Quality of Life on 3 legs?

[Zoe]

I was at my uncle's today, and his adult male asian water dragon is doing poorly. Apparently he has something growing through his hind leg. The dragon is bleeding (has been for weeks, I was told) and is no longer eating.
Had he been brought to a vet when the problem wasn't yet so serious, he'd probably be okay now. However, my uncle decided not to treat him professionaly under the pretexte of not wanting to hear something he doesn't already know (which is very little :().
Now, the only three options are amputation, euthenasia, or just letting him die on his own time.
I foresee my uncle letting him die, and I am very against it. The dragon is obviously unhealthy and in pain, and I am trying to convince him to get him put to sleep. However, I know my uncle likes his dragon (though not enough to spring for a vet :|), and I was wondering if it would be worth it to the dragon to amputate the leg? I might be able to convince my uncle to get that done.

Also, how much would an amputation cost? I might just take the dragon home and tell my uncle to screw himself if he doesn't care enough.

Opinions are very welcome!
Thanks
Zoe

[andrea88]

oh no!
TAKE that lizard from him and threaten to call the SPCA and get him charged. This is clearly animal abuse!
I know this is your uncle, but you have to do what is right here.

Take it from him now and get it to a vet. They can better tell you what would be best for the dragon. His leg might be so bad, and the infection spread that there is no option but to put it down,
or,
maybe he just needs some love and care to get him back in shape.

please, Please, PLEASE do SOMETHING!!!!!!

(Water Dragons do love to climb, swim etc., but if you were to have the limb amputated, you could provide a home where the wd doesnt have to climb, but still has lots of room to wander around and Im sure he would be happy.)

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Samba]

Zoe;
What you are witnessing is abuse. A lot of people mistakenly think (for whatever reason) that reptiles don't feel pain. Obviously it's a myth and you need to put your foot down (no pun intended) with your Uncle. Give him a choice... either try to save the dragon or put him down. Don't let him think that dying a slow painful death is a choice... in the wild this dragon would've been predated on long before it got this bad. I would confiscate it (yes, it's illegal BUT there are 'Good Samaritan' laws that should protect you). If in doubt contact law enforcement (yes they do have power since animal abuse is against the law... don't let them tell you it's not their problem). This was a very distressing article to read particularly because I also have a rescued water dragon who is in bad shape. Agua's previous owner didn't understand how sensitive these animals are and YES I confiscated it. He's in rehabe now... and reguires a $300 surgery to correct his mouth so he can eat properly. Since I'm a non-profit I basically pay for everything myself. If you need help, don't hesistate to e-mail me (SambasReptileRescue@Hotmail.Com)

Take action TODAY!!!!!!!!!

[eyespy]

The quality of life can be excellent on 3 legs if it should come to a choice between amputation vs. euthanasia. I've never rescued a water dragon but have rescued many other lizards that have done well on 3 or even 2 legs.

I hope it doesn't come down to such drastic choices, of course. But if the vet feels in his expert opinion that the dragon has the strength to recover from the surgery a 3 legged lizard can run and climb quite well.

[lizards_rule]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do something don't just let him die
i'm sure if it's gonna cost like $500 (wich i hope its not) then if you asked nicle for people to help you on snakes just to send you a money order of like $5 or more every one that has a heart will help i'm sure of it
just please don't let him die on his own
thank you yves

[Jacenta]

I agree Zoe, with everyone above... please take action and don't let the poor thing die slowly and painfully. And as above mentionned by lizards rule, I'm sure if it's too expensive for a surgery everyone here should have a heart enough to pitch in a few bucks!