A few cool pictures / stories attached.

[guidofatherof5]

Hello Chomper it's Tank,

That is a cool home your dad built you. Looks like it would be fun to dig in. I like to dig but my dad doesn't let me play in the dirt.
He scrubs me with a toothbrush and keep me very clean. I like it except when it tickles.
Get well soon buddy.
Have a good time in your new home.

Sincerely, your friend.
TANK.

[infernalis]

Dear Tank.. Tell your dad all kids need to play in the dirt, Psst, when he's asleep brush his teeth with that same brush.

Your buddy Chomper.

[infernalis]

This morning Chomper's condition took a huge dive... So we got him in for an emergency vet visit with a real reptile vet, we had to drive 3 times as far, but she knew what she was doing. No disrespect to the last vet, but Chomper was his first ever monitor lizard.

The vet we saw today had 2 Sav appointments back to back, and she does lectures for Cornell, has a zoology degree in herp physiology and quite honestly I was impressed.

Chomper was less than thrilled to be there..



She gave him an exam and took some pictures for her herp lectures that she does..



Said he was severely dehydrated from refusing to drink, so she gave him 180cc of "reptile ringers" (Ringers lactate for reptiles) That's 3 of those huge syringes filled up..



Dorothy comforting Chomper after his "shots"



Then Chomper wanted to get down, Ironically, the vet had asked us if Chomper has been having "normal" bowel movements.. He was happy to oblige her.



She then had Ceftazidime couriered in from the local hospital while we waited.. Then proceeded to give him another shot.

She sent us home with 7 more syringes pre loaded with his new more aggressive antibiotics, and told us to stop giving Baytril.

Also sent us home with 4 cans of special food that is to help him build up nutrients and inner body moisture.

Now here is the part that blew me away.. we were in that office for HOURS, he had shots, was given a prescription, 4 cans of food, and the total vet bill was $150.00, that's it. I was expecting 3 times that, especially when they had to have a doctor bring in meds from the local human hospital.

[guidofatherof5]

Prayer coming your way for Chomper.
Please keep us posted.
Did she take a close look at the fecal since a fresh sample was so available?

[infernalis]

Prayer coming your way for Chomper.
Please keep us posted.
Did she take a close look at the fecal since a fresh sample was so available?

Yes, but pinpointing the exact bacteria would require a lab workup. She is confident that this new plan will work.

check this out, and we only just got back from the vet! this morning he was a lethargic, lifeless lump, after his "reptile ringers" were absorbed, he came right back!

This is the "recovery chow" the vet sold us, it was $7 for 4 cans of it. (5 1/2 oz each can) I put a half dozen jumbo shrimp in there to bulk it up.

He even tried to eat the spoon! I couldn't help but giggle like a little girl seeing him tear into this slop.. enjoy.

[guidofatherof5]

Name that last photo "Chomper's Happy Face"

[chris-uk]

Hoping that vet visit has turned him around. Can't believe how much it didn't cost you. He certainly looks content.

[EasternGirl]

Laughed out loud at the pics of Chomps eating his slop! Awesome! Btw...Julian would love to live in Chomps' new home and play in the dirt all the time too...but his mother will not let him....mean mom!!! So glad the Chomps is feeling better today!

[RedSidedSPR]

Those pictures are priceless!!!

Glad he's OK!!

[PINJOHN]

what ?.... stew ?.......me? no honest i haven't laid eyes on any stew........jeez why do they always blame me?

we will all be watching carefully hoping to hear good news sooner rather than later keep, us informed Wayne