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Possible Respiratory in fection in Asain Water Monitor

Posted By:

JadedNightDragon

I picked up my AWM today to find that he had liquid coming out of his nose and mouth. I thought maybe he just drank some water a couple of minutes. But just to be safe I listened to his chest. I heard a little wheezing. I'm a little worried. But he seems very alert (tongue flicking, tail swatting and such), so maybe I caught it just as he started it? The liquid that came out of his mouth (And inside his mouth) looks like thick saliva (It was clear).

He has been basking and eating normally. And has been using his water bowl. The only thing I can think of is I went to a pet store (I won't say which, but it's not a chain store) with him. I know, I know... I shouldn't have done that. But I have been there before and their animals looked well cared for and healthy (LOOKED is the key word here, lol). I found that they had Asians in, so I checked them out. One Asian looked awe full. he had white patches on him, and he was wheezing slightly (though the pet guy said he wasn't). I forgot to ask for sanitizer. Do you think he might have caught something from the store?

His basking spot is 130F and cool end is 84F, Humidity is 45%. He has a 2" -3" thick rock on his basking spot (I was thinking of getting a thin piece of ceramic tile in place of the rock).

He's on a mixture of 75% soil 25% sand, cause he loves digging. But I haven't watered his cage in a few weeks.

What do you guys think?


Points:	250
Topics:	General Health , Respiratory
Tags:	Respiratory
Species:	Lizards > Monitors > Varanus salvator salvator
Administrative:	Show/Hide

Accepted Answer

5/6/2009 5:43:02 AM

Jeffriey

Personally I wouldn't rule out the drinking part yet especially if it happened when you picked it up. My asians have brought up fluids a couple of times if I pick them up even settling for a couple of hours after I've seen them drinking and with a bit of wheezing from it. I'd wait a bit to see how it's doing and if it goes back to normal. Near the hot spot is a good place to be if it is RI but a trip to the vet might be in order if so. Also does your monitor spend much time in the water? If not your humidity is way to low. It should be up in the 75-80% range.

As for catching something if you brought it out, I admire your close attachment to your monitor and the way you like to take it with you when you go out which is based on the pics I've seen of it in the car and on a leash but it will always be a risk taking him anywhere. I'm not sure but IMO the extra stress although you may not sense it and hitting fluctuating temps etc. might play havoc with it's immunity system. There will always be that risk factor when exposed to other animals especially ones that you aren't sure have been quarantined especially in a pet shop. Most people will pack up their animals the same way if they were shipping them if going to shows etc. It might be a bit safer as it gets older but not always a wise thing to do. .

Author Comment

5/6/2009 10:40:42 AM

JadedNightDragon

Actually I only take him outside once in a great while. I think this was his 3rd outting since I've had him. I do take him out of his enclosure everyother day or so.

He doesn't spend a lot of time in his water. I think someone told me 80% was too high.

Member Comment

5/6/2009 10:48:25 AM

Jeffriey

Well as long as he's spends a lot of time in the water. They do come from a tropical climate where the hunidity is high. How is he doing today? Better?

Assisted Answer

5/6/2009 3:26:24 PM

shellboa

Water monitors are generally pretty hardy and I wouldn't rule out the water thing either. Best bet is to try for a major humidity boost for a few days and see if he is still wheezing. I wouldn't wait more than three days tho because with any potential illness the sooner you seek treatment from the vet the better the chances of recovery. I would also go back to the pet store (alone) and see if that animal is still alive, if you touched it and it's dead I'd hit the vet asap.

Author Comment

5/6/2009 7:56:08 PM

JadedNightDragon

He's not weezing anymore. I read some where that 80 was too high.. Then again, some said 80 was perfect. Anybody here with asains see a problem with 80% humidity?

Assisted Answer

5/6/2009 8:58:49 PM

Jeffriey

My water monitor cages flucuate in the 70-85% range and I haven't had any problems. As I mentioned in the wild they live in a tropical climate, are semi aquatic and found near river banks and swamps too. I use cyprus mulch and keep it damp. If I see the surface drying out I'll spray or even just pour water in there too. With the water container this keeps the humidity up . You just have to keep an eye out for mold etc. I'm not sure if anyone else does but when cleaning I even rewash and rinse mulch in hot water for a few uses before replacing it with new bedding and get the most use out of it. Mine always defecate in the water and rarely fling or drag food all over the place so with the exception of having to change the water daily their cages stay pretty clean. Lucky me

I think it'll be a little different when they get to adult size though...

Member Comment

1/17/2011 12:54:01 AM

abi21491

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