Metacam- I am freakin out.

[plantkisser]

A few days ago Spyro launched off of my bed and landed pretty hard. Long story short, I took him to the vet and they think he has a bruised lung. They sent me home with some pain meds and told me to keep an eye on him. Well, he is really starting to worry me. He is walking weird, although a little better today than it was yesterday. I can't tell if he is favoring one limb, or if he is having a hard time balancing. He also very frequently opens his mouth, presumably to breathe. He almost looks like a fish. Also, today he tried to stand against the wall of his viv, but fell and landed almost on his back. He did not seem to be able to right himself. I flipped him over and put him back, and a few minutes later when I peeked at him he was totally on his back. He didn't even appear to be struggling, just laying there. He has pooped yesterday and today, and they have been normal looking (if a bit small. Getting him to eat has been a challenge.) There is no blood in his poo, and I haven't noticed swelling anywhere on his body either, so I'm ruling out internal damage. He seems alert enough, he will follow my hand with his eyes, he even waved at another dragon today. I will attach a video of him gaping and then walking. Any advice would be very appreciated. I'm very very worried about him. http://s838.photobucket.com/user/connkc/media/IMG_2867_zpse48bad7b.mp4.html?sort=3&o=0

 

[plantkisser]

I wish I had a video of what he did just now- he walked a little more, this time standing up taller. To me it seemed like he took a step with each leg, and when he tried to step with his front right leg it almost gave out? Or he didn't step with it at all. I didn't have an x-ray done because I am a high school kid working a part-time job, but I will get him one if that is what he needs.

 

[AHBD]

Hi there....Spyro seems to be breathing a little heavy, but his walking doesn't indicate any noticeable problem as severe as a broken bone. If his leg was broke he would most likely have swelling and would not be using it. But the falling on his back is really troublesome.....that's more like a neurological problem. What type of pain meds. is he on ? One of the side effects of some pain meds. can be dizziness and loss of control of body movements. It might be best to cease any of those right away.

 

[plantkisser]

Hi there, thanks for your response. His pain med is an anti-inflamatory called Metacam. I will stop using this if he seems to have any more issues like that. I know when he fell he didn't land on his head at all, but on his tummy. So, your idea of the medicine making him dizzy makes the most sense. Thank you!

 

[plantkisser]

Upon doing some more research on Spyro's pain medication, Metacam, I have unearthed a trove of horror stories. One guy claims it killed his 2 iguanas. Another says it almost killed his water dragon. The behaviors described are things like falling a lot, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Spyro has fallen 3x today, and I have found him on his back. He has also been less keen on eating. He will not actively eat either salad or bugs, but if I place them in his mouth when it is open he will eat instead of spitting it out. Honestly, I'm very worried that the Metacam might be causing most of his issues at this point. He's gotten 3 doses and has 2 left, but I've decided to hold off on those and see how he does. If anybody has any experience with this drug in reptiles, input would be much appreciated.

 

[AHBD]

That's what I mentioned in the other thread....I would just not give him anymore. It may just need to clear out of his system. Nothing else you can do, maybe he'll bounce right back after a day or so. You could ask one of the mods. to merge this with your other thread describing his systems.

 

[plantkisser]

That's what I mentioned in the other thread....I would just not give him anymore. It may just need to clear out of his system. Nothing else you can do, maybe he'll bounce right back after a day or so. You could ask one of the mods. to merge this with your other thread describing his systems.

Good idea, thanks. Sorry, I am feeling especially scatterbrained with all this stress.

 

[AHBD]

Of course you're very stressed, completely understandable in this situation and when you hear or read worse case scenarios it fuels the fear. Just give it some time and if you can get some water in him tomorrow that can help flush out his system. Whatever you give him to eat or drink, just be gentle _ take it slow. He may turn out just fine.

 

[plantkisser]

Of course you're very stressed, completely understandable in this situation and when you hear or read worse case scenarios it fuels the fear. Just give it some time and if you can get some water in him tomorrow that can help flush out his system. Whatever you give him to eat or drink, just be gentle _ take it slow. He may turn out just fine.

Thank you

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am sorry he is having those issues with the metacam. Some never experience it but he must be either getting too much of it or is sensitive to it for some reason.
I can merge your threads, if you would like?
How is he doing today any improvements this evening?

Tracie

 

[Drache613]

Merged by Moderator to keep information together.

 

[plantkisser]

Oh, thank you for merging these Tracie. I didn't even notice until today!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

You are welcome!
How are things going with your dragon this evening?
Let us know how he is progressing.

Tracie

 

[plantkisser]

Not much news. Gave him a bath, and he responded how he usually does ("let me out of here!") which was a little reassuring, to see him acting like himself. However he still seems like he could topple over backwards at any second and he was not very keen on eating today. I think when I get paid I will go back to the vet for a check up. Just to be sure we didn't miss anything.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Well, at least he still has spirit & fight anyway. So many don't like their baths. LOL They are all different.
He is still having balance issues? I hope he didn't hurt his head in some way. Poor guy. That would be a good idea to have them look him over again. I hope that he improves more for you, soon.

Tracie