HELP! Injured lizard!!

[Jonas]

well yet again my cat has brought another lizard into the house. The little guy is an alligator lizard. His upper body is working fine but about half way down his body its almost as if he has his back snapped (not visually) but he isn't able to move most of his lower half. when i touch its tail, he will flicker it. and his back legs are kinda laid back. i have soaked him and put a heat lamp on him. he flicks his tongue around and is very alert. but i need some help with what to do with this guy? try not to mention the vet because they wont do crap for him, he is wild. and suggestions are appreciated, thanks!

[elbee]

Sounds like he has a spinal injury. Poor guy. May be best to put him down...

[Jonas]

Yea i was semi thinking about that. im going to give him a few days. if no improvements ill get some co2 to put him down humanly.

[kc261]

There is probably little that can be done for this guy. The fact that he seems unable to move his lower half sounds like a spinal injury.

I'm not sure if CO2 works well for putting down reptiles. Since they have a slower metabolism, it might take a long time, which would probably not be considered humane. I don't know what the best option is.

There is something you can do to prevent things like this from continuing to happen. Don't let your cat outside...

[elbee]

Cats will be cats but I don't think I'd wait a few days to end the lizard's suffering. As far as the CO2, kc261- good point. I hadn't thought of that until you mentioned it. I'd probably just choose something quick and easy...but that is just me.

[Raven01]

well yet again my cat has brought another lizard into the house. The little guy is an alligator lizard. His upper body is working fine but about half way down his body its almost as if he has his back snapped (not visually) but he isn't able to move most of his lower half. when i touch its tail, he will flicker it. and his back legs are kinda laid back. i have soaked him and put a heat lamp on him. he flicks his tongue around and is very alert. but i need some help with what to do with this guy? try not to mention the vet because they wont do crap for him, he is wild. and suggestions are appreciated, thanks!

Umm, it may sound harsh but, how about keeping your cat inside.
Unless you happen to be farming and rely on cats to reduce pests of course.

Freezing is considered humane for reptilians under 1 Lb. Not sure how comfortable I am with that but it is accepted as a method for small reptiles still.

[Jonas]

Umm, it may sound harsh but, how about keeping your cat inside.
Unless you happen to be farming and rely on cats to reduce pests of course.

Freezing is considered humane for reptilians under 1 Lb. Not sure how comfortable I am with that but it is accepted as a method for small reptiles still.

Well i dont think i will be ending him anytime soo. within a day he has improved much! i fed him meal worms and he chased them! he has some difficulty but he did it. i would tap on the mealy to squirm and he would get it. he is doing loads better

[elbee]

Great to hear! Maybe he had some swelling trauma that has subsided and allowed his improvement. You've done great to care for the little fellow and make him comfy. Hope he heals up

[gsarchie]

Keep your cat inside.

Annual bird mortality rate from cats in the U.S.: 1.4 - 3.7 billion
Annual mammal mortality rate from cats in the U.S.: 6.9 -20.7 billion
Free ranging cats have caused or contributed to 14% of modern bird, mammal and REPTILE extinctions.

If you have a cat and let it outside then you are an irresponsible cat owner, period, and IMO should be allowed to keep them.

[elbee]

Just keep an eye out for internal problems, but it is hopeful that he is eating. Does he have any puncture wounds?