Savannah monitor rescue

Hello everyone. I've been in the process of getting a hatchling monitor released into my care for a few days now. This morning I got the green light. This little darling was in the worst set up you could imagine: a 12 by 12 inch exoterra on repticarpet kept at 80F with no humidity. It's dehydrated and emaciated due to refusing food. I brought the little thing home and set up a 20 gallon as a temporary home until I know whether or not it will pull through. Ecoearth and sand as substrate, 60 to 80% humidity, basking spot of 115F and rising as the ceramic material absorbs the heat, and a low wattage bulb on the cool side to keep it from getting too cool.

While the enclosure warmed up I took my newlyrics acquired monitor out for some sun to keep warm. You can see just how skinny it is.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...4692ab0ed1.jpg

I then gave it a nice warm bath for some forced hydration which seemed to perk it up a bit.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...89bad54d53.jpg

I tried offering some small dubia and a chopped up pinky (that was unpleasant) to no avail. The pinky did illicit a good bit of tongue flicking though, which gives me hope.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...e9608676e7.jpg

It's now resting beneath it's basking platform. I'll let it nap a bit before trying to offer food again. If it doesn't want to eat tomorrow I'll try syringe feeding some warm reptiboost to get some nutrients in the little thing.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...241beb18fc.jpg

This is my first monitor rescue. If anyone here has more experience with this species and sees a flaw(s) in my husbandry, please tell me! Any advice or suggestions will be taken seriously and greatly appreciated. I hope to see this sweet baby recover, thrive, and live a long and happy life.

Thanks for reading

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I will say that it's quite possible it will die from organ damage, even if it does rally for a while. this won't be your fault, and I hope you're just prepare for it.

I'm not saying don't try, of course not, but just know it could happen.

Otherwise, don't overwhelm it with too much food right away, keep the basking spots high and don't handle it more than absolutely needed so it has the least stress possible. Maybe also cover the 3 sides so it's got less stimulation.

I'll go ahead and black out the sides. I know the odds on this little sweetie are about 50/50. I'm hoping that the low temps haven't lead to any renal damage or failure. It took a few crickets intermittently at the location it was at previously. Last night I was able to give it a little bit of reptiboost. I can't say that I'm prepared for it to die, I would be pretty crushed, but I do know that it's a possibility. I'll be giving it another warm soak tonight with Pedialite in the water. If this baby is going to recover and get strong enough to eat on its own, it'll need to be hydrated.

Reptiboost last night
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/2016...7b9ae613cd.jpg

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Good luck, I'd say temporarily that enclosure is ok, however once you determine if it is going to pull through, I would get it in the correct enclosure with a nice deep substrate so that it can burrow and regulate himself. I would also like to mirror what wolfy said, try to avoid handling. Make sure humidity stays way up there and the hot spot doesn't drop, I wouldn't continue soaking over and over, he will get more hydration from the moisture in the air and drinking vs soaking.

This enclosure is definitely temporary. Ive also blacked out 3 of the 4 sides to help limit stress and make him (defaulting to male pronouns until proven otherwise) feel more secure. So far, I handle him once a day to give him reptiboost mixed with Pedialite. The warm soaks have had Pedialite in them as well, but if soaks won't help him hydrate, I can stop administering them.

At night, the lights are turned off and the tank is switched to a CHE for heating. I want to keep it warm so he doesn't catch a chill from cool substrate. He began thermoregulating today, which is great.

I intend to build a 4x2x2 enclosure if he pulls through. Once he outgrows that, my juvenile beardie will move in, and the monitor will get an 8x4x5. I've already drafted plans for the adult enclosure. I hope I get the opportunity to see him in it.

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My personal advice having gone down the route, of building a 4x2x2 etc. If he pulls through go straight for the full size adult enclosure. They will outgrow that 4x2x2 soooo dang fast, and it really doesn't allow for a deep enough substrate. I had my tegu in a small glass quarantine tank, then moved her to the 4x2x2 and she really didn't do too well health wise, It was darn near impossible to regulate the extreme temps, so I had to rush through the build of the bigger cage.

I have never heard too much actual evidence towards soaking boosting hydration in lizards, that being said I have used soaking as a method of getting them to go to the bathroom if they haven't gone in a while.

Here is some reading that I found pretty helpful, I have found the care to my tegu to be almost identical to a Sav, with the difference being the diet. There are a couple large lizard owners on here lurking, feel free to ask any questions that you may have, we may be able to point you in the right direction.

(Based on Iguanas but still some good info) http://www.anapsid.org/fluids.html http://www.anapsid.org/kidney.html

http://www.savannahmonitor.co/
http://www.savannahmonitor.net/housing/
http://www.savannahmonitor.net/gout/

It's funny that you sent the anapsid links, I've been pouring over them the last couple days. They are immensely helpful.

If the little monitor starts to show improvement in feeding and weight gain, I'll get to work on the adult enclosure.

I know that in the case of bearded dragons, soaking helps with hydration, since they absorb water through their vent. I don't know if it's universal amongst lizard species. I'll have to do some more research on that. I don't want to stress this baby out with soaks if it isn't going to benefit him. He seems to be making some improvement, though it's far too early to tell if he's going to pull through.

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Rooting for you and your little rescue. I do not know much about monitors, but just seeing the difference in the first and second picture is astonishing!:O

Good luck with your little rescue!

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Originally Posted by WintersSerpentine

Rooting for you and your little rescue. I do not know much about monitors, but just seeing the difference in the first and second picture is astonishing!:O

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Believe it or not, the only difference between the first and second photo was a soak in warm water. Both photos were taken within an hour of each other.

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Originally Posted by Fraido

Good luck with your little rescue!

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Thanks Fraido! This little baby is gonna need all the luck he can get. He's moving in the right direction though :)

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I've got my fingers crossed that he pulls right through for you, you're doing a wonderful thing. 😊 Hope to see him as a big, old, chunky and happy guy one day!

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Did some digging and found this link, some of the statements I disagree with, however the did note the following, which I remembered reading elsewhere, I am just trying to find it from a more reputable source, if I do I will post the link for you:

"Monitors are natural burrowers and will create humid burrows that helps keep them hydrated. Misting the cage daily or even soaking them does not keep them hydrated. They do not absorb water through their skin or vent like some other reptiles, the only way to hydrate themselves is by breathing humid moist air, through the eyes and by drinking water."

http://www.everythingreptile.org/res...or-rescue.html

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

Did some digging and found this link, some of the statements I disagree with, however the did note the following, which I remembered reading elsewhere, I am just trying to find it from a more reputable source, if I do I will post the link for you:

"Monitors are natural burrowers and will create humid burrows that helps keep them hydrated. Misting the cage daily or even soaking them does not keep them hydrated. They do not absorb water through their skin or vent like some other reptiles, the only way to hydrate themselves is by breathing humid moist air, through the eyes and by drinking water."

http://www.everythingreptile.org/res...or-rescue.html

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Thank you for this! I'll make some changes for this little guy asap. The lights are likely killing the humidity in the air, but I have a humidifier I can route through pvs tubing into his enclosure until he gets enough strength up to start burrowing. I'll keep offering water orally as well. He hasn't taken anything but reptiboost, but it doesn't hurt to offer.

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Not a problem... The lights will kill the humidity to a degree yes, so will the screen top you have, its kind of a catch 22 with that setup, you cant really cover up the screen top because then it ends up dry with no airflow. A humidifier should help. What wattage bulb are you running? Even in that cage (how tall is it overall?) you could on one side add enough substrate and semi burry one of the logs so its like a little burrow, put wet moss inside it and soak the substrate on that end, that should provide a nice humid hide for him without the need to waste energy digging. Another way to naturally boost the humidity would be to put the water dish near the heat source.

I'm running a 75 watt Zilla basking spot bulb. It has dual reflectors in the bulb so that you get a more direct downward beam with a nice hot spot. The tank is a 20 long, so about 10 to 12 inches tall. I can bury the half log a bit more to create a burrow. The cubby beneath the basking site also acts as a burrow. The wetter the substrate is, the cooler it feels to the touch. Could that pose a problem? I don't want the little guy to get cold. I gave him some clear Pedialyte orally to help hydrate him. He seemed to perk up a little bit afterward. I really hope I didn't get him too late. He's still so weak, but it's also only day 3.

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Originally Posted by Eavlynn

I'm running a 75 watt Zilla basking spot bulb. It has dual reflectors in the bulb so that you get a more direct downward beam with a nice hot spot. The tank is a 20 long, so about 10 to 12 inches tall. I can bury the half log a bit more to create a burrow. The cubby beneath the basking site also acts as a burrow. The wetter the substrate is, the cooler it feels to the touch. Could that pose a problem? I don't want the little guy to get cold. I gave him some clear Pedialyte orally to help hydrate him. He seemed to perk up a little bit afterward. I really hope I didn't get him too late. He's still so weak, but it's also only day 3.

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Reptiles can be more resilient that we give them credit for, you are doing a great job so keep it up! I am just spit balling ideas at the moment to help with hydration. I suggested burring the log with as deep a substrate as you can get because it will be like a humid box for them to go in, the rock under the basking area wont hold moisture. I wouldn't get the substrate soaking wet, but lets say since it looks like you have heat on both sides of the cage you put the log diagonally and pack substrate all the way around creating an opening that goes 6 inches or so down, they would be surrounded by substrate and if you throw some damp moss in there, then they will have a high humidity area for them to retreat, then they have the option of basking to get warm....these are just ideas if you get a few more days down the road, if you decide to tweak things here and there, a massive change instantly may stress him out.

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Originally Posted by jclaiborne

Reptiles can be more resilient that we give them credit for, you are doing a great job so keep it up! I am just spit balling ideas at the moment to help with hydration. I suggested burring the log with as deep a substrate as you can get because it will be like a humid box for them to go in, the rock under the basking area wont hold moisture. I wouldn't get the substrate soaking wet, but lets say since it looks like you have heat on both sides of the cage you put the log diagonally and pack substrate all the way around creating an opening that goes 6 inches or so down, they would be surrounded by substrate and if you throw some damp moss in there, then they will have a high humidity area for them to retreat, then they have the option of basking to get warm....these are just ideas if you get a few more days down the road, if you decide to tweak things here and there, a massive change instantly may stress him out.

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I'm actually thinking about eliminating the low wattage bulb for heating the other end of the enclosure. The room stays pretty warm, so it's probably not necessary and would help to keep humidity in the enclosure. I hope you're right and that this guy is resilient as all hell. I don't want him to give up after coming this far.

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Originally Posted by Eavlynn

I'm actually thinking about eliminating the low wattage bulb for heating the other end of the enclosure. The room stays pretty warm, so it's probably not necessary and would help to keep humidity in the enclosure. I hope you're right and that this guy is resilient as all hell. I don't want him to give up after coming this far.

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This is going to sound direct, it's going to sound blunt. I can't help that. Ignore the advice if you wish, but it's what you need to hear.

That set up is not going to cut it. You need - now, not later - the following:

1. A minimum of a 130 degree basking spot. Minimum.

2. A deep diggable substrate deep enough to hold humidity, form burrows and provide the necessary security the animal needs to lower his stress level and recuperate. The humidity needs to be over 60% period outside of a burrow - much higher in it.

3. Stop handling and soaking this animal. It is most likely extremely stressed and suffering from renal and metabolic issues from being improperly kept.

4. An enclosure of sufficient size and strength to provide the thermal gradient required, along with holding in the moisture and providing for the aforementioned substrate.

I recommend going to your local tractor supply and getting either a plastic or metal stock tank. Preferably 4x2x2. Fill it up with 18" of 40% play sand and 55% good oil garden dirt. Mix in about 5% decomposed granite. Wet it to the point that it forms a ball when compressed but is not dripping wet. If possible, build a retes stack - it's fairly simple - and place it under the basking light.

Use a 4x2 piece of plywood or plexiglass for a makeshift lid. Drill a few holes in it with a small drill bit to provide for a small amount of ventilation. Perhaps 10 to 15 1/8" drill holes towards the center of the lid.

The basking light can be mounted to the underside of this make shift lid or you can cut a circular hole big enough to set a dome fixture on the top and place some mesh underneath it (think Vision Cage setup in this regard).

You can also find stock tanks on Craigslist.

It sounds like a lot of work but it isn't. With proper basking temps, a deep, diggable and moist substrate, he will begin eating and thriving. The odds of your success will improve. The setup you have now is only nominally better than the one you rescued him from.

I want to thank everyone for their help and well wishes. The little monitor passed away last night. I knew his odds weren't good. Thank you for all of the support.

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Aweh, sorry. That really sucks. At least somebody cared for him.

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Oh no I'm so sorry :( I followed the thread all the way and was really rooting for the little guy..


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Thank Fraido and Alexis. I did what I could and the little dude put up a good fight. He had an RI that I didn't pick up on until yesterday, and by then it was too late. There was too much damage for him to recover. At least his suffering is over, I just wish I could have found him earlier.

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Kudos to you for the attempts! Proper husbandry is crucial for all these animals but some just aren't as forgiving as others. We all learned a lesson and are better prepared to deal with the next case. Sorry for the loss. :(

I'm hoping there isn't a next case. I never intended to take in a monitor, but when I saw him, I knew I had to give him a better chance at life. I'll likely never go out and purchase a monitor of any sort, but I'll also never turn a blind eye to an animal in need. I've done over a dozen rescues and only 2 were to the point that they couldn't bounce back from it.

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Originally Posted by Albert Clark

Kudos to you for the attempts! Proper husbandry is crucial for all these animals but some just aren't as forgiving as others. We all learned a lesson and are better prepared to deal with the next case. Sorry for the loss. :(

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Varanids - almost more than any other reptile - need to have their husbandry parameters religiously met.

They need HOT basking spots in order to support proper metabolic and renal functions. Most people do not keep them anywhere near hot enough.

They need humidity to prevent dehydration. I'm not talking about soaks or pedialyte or misting. I'm talking about burrows that - through allowing them to breathe moist air - ensure and maintain proper hydration.

They need to be allowed to feel secure.

Once those requirements are met, they will eat and thrive.

When rehabbing an improperly kept varanid, these three things need to be provided. No food, no handling - just a HOT basking spot, a deep substrate capable of supporting the proper humidity and security.

Skiploder- should I have avoided handling even to give him Pedialyte mixed with water for hydration? From what I read, severe hydration needed the moist substrate and burrows coupled with drinking. He never drank willingly from a bowl. I'd like to know as much as possible about monitor care, not because I intend to seek one out, but in case I'm in a similar situation with a rescue. It's better to have knowledge and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

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Originally Posted by Eavlynn

Skiploder- should I have avoided handling even to give him Pedialyte mixed with water for hydration? From what I read, severe hydration needed the moist substrate and burrows coupled with drinking. He never drank willingly from a bowl. I'd like to know as much as possible about monitor care, not because I intend to seek one out, but in case I'm in a similar situation with a rescue. It's better to have knowledge and not need it, then to need it and not have it.

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jclaiborne already answered your question on page 1.

Without proper humidity in the enclosure, supplemental hydration is a waste of time - the animal is losing moisture through every breath. They need moisture in the air to stay properly hydrated.

While i don't rescue varanids anymore, when I did, I never gave them supplemental hydration. They went straight into a stock tank with a 2' deep damp, diggable substrate. I made sure the humidity was correct and that the hot spot was properly hot. I did not even look at the animal for a week.

Dehydration in varanids leads to gout and it's a slow, process. That baby you rescued probably had a host of issues too boot - internal parasites, stress, dehydration.

Handling reptiles induces stress and stress negatively impacts the immune system - which will put an already sick animal a foot further into the grave. Giving the animal chance means eliminating stressors.