He is probably fearful when you "swish" him around. He does not know what is going on.
can anyone who has dealt with impaction before tell me if it will cause them to be totally limp in the rear half?
I have never dealt with impaction. I do know that it can interfere with their rear legs.
Have you tried a tiny amount of olive oil to help moves things out? Make sure he stays hydrated, as this too will help.
"his top half is now darker"
This concerns me. I would take the baby to a vet. Whatever the problem is, it sounds like it is has progressed enough for a vet check to be necessary.
Time is very important here. Do not hesitate for long. If you try the following ideas, and they DON'T WORK, get your baby to a vet, preferably a reptile vet, as soon as possible! The fact that the legs are not working properly is a bad sign. The impaction, if that is what it is, interferes with legs by putting pressure on the nerves. The longer the pressure lasts, the better the chances are that the damage can be permanent.
ANY vet can help with swabbing the vent area, etc. Make sure you get a FULL FECAL EXAM done as soon as possible. A basic exam looks for parasites ONLY. A FULL fecal exam looks for parasites AND bacteria as well (such as aspergillis and salmonella). It may be impaction, or a gut load of parasites. This is why it is soooo important not to wait too long. Either condition puts your baby's lfe at risk.
Hydration is important. Try with a plastic syringe (w/o the needle) to give a little water. you could, perhaps, dilute the applesauce with water. You can coax the mouth open by inserting the syringe thru the lips at the rear of the jaws. When the mouth opens, try to put a little water near the back of the tongue, NOT AT THE BACK OF THE THROAT.
YOU DO NOT WANT TO ACCIDENTALLY MAKE YOUR BABY ASPIRATE THE WATER INTO THE LUNGS.
During baths, gently massage the tummy TOWARD the vent. Repeat this a few times a day, if necessary.
You can use a tiny amount of olive oil to help move things along.
You can use baby food applesause, also. Although apples are an appetite suppressant, a little should not hurt your baby at this point.
Using latex or non latex gloves, hold your baby with one hand in the vertical position. Inspect the vent area.
You can GENTLY squeeze the areas on both sides of the vent to try and expel any fecal matter that may be present. You can use a cotton swab.
Is there a mucous plug sticking out? If so, it is safe to GENTLY remove it. IF it WON'T REMOVE, consult a vet.
You can use a cotton swab to clean the vent area.
Take a swab and gently clean the inside of the vent out. DON'T go far or deep inside.
Do this a few times. Let your baby de-stress in between cleanings. Repeat.
Is the swab coming out clean or dirty?
If dirty, continue a few swabs. DISCONTINUE if it is clean, or blood or suspicious discharge is seen. CONSULT A REPTILE VET IMMEDIATELY!
Good luck.
Take care.
Emerald
