamins since sir henry refuses anything that is powdered. sorry i don't know how much to give of the juice you found

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Thanks for posting the pictures. It's hard to tell but are the hand & foot both on the same side
that are swollen some?
Even thought his calcium levels appear normal, he still needs some calcium in his diet to help
maintain the levels. I am honestly thinking that gout or pre-gout is a possibility. The uric acid
levels look good. Has he had this swelling awhile, or do you remember?
It is also possible that his 25Hydroxy levels are low. The calcium test didn't include an ionized
calcium reading which would give those levels. They are essentially the D3 storage inside of
the bloodstream. It's possible that he might not have absorbed adequate calcium previously
before you got a better light & it's catching up to him. It supports bone growth by allowing the
absorption of calcium.
You can give .5ml to 1ml of the black/tart cherry juice extract daily.
He isn't eating much right now?
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[Reptilelady]

Some good news is that I offered him some collard greens (his favorite) which he did eat a couple pieces. I also dusted with Repashy Superfoods Calcium Plus Reptile Supplement. Glad to see he is still interested in food. I also made a vet appointment.