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Timbonoggins   Gnuby   Skullkeeper  
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 #1722167


Timbonoggins
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 Eye problems? Is this normal?

I got a uro 4 days ago and have been noticing some strange behavior. The terarrium is set up so that it’s 105-125 degrees on one side and around 88 on the other. Zerg (it’s name) has had this eye problem since the day I got it. He will chill in the heat for a while and then his eyes get this red mass that sweep accross from front to back. It also looks like he is hicupping or sneezing. When this happens with his eyes closed it looks like he has frog eyes: puffy or swollen. I asked a vet and they said it may just be a layer of skin similar to amphibians that clean the eyes or something... But I figured more people would be wigging out like me if this was a normal thing amongst all uromastyx.

It’s not beyond my imagination that it may have been subject to poorer conditions in the past, which from my research I believe may lead to a respiratory infection. Has anyone else ever had similiar concerns with thier uro? Please help me and Zerg. Thanks
05/01/08  01:11pm

 #1722196


Gnuby
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   Message To: Timbonoggins   In reference to Message Id: 1722167


 Eye problems? Is this normal?

As far as I know, the vet you asked is pretty right. I believe it is called a nictitating membrane (been a while since anatomy class!) and it is used to clean the eye. This could be caused by irritants in the environment, such as dusty sand. It is normal to happen on occasion, but if it happens too often I would look at the substrate you are using. It is recommended that smaller than about 7" in length should be on a paper towel or other non-particulate substrate. And, over that length they can be on washed play sand, millet, or the like - just not calci-sand. On another note, some brands of the new compact florescent UVB bulbs send out entirely too much UVB and have been documented to cause eye problems. Sources can be found on a forum search (the website I believe is from the UK). Also, the ambient air temps should only be around 100, the surfaces of the basking spots should be ranging from the 120-130 range. Make sure the air temps are not the 105-125 that you mentioned. Temperatures are best taken with digital probe thermometers, and infra-red heat gun for the basking spot. You should probably look at the ’Please Read Before Posting’ thread and answer the questions to be sure your uromastyx has a good setup and husbandry.
05/01/08  01:48pm

 #1722522


Skullkeeper
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   Message To: Timbonoggins   In reference to Message Id: 1722167


 Eye problems? Is this normal?

First I would get the co end down to 80 * . 88 is a bit high . Please read the post" Read before posting ",and answer as many questions as you can . We can help you better that way .What ype of substrate was he on efore you got him and what is he on now ? What kind f temps did he have before you got him ? It could be an respiratory infection or irritaion from the substrate .If it does not clear up with in a day or so I would take him to another vet for treatment .
05/01/08  06:35pm


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