BlizzCon 2010 is today and tomorrow. I’m not there – I couldn’t afford to go even if I could have gotten a ticket. I did buy the Virtual Ticket, which means I can watch the video feeds at my leisure (and also that I get the promotional murloc pet). But I’m not watching the video, either.
I just got back from the vet. My older bearded dragon, whose name is ‘Big Lizard’, is ill. We’re waiting on the final results from the blood test but it appears to be kidney failure. If that’s the case then I will be taking her back tomorrow morning to have her put to sleep.
I doubt we’ll get too much info on hunter pets today – most of it is coming from the Cataclysm beta now. But if there is pet info … well, you’ll have to get it somewhere else today. Sorry about that.
Update:
The blood test was very definitive – Big Lizard’s kidneys had failed. I took her in this morning and the vet put her to sleep.
I’m probably mangling the science here, but …
Kidney failure in lizards is often due to a diet that is too high in protein. Bearded dragons are omnivorous for their first year or so and then become primarily vegetarian. But in captivity, many bearded dragons are spoiled silly and continue getting a lot of insects even after they should have transitioned to greens.
(That was certainly true for Big Lizard. She ate greens – but she loved her insect ‘treats’ and I didn’t keep track of how many she got.)
When the kidneys go, the lizards are unable to strip enough phosphorus from their blood. This causes their calcium levels to drop precipitously. The phosphorous-calcium ratio is very important for their health so this becomes a big problem fast.
If I had caught the signs earlier we might have had more options, but the outward symptoms of even chronic kidney failure can come on very quickly in lizards. My vet – who is one of the best private reptile vets in Florida, and that’s saying a lot – offered to try phosphate binders in combination with fluid therapy.
He felt that the chances of success were very low, however, in part because her condition was already very poor. In addition, he hasn’t had much luck with phosphate binders in bearded dragons.
(As an aside, the survival rate for reptiles with chronic renal failure appears to be very low across the board. One statistic I found quoted a less than 25% chance to survive one year.)
Big Lizard had been in a lot of distress over the past three days. She had frequent muscle tremors that quickly became tetani (where her whole body spasmed into stiffness) and seizures. She had a lot of trouble breathing during these episodes.
Even when she wasn’t stiff she couldn’t move her legs very well and could only drag herself around her cage with great effort. She wasn’t able to eat or drink normally and she lost a third of her body weight in just a few days.
I decided that her low chance of recovery wasn’t worth her continued distress during treatment.
If you’re really interested, this article from the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians has more accurate technical information.
For a personal perspective, see Melissa Kaplan’s article on her iguana Wally.
I know how special pets are to us, in any size, shape or form. Our heart goes out to you over this, Mania. Good luck to you and Big Lizard. Hopefully it isn’t bad news.
-mama, Sweet Bob and Peachy (my 2 ferrets)
Aw Mania, I hope the test results come back differently. /casts Mend Pet, hugs Big Lizard
Very sorry to hear about ‘Big Lizard’, hopefully the results will be positive. /paws crossed.
It’s never easy when our companions are ill. All paws and fingers crossed for Big Lizard!
Ouch. :-( Is there nothing that can be done? I’ve got a cat who I took in to the vet about a year and a half ago because she was very sick, and she was diagnosed with kidney failure; they had to keep her hooked up to an IV at the vet and under constant care for about three days, and since then she’s had to eat a prescription diet and take medicine to regulate her kidney values, but she’s still alive and as ornery as ever. We joke that she’s trying to become the world’s most expensive house cat (you don’t want to see the vet bills), but it’s worth it. I don’t know much about lizards, but hopefully there’s some way to help.
Real life pets always trump virtual ones. And kidney failure is so hard for all the smaller animals, not to mention the vets who have limited things they can try. (Vets are sad about that too, I’ve seen more than one down because someone else’s pet isn’t well, and they wish they could do more.) That said, sometimes pets can live longer than expected, it’s never a sure thing. Not that it makes it any easier on the owners.
You know that most of us come over here not only for the hunter news, but just because you’re yet another person who gets why the Wow and the hunter thing is fun, and we all enjoy sharing that.
I’d say give the Big Lizard a hug but I don’t think they like that. So er, a meal worm or cricket? In any case, take care!
I’m so sorry to hear that Mania. I’ll keep Big Lizard in my thoughts and wish for the absolute best. The community’s here for you. *hug*
I’m really sorry to hear about Big Lizard, Mania. I am hoping for the best, but if the worst should happen then we all understand or can sympathise with the sadness that comes along with losing a beloved pet and friend. Sending big virtual hugs to you both. :(
*casts Mend Pet on Big Lizard* Keeping the two of you in mind, hoping for the best. *hugs*
I’m so sorry to hear about Big Lizard, Mania. We’re dealing with something similar at my house. Norman, my beloved cat companion of 16+ years, has been diagnosed with a large mass in his abdomen. We’ve opted to bring him home and spoil him rotten until he becomes uncomfortable…but it’s certainly not easy on me. My best wishes that Big Lizard’s tests come back with the most positive results possible.
Sorry to hear that- good luck
:( Its never easy to see something you care about get sick and have to be put down. Its not easy for vets (the good ones) and its never easy for the parents. Regardless of what happens, remember the good times you guys had. In time your heart ache will pass, you will find a new friend to play with, but you will always hold the memories of Big Lizard with you close to you heart. And that no one can take away.
Having a pet at the vets is so stressful, (I recently lost one of mine) so {{vibes}} for a positive outcome. Will be keeping my fingers crossed for you.
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved pet. I had to make the same decision earlier this year for one of my dogs and I know it is not an easy one. I’m sure I speak for the entire hunter community when I say we shall keep you in our thoughts.
Poor poor Mania. *hugs tight*
Deepest sympathies to you Mania, I know how hard a decision it must have been. Take all the time you need to grieve, I’m sure I speak for the all posters here when I say you have you total an unconditional support.
R.I.P Big Lizard, you will be missed xx
So sorry Mania… Big People Hugs for you!
::hug:: I am so very sorry for your loss ::hug::
Its allways hard to loose a friend. Hang in there Mania our cyber pets can wait awile.
We feel for you Mania
I’ve lost quite a few pets due to unfortunate circumstances over the years. 2 died of cancer, and 1 of both old age and a sickness, all within a year. Then a year later another got out past a family member and got run over. Believe me when I say I understand what you’re going through. My advice: don’t get another pet for awhile. It’ll only make it worse, and the pain shows through while the new pet’s still young and permanently affects your relationship. Just hold tight to your friends (Us included).
Thank you, everyone – it really does help to share something like this with people who understand.