BOGA might be in trouble

[James Smith]

Hello family, I haven't posted here in a while and I do truly apologize there's been a lot going on in my life namely one the death of my father. I am having issues with Boga I think I don't know if it's early brumation or is he dehydrated. The reason why I say this is because he's not drinking water as far as I can see when he swallows he swallows very hard like he's trying to move food down his throat. I opened his mouth and there was mucus formed in his throat so I cleaned it out with water. I try to have him drink from me through a syringe that didn't go too well. The temperature is proper the humidity is correct soil is moist bathe twice a week I don't know what's going on I'm giving him clean water daily.

He has a running waterfall plus water dish but he's not drinking I don't think anybody else have the same situation? I is staying with me in bed so I can keep a eye on him for a couple of nights. He loves to snuggle. He is act somewhat normal though. I am confused. Please help.

 

[Member1421]

What humidity level are you at ambiently and what type of enclosure is your tegu in? Not too early to find an exotic vet to deal with any respiratory issues or a general checkup if you are concerned. You will hear many opinions on forums, but the word of a specialist is the best one to trust. My humidity stays at 70-80% ambiently. He looks very comfortable there, but more info on your enclosure type might help paint a more accurate picture.

 

[James Smith]

This is BOGA'S in closure. His humity stays at
75 to 80% Temp is at 86 degrees in tbe hot zone and 78 on cold zone. Rain shower system to keep everything sprayed down. Live soil with spring tails. Basking area is 119 to 122.

 

[Member1421]

Well that looks like a nice size space. As long as you are measuring everything correctly, the route I would take with the mouth issue is the vet. Things like that can spiral quickly and they can't help themselves. Best of luck.

 

[James Smith]

Thank you. I have had Boga since he was 3 months old. He ia now 2 years old. First time with a issue like this. It feels wierd to be on this side asking for help when I was the one helping others before. I am here right now waiting to go in to see his Vet. She is really good with him. She is a exotic pet Veterinarian.

 

[Josh]

Does he normally brumate for you?

 

[James Smith]

Last year was touch and go he really didn't go into a deep brumation. He went under for about 2 1/2 to 3 months and that's it, however he was only one years old. I think he is going for a long sleep this time. She said she didn't see any real signs of dehydration.

 

[Josh]

Not drinking when thirsty is thankfully one of the last symptoms before you die usually. Keep offering fresh water every so often.

 

[James Smith]

I am happy to report BOGA is drinking his water and he is acting more like his old self. I have no ideal what that was. I will honestly say he scared the mess out of me.

 

[Josh]

Glad to hear it

 

[James Smith]

I miss posting on here. I will be more active from now on.

 

[Debita]

Hey - is he doing his regular poops? Did the doc give you any solutions?

 

[James Smith]

BOGA is doing is fine. His poop is normal and he is now drinking water. I am slowing down on his meals because he is going into brumation. His Doc. did not see anything irregular. Thank you for asking.

 

[Zyn]

Hey James am I correct in remembering that Boga is a blue hybrid? If true remember blues don’t normally brumate when in their natural environment. Being a hybrid if he is means he has two separate localities fighting for instinctual supremacy lol. My hybrid blue75% 25%bw did not brumate the first two years. Now this being her 4th winter has been asleep for 3 months in her winter bin. She sleeps in her bin in my garage where the temp stays mid 50s. Bogas enclosure looks warm so he may be trying to brumate but since you never dropped his temp he’s coming in and out. Just a few thoughts nice to see you back

 

[Debita]

Hey James! Glad you're back - and that Boga is doing well. Don't forget that their usual pink tongue starts going grey when they're dehydrated... Keep the water fresh too!