I don't know what else to do...

[Drache613]

Hello,

Great. Here is a thread explaining how to post pictures:
viewtopic.php?f=30&t=37103

I will look forward to seeing pictures soon.

Tracie

 

[machomushu]

Ok... soooo.
I looked up how to determine the gender of dragons and they had example pics and I am 99% sure that he is a boy. He has the 2 hemipenal bulges on the sides of his tail/butt area. I know that isn't quite the scientific way to explain it.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Ok. Well, if he has the bulges, then he is a male. Does he have the bumpy femoral pores on his inner thigh areas? If he has them & are prominent he is definitely male.
How is he doing today?
Are you still using the Solar Brite MVB light? If so, I am thinking that it could be affecting him.
Remember on a previous response, I had commented on your bloodwork of him, so those were the things that I was concerned about. If his kidneys are having a hard time, that can greatly affect him.
What do his urates look like, are they hard or soft, white or discolored?



Tracie

 

[machomushu]

Yep... he has bumps on the inside of his thighs.
Today he has been kinda sluggish. He drags his belly like a crocodile.
Still using the solar brite bulb.
His last urates seemed hard and white

 

[machomushu]

Also.. I would like to know your opinion on substrate? I can't decide on what to do! :study:

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Ok, great, you definitely have a male, so, that takes egg stasis out of the equation now.
How long have you been using the Solar Brite for?
Can he fully support himself on all fours or does he drag himself around all of the time now? If he is having trouble walking, then, he is starting to have calcium issues. I really urge you to switch your UVB light as the Solar Brite is not a good light & does not put out much of any UVB emissions.
The urates, if they are hard & white, then, you will need to increase his oral fluids a bit more so his urates are not so hard. That increases his chances of having a prolapse due to him having to strain too much.
How lethargic is he, how is his appetite?

Tracie

 

[machomushu]

Ok... what light do you recommend that takes care of all his needs.
The solar brite I have use for a few short months and was at first working great. I don't understand the change!

 

[machomushu]

He is getting weaker and still not eating.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Which UVB source did you use previously before switching to the Solar Brite? If he has not had good UVB exposure for awhile now, it has slowly caught up with him.
You will need to begin assist feeding him, since he is not eating on his own. You should get some chicken or turkey babyfood & some squash babyfood to give to him. Mix his calcium & some vitamins in with the food, with some pedialyte to help with his electrolytes. Try feeding him at least 1ml per 50 grams of bodyweight to help him gain some weight back.


Tracie

 

[machomushu]

Ok. So I brought him outside for an hour for 2 days and today he ate 5 worms. I'm so happy. I just don't understand why he did so awesome when I first switched to this one and then went downhill. I guess I will try the lights you use. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you. Finals week is over now.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Well, I do think that changing the lighting would help him quite a bit. So, he did eat though? That is an improvement for now. How is his activity right now? Is he active?
I think perhaps initially the light may have "seemed" bright to him, & might have had a little bit of UVB, but quickly declined as alot of them do if they are not good quality. Now, it is most likely emitting next to zero UVB's for him.
I would recommend the Megaray or the T-rex either one for him.

Tracie

 

[machomushu]

Ok.. I will have to try those lights then. I will maybe try to bring the other one back. Natural light is best though right. Should I try and make him an outdoor pin or something? I was thinking maybe a bunny cage or something like that to rig up appropriately. Or is that a stupid idea. I just can't believe that the light didn't last.