Chinese Water Dragon health

[cpiggott22]

hi, Blow is my first wd and I was wondering if this is normal......he makes these wierd noises that sound like a cross between a cough and a sneeze. He's active, eating well and behaving perfectly normally but I'm concerned that it sounds a little fluidy. His basking spot is at 31celcius with an ambiant temp of 27/28c at the top and 24c at the bottom. I've tried sneaking the temp up a degree but he then just spends all of his time in the bottom. We struggle to keep humidity up so it tends to be 60-70% (although we're building a pool for him at the mo so this should shoot up). I know that reptiles can go downhill very suddenly but the vets is so stressful for him he tends not to eat for days after I'd rather avoid it if I can. Could it be temp/humidity probs? Thanks

[jamesandnina]

had my 2 for 18 months and never had them making such noises i understand what u say about vets but maybe try steve at reptile connection he is a world of knowledge i haven't got the email adress but can get a phone no. if u pm me

[carpetboy123]

i belive he has a respitory infection. up his temps a bit if its not gone after a couple of weeks or so take him to the vets
thanks

[carpetboy123]

also lower the humidity to around 50-55 percent.

[cpiggott22]

Originally Posted by carpetboy123

i belive he has a respitory infection. up his temps a bit if its not gone after a couple of weeks or so take him to the vets
thanks

I've tried upping the temps but he just hides in the darkest, coldest spot he can possibly find! I'm really worried about him, I'm gonna give my vet a ring tomorrow

[Juzza12]

Sorry carpet boy but an RI means a trip straight to the vets, you can't wait 2 weeks to see if it gets better. Nor should you lower the humidity, this can cause an RI itself

[jamesandnina]

yeah better safe than sorry you'll regret it if u do nothing hope all is ok in the end

[cpiggott22]

thanks guys, I'll let you know how he gets on

[Juzza12]

Good luck at the vets but i'm sure he'll be fine.

[cpiggott22]

Firstly, a massive thanks to all who posted. Secondly, took my little man to the vets today (took three and a half hours for a 30min appointment!) and he's fine! Got a little ulcer at the back of his mouth where a nasty beetle grub got him but is otherwise in great health...have been given antibiotics just in case but my vet is happy which makes me happy I've settled him in the top of this tank with the light off so he can recover from the shock of being poked around and ogled by a bunch of strangers (he's a particularly handsome chappy so all the staff adore him and insist on saying hello!). Fingers crossed he stops the wierd and worrying noises! YAY!!! I'M SO HAPPY MY BABY'S GONNA BE OK!!!!