Had seizures-Vet says maybe Kidney issue? Need help

[Drache613]

Hello Suzy,

He is looking good!
His beard isn't as dark, either. Usually the Baytril will make them turn darker in the beard, too.
That is good you gave calcium in his food today since he isn't eating on his own yet. You are still giving
probiotics for him now correct?
I wish I could see the tongue. They do have some whitish to grayish coloration on the tip of their tongue, some more than others though.
The pads on top of his head don't look sunken, but keep him hydrated to be sure they stay elevated for water & fat reserves.

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[spike5]

Hi Tracie-

Thanks- he really does look so much better- today he has gotten himself up on his branch and is soaking in the UVB rays. He is mostly white- little sign of any black beard.
He took water from his bowl for the first time today since two weeks ago- great sign. I'm wondering if the Baytril just made him feel sick?
He still won't eat yet on his own but I still have a full day!
He's not on probiotics- the doctor only have me Baytril. Is that something I get on my own for him?

Thanks as always!
Suzy

 

[Esther19]

Glad to hear Spike is improving! Yes, he needs a probiotic. You can give him some non-dairy soy yogurt, or get a commercially prepared probiotic, such as Acidophilus+. I used to be able to get the Acidophilus+ at the pet store, but now it's only available online in my area. The soy yogurt would probably be easier and faster to get locally, but it depends on your area. I order the liquid through http://www.bug-de-lite.com/index.html

 

[spike5]

Ok- will do! Thanks. Sounds like the soy yogurt will be easiest to give him? Do I gie him the yogurt via syringe? Any rule of thumb for how much? For how long?

Thanks!!!
Suzy

 

[Esther19]

If he is still on the medicine, give the yogurt 6 hours before or after the meds. I've never given yogurt, but a syringe would be my tool of choice. Give him as much as he likes, daily. His body will get rid of what it doesn't need. I would give daily for about 2 weeks after the meds are finished. Then a couple times per week thereafter. I may be overdoing it, but I'd rather give too much than too little. Someone else might have an opinion for you. Let us know how he is doing.

 

[spike5]

I'm sad to say Spike passed away this morning.....so so sad. He had improved a few weeks back but was not 100% but was finally eating on his own worms and salad. We had a friend watch him for a few days last weekend when we thought he was doing far better (who had watched Spike before) and when we got back last Monday Spike seemed not so well again. After a few days of nursing him again I thought he would get better, then he black bearded late Thursday-so yesterday I got new antibiotics from the Vet because he seemed to get terribly worse quickly. I was able to feed him baby food in the morning but could barely get his mouth open later for the antibiotics. He clearly was in distress and this morning he kept trying to move away from his heat and hide in a cold, dark spot. He started to gasp dramatically for air a few times. Didn't like when I tried to pick him up. Then I think he took his last breaths and peacefully (I hope) passed. We had rushed him to the vet and they said he was gone.

The hardest part is that I understand more now that Beardies seem to hide their illness until it's too late. But when I think back I realize that there may have been a sign or two? I know it's so hard to figure out. I had read about their back legs shaking somewhere and although at the time I thought it was calcium related (and it seemed to disappear when we ensured his calcium intake and UVB)-it may have been a big clue to his eventual seizures and illness. He also never got to be outdoors much because we live in the Northeast. Maybe that was an issue...I'm just so sad. He also began to be a little slower when trying to eat his crickets...all these little signs that seemed indifferent at the time...maybe they were something?

Spike was only 3 1/2 years old...he should have had many more years with us ;-( The Vets make it so hard financially to bring in exotics when they are sick. With that, this site I will be ever grateful for because all of you really came through and helped me with Spike when I needed advice. The handful of you that take the time to read about our Beardies says so much about this great little community.
They are special little ones and there is so much to know and understand about them...I cringe when I think of how the pet stores just "sell" the Beardies without real info. So thank you again for all....

RIP Spike-we love you xo

 

[CooperDragon]

I'm so sorry to hear you lost your buddy Spike. My thoughts are with you. =(

 

[Esther19]

I am so sorry for your loss. Please don't second guess your care for him. You did everything you could. Most importantly, he knew he was loved. In the end, that's all any of us could ask for.

 

[Drache613]

Hello Suzy,

Oh no! I am so sorry about you losing little Spike. You did a fantastic job with him & he had a great life with you. I am sorry he was so young.
We are all here for you so if you need anything at all, just let us know.

Tracie

 

[spike5]

Thanks everyone and thank you Tracie for all of your extremely caring and helpful advice. So sad when they pass-so thank you again for all of your thoughtfulness.

Best,
Suzy

 

[Drache613]

Hello Suzy,

I hope you are hanging in there. Little Spike will always be with you.
Let us know if you need anything at all..

Tracie

 

[JaffaCake]

I'm so sorry to hear your loss, you did everything you could for little spike and loved him very much, he had a happy life with you.
Here if you need anything.