Finally some results..

[Nicky]

Ok well its been a long couple of weeks..... after some failed senting attempts I finally got bob to a new vet. We determined one of the most likely reasons he hasn't been eating much was dehydration. He wieghed in at 9.8 grams. The vet and I will be monitering this wieght for a few weeks to hopefully show some sign of improvement. He was given some fluid shots to help quickly re hydrate him and I also switched him to a shallower water bowl. In addition to the fluid shots he was also given a vitamin b shot, which should make him a bit more hungy. I'll have to see in the morning if he'll take his food.
More updates and pics tommorow.
Keep your fingers crossed please, I think he might pull through
Cheers
Kayla

EDIT: forgot to add in some details

[Nicky]

ahh and I also forgot to mention that I'm also having some parasite tests done as soon as he defects next.

[BullET]

i dont know your situation but it is always good to hear that an animal is doing better even if its just a little better, i am sure he will pull through, keep us updated.

[Nicky]

Sorry, I forgot to add in his background. He's a year and 2 month old hognose that I bought being force feed from a pet store a year ago ( first mistake), I got him to eat on his own but he was always skipping meals and I had to constantly find new ways to get him to eat.
Then after the last expo in november he completely stopped eating. Normally I woudn't worry but seeing as he was never in the greatest shape. I tried senting,live,f/t,f/k leaving it in overnight in a rubbermaid but nothing worked.
I keep him in a 10 gal with proper heating ( 90 basking, 86 warm end and 75 in the cool end) and at 40% humidity. He had a big water bowl and two hideboxes. ( which is why it was such a surprise when it turned out to be dehydration:S)

Anyways last night a offered the smallest pinky I could find( shown below) and he refused so I'm going to try braining tonight.


and here are some updated shots of him




Kayla

[Andy_G]

That hide looks huge for him...are you sure it's not a stress thing with him not eating?

[Nicky]

hmm yes thats true usually I keep him on bedding which allows him to burrow and I usually just find him underneath it. I'm going to go rubbermiad hunting right now and see if I can make some smaller ones.

Oh I have one mopre question I've never done braining before, does anyone know the best way which makes the less mess?
Thank you Kayla

[mathaldo]

What's his tank size?

[Nicky]

10 gal
and I changed the hideboxes to smaller cut down kd boxes and will be adding back bedding soon se he can borrow

[mathaldo]

Have you scented the pinkie with maybe lizard shed or something of the like? You could try that.

[Nicky]

yes I tried using an anole

[ChokeOnSmoke]

Have you tried scenting with tuna juice? I think I replied to another one of your threads about it.

[Nicky]

lol yup tried that after the failed anole, he also simply ignored it. I'm going to give him the rest of the day just to relax as I put back in his bedding and changed his hideboxes and then try braining tonight... which should be pleasent:S. Not really looking forward to it but anything for him.
Wish me luck
Kayla

[repticfreak7]

I hope he gets better.

[Nicky]

thank you, I really don't want to imagine life without him. He's the greatest little dude with a huge personality.
I also decided it would be a stupid move on my opart to try braining tonight after him just getting back from the vet so i'll wait till monday.
More updates then.
Kayla

[sapphire_moon]

I've heard some hoggies take goldfish???? You may want to use something that he can burrow in so it makes him feel more comfortable.

Glad to hear he's doin a bit better.

Best way to brain, tack to head there will always be mess when you are intentionally making brains come out.
Another idea is to cut off the end of the pinks nose.