Looking for some help.

[Loomisk]

I'm not new to reptiles by any means. I have two beardies, and a green iguana I rescued from horrendous conditions three years ago. I also work in a local reptile store.
Well, someone came in and tried to get us to buy the little girl in the pictures. I also have pictures of her cage.

Her substrate was a mix of play sand, gravel, aquarium gravel, and some marbles. She hadn't changed her uvb light in the 2 years they had her. The tank had never been cleaned. Her whole diet was crickets, pellets, and SPINACH. We told her we couldn't give her money but we couldn't allow her to leave with her either.

this girl couldn't walk. She could barely lift her head. Rather than euthanizing her, I took her home. She is in a 20 gallon at the moment because I don't want her flailing around and getting hurt. I laid some towels down and set up a heat lamp for her. I normally use mercury vapor bulbs but I decided to use a 24" reptisun 10.0 to make sure she has uvb on both sides for now. I use them in my iguanas room so o keep extras. Left her alone to calm down for about an hour.

I decided to offer her food, so I gave her a mix or mustard greens and collard greens and she destroyed it and then 10 hornworms right after. She then drank almost a full smart water bottle. She had her whole head in the water. She has perked way up already. She's going to the vet tomorrow but I actually think she will make it! I have no idea what to name her though!

 

[CooperDragon]

Poor girl is emaciated. I'm glad you took her in. I advise going easy on the food to begin with. You don't want to overwhelm her system, especially with protein and fat. I would focus on giving her water and keeping her hydrated. Small amounts several times per day. If she handles that well, give her some more salad. It's a good sign she's eating on her own. I would offer smaller meals more frequently rather than a bunch all at once. If she handles that well, increase the portions a bit. Be patient and go easy for a while and I think she'll have a good shot at bouncing back under your care.

 

[Loomisk]

Oh I know, it's insane that she is the thin and still alive. And thank you for the suggestions. My iguana had developed early MBD but iguanas are a whole different ball game and it was not this bad. All I knew for sure was she needed heat and uvb asap, but with it being a holiday weekend (and my vet's always off on tuesdays) so I just had to get her through until today. Her appointment is in 2 hours.

 

[CooperDragon]

OK. Good luck at the appointment. I can help you get the lighting just right for her if needed as well.