ILoveRJ
Juvie Member
I would like to proceed by informing those who read this that I first sent this message to Traci personally. I want to apologize if I've upset anyone by essentially putting out 2 of the same message but, please know I've done so because of my heavy heart and the hope that I find some promising guidance.
So here is what I sent to Traci...
I'm in a very tough (stressful is an understatement) spot with my baby boy.
Actually let me start with the specifics before I forget.
Age:6
Sex: Male
Lighting: Reptisun T5 HO/ ExoTerra Intense Basking Heat Bulb
Diet: Calcium and Multivitamin from day one. For food Primarily crickets (to minimize fat intake)
He's beyond stubborn with greens/veggies but he does occasionally get arugula, blueberries, bell peppers, BeechNut "naturals" baby food (NO ADDITIVES). Additional live food is dubia, superworm, and hornworm for variety. To be clear, I am aware his diet should primarily be veggies but, because he means the world to me I assure you I've tried EVERYTHING.
Enclosure: 4x2x2 ft melamine (photo included)
I believe that covers it.
So I'm writing mainly for your guidance on how to treat URI on my own at home. I can't see any other reason for what I believe are the signs for it and I feel he has it in my bones. Unfortunately the only (and the best) exotic vet around performed x-rays upon my request and, after doing an exam and taking the X-rays, their opinion was that there was no indication of URI or MBD (which I also requested they check for). I had a little confidence in them to begin with, and now I have less. Unless I'm completely wrong, which I would be absolutely thrilled about, I don't see how they can be right in their assessment. I guess that's it for now. The video of course is an example of the breathing he does that concerns me. By the way, he only breathes this way occasionally. Thank you in advance for taking your time to read this. It means SO much to me
I did however forget to mention to Traci that on the plus side, there's been no decrease in RJ's appetite or weight.
The video is hard to see what's going on but he's breathing heavy. His stomach will expand prior to an open mouthed exhale. I also "heard" the exhale.
Also important I'm sure, is that there's been zero nasal waste issues. I really haven't noticed him making the infamous clicking noise either but, I suppose there's a chance I've just not heard it.
The photo is his enclosure and I hope the video goes through. I'll send as a link because "attaching" it didn't seem to be working.
Thank you SO MUCH to any who can offer help. This lil guy means the world to me.
Lastly, please know I'm only sending this message publicly after sending it privately to Traci in case she's unable to get to it for a while. I'm well aware of all the important work she does and I respect her for it.
h
ttps://photos.app.goo.gl/7jqYayD4pkEpzFFS8
So here is what I sent to Traci...
I'm in a very tough (stressful is an understatement) spot with my baby boy.
Actually let me start with the specifics before I forget.
Age:6
Sex: Male
Lighting: Reptisun T5 HO/ ExoTerra Intense Basking Heat Bulb
Diet: Calcium and Multivitamin from day one. For food Primarily crickets (to minimize fat intake)
He's beyond stubborn with greens/veggies but he does occasionally get arugula, blueberries, bell peppers, BeechNut "naturals" baby food (NO ADDITIVES). Additional live food is dubia, superworm, and hornworm for variety. To be clear, I am aware his diet should primarily be veggies but, because he means the world to me I assure you I've tried EVERYTHING.
Enclosure: 4x2x2 ft melamine (photo included)
I believe that covers it.
So I'm writing mainly for your guidance on how to treat URI on my own at home. I can't see any other reason for what I believe are the signs for it and I feel he has it in my bones. Unfortunately the only (and the best) exotic vet around performed x-rays upon my request and, after doing an exam and taking the X-rays, their opinion was that there was no indication of URI or MBD (which I also requested they check for). I had a little confidence in them to begin with, and now I have less. Unless I'm completely wrong, which I would be absolutely thrilled about, I don't see how they can be right in their assessment. I guess that's it for now. The video of course is an example of the breathing he does that concerns me. By the way, he only breathes this way occasionally. Thank you in advance for taking your time to read this. It means SO much to me
I did however forget to mention to Traci that on the plus side, there's been no decrease in RJ's appetite or weight.
The video is hard to see what's going on but he's breathing heavy. His stomach will expand prior to an open mouthed exhale. I also "heard" the exhale.
Also important I'm sure, is that there's been zero nasal waste issues. I really haven't noticed him making the infamous clicking noise either but, I suppose there's a chance I've just not heard it.
The photo is his enclosure and I hope the video goes through. I'll send as a link because "attaching" it didn't seem to be working.
Thank you SO MUCH to any who can offer help. This lil guy means the world to me.
Lastly, please know I'm only sending this message publicly after sending it privately to Traci in case she's unable to get to it for a while. I'm well aware of all the important work she does and I respect her for it.
h
ttps://photos.app.goo.gl/7jqYayD4pkEpzFFS8