I just got home from work and found him with his mouth open sort of heaving like he was trying to throw up. I got him out and he was half stiff half floppy but still breathing. I felt something in his belly that was hard and I've never felt it before today. He also looks so much thinner than he did even just this morning.
I tried putting some water on his nose and let it drip into his mouth but he didn't respond. I used the syringe to put a few drops in his mouth. I can't tell if he took it or not but it didn't come back out so...I don't know.
When I picked him back up, his legs started shaking and then he stopped moving all together. I put him on a warm towel in his viv. He is laying now with his eyes mostly shut and his mouth slightly open.
He is still breathing, but not often. Maybe 1 or 2 times a minute. And each time he breaths his sides heave in and then out with great effort. I fear I may be watching him take his last breaths.
It sucks even more because I have an intense phobia of dead things and I really want to hold him and pet him and show him that I am here but I'm so afraid to. I'm literally shaking so hard trying to stroke his head and back.
I don't know what else to do, if there is even anything I can do.
Ah poor guy. He looked like he's in quite a bit of distress. I'm not sure what else to try at this point other than try to keep him warm and comfortable. =(
I'm so, so sorry that you + Spyke are going through this....I know this is a terrible situation. At least know that others here are thinking of you. My heat goes out to you, wish I could help.
This doesn't sound good...but do what you can. He came to you in bad shape, your doing your best to help. That's all you can do even if things don't turn out good. I'm sure the dragon appreciates everything your doing for him.
It is possible that he did eat too much initially.
I am so sorry Spyke is having such a hard time, it is heart breaking. It's ok to pick him up & hold him, it will bring him comfort. Just so he knows he isn't alone.
You think he has passed on?
I am so sad for you.
My vet tech friend came over and checked him out for me. He was completely stiff and she said his eyes were glazed over and mouth completely dry. She also couldn't find any heart or breath sounds. We tried the flip test but it got absolutely no response from him. She called the vet she works for and he confirmed our suspicions. She suspects that I was probably holding him when he took his final breath and the limb twitches and intense breaths that my mom and I saw were just his body having final reactions. I sort of felt like this was going to be the beginning of the end for him when this whole ordeal started. I hoped that those feelings would not be the case and that he would at least be able to hold on until after Christmas. But, he is in a better place now and is no longer in pain or suffering.
Rest in Peace my Spykeopotamus.
I will miss you tons. SPYKEJanuary 14, 2008 - December 22, 2016
I am so very sorry it ended this way for you & Spyke. At least he was with you & not alone when he passed, I know he felt comforted. I am so sorry for your loss, bless him.
Tracie