I -really- need advice

[Vakon]

Hello,

Are you using a UVB light? If so, what type & brand are you using, is it a florescent tube bulb or a compact/coil light? How old is the UVB light?
How is he doing today, any improvements with him? Please keep us posted on him. If you are not using a UVB light, that could be a large part of the problem along with the impaction, too.

Tracie

Yes, I am also using a UVB light. I didn't list it earlier because I assumed the focus was temperature and that having one of these was a given. It is a fluorescent tube bulb, and I got it back in July. It is an Exo Terra 30W Repti Glo 10.0 UVB bulb. I am aware of how important these lights are, but thank you for bringing it up since I neglected to mention I was using it.

In terms of how he is doing, other than the poo I'd say he's just fine. He still has a big appetite and shows no signs of weight loss. He went again today and it was an awful mess (which was thoroughly cleaned thanks to the ease with tiles). He showed no discomfort about it however, and has maintained a positive demeanor for a while (no black beard). In the past, having to go had been a discomfort for him. He would become moody and turn dark until finally going, after which his mood would improve. Having not seen any of this behaviour in the past week encourages me.

After he had the big mess of a poo and cleaned him up I gave him a bath so that he would stay hydrated. It is clear he lost a lot of water when going, so I hope that helped.

 

[Vakon]

Okay...this is odd and I'm not sure what to think of this. He 'went' today, but all it seems to have been was some urate and a stinky puddle. It is my understanding that they don't just pee, so what does this mean...? :?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How long have you been using the Reptiglo 10 tube bulb for? Unfortunately, those lights are not very strong & have been known to cause health problems as well. If he has been under the light for awhile, he is not getting the proper wavelength of UVB emissions which directly impact his ability to absorb calcium properly. That will affect his health, which could be a lot of what is causing some of these problems.
So you might want to consider replacing it with the Reptisun 10 tube bulb instead to see if that helps him out.
The stool that had excess liquid with it is ok, as that just means he was well hydrated. Now, if it was all loose or runny, then that can indicate a potential problem such as parasites or worms. You also mentioned that it was pretty smelly also, which is usually a sign of parasites, too.
Does he tend to have a hard time going to the bathroom?
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[Vakon]

Sometimes it would seem he is having trouble going; he is uncomfortable until he finally goes, after which his mood improves. If such behaviour can be attributed to constipation, I have changed from sand to tile closing in on two weeks. This morning during his bath he went and his poo appeared more well formed than others, though it wasn't exactly 'well'.

He has been under the Repti Glo since July, and I actually do have a Zoo Med Reptisun 10.0 UVB tube as a spare. However, what exactly is the difference between the two? Both say 10.0 UVB, and the only difference that appears evident to me is that they are different brands and have been given different names. I'm assuming the Zoo Med Reptisun is the same as the 'Reptisun' you were referring to.

 

[Vakon]

Update:

Gork has been going regularly once again. For a while the 3-4 day trend had continued and he was only going during the baths. Now he is going every day and his poos are a little less runny, though still not that great. I have ordered a couple bottles of acidopholiz+ from Beautiful Dragons.com as spyder79 recommended, and will begin giving him some once it arrives. Hopefully this will solve the problem.

In case some would like to know, his appetite is still very good and he shows not signs of weight loss.

I will update again once acidopholiz+ treatment has begun.

 

[Judah'sHuman]

I think with using the Acidophiliz+ for a few weeks you will see a drimatic improvment. Those meds can be so hard on the gut and throw it all outta wack. I know when I take any Antiboitics it takes a very long time (before i found out about probiotics) to get my tummy feeling better. :roll: I hate antiobiotics.

I agree with Tracy, I think also the change to a Repta sun will also add improvment long term. But I think the main thing here is the flora is otta wack in the lil guy.

Just to let you know my guy always gets upset when he is going to poo. He starts climbing the walls and sometimes black bearding and running back and forth alot. It is his way of telling my to "lay down some papertowels ma Im a gonna poo!" Then as soon as he does he runs as far away from it and as fast as possable. And stays mad untill mom cleans it away. He just really hates being in the same tank as his poo. So this could be a similar case....i would think "uncomfortable" as being trying to go doing the squat and nothings coming out looks like he is straining...etc.

 

[Vakon]

Update

This is actually a little overdue, but I received the Acidopholiz+ a week or so ago and have been giving him some relatively every day. So far I have noticed significant improvements, though I wouldn't say his stool is the best it could be. He is doing quite well himself; the moodiness rarely occurs now, if at all, and he still maintains a healthy appetite and all that

Thank you all for your support and advice , I will add more if there are any significant changes.

 

[Judah'sHuman]

Thats really good to hear! I have heard the Acidophiliz does work wonders. I give Judah some probiotics when he seems stoped up and it really seems to help him alot.

With continued use over the next few weeks I am sure his tummy will get much better.