Tiger with curved back

[gtrheroine]

Hi,

My salamander has this curvature and the s shape due to metabolic bone disease. This causes the spine to deform in different directions. I would take your salamander to the vet to have the calcium levels checked. They can prescribe calcium gluconate to supplement daily. It could turn things around it help manage symptoms . My little guy is too far gone so I am just keeping him comfortable and supplementing calcium. I tried uv light in addition to help with calcium absorption but it hurt his skin so I'm giving that up. You can read a bunch of my old posts if it helps since I went through all this as well. Sorry your salamander is going through this �� I'll also mention Phoenix worms as I did to someone else. They are a good source of calcium.

 

[gtrheroine]

Re: Tiger Salamander with an injured back.

The part that is bad for him is that the spine curves upward so it puts more pressure on the legs. Believe it or not it's been a year since his diagnosis and he's still walking. Weirdly, but still walking.

 

[ron1fritsch]

Hi Seadog Pal

My Eastern Tiger almost 14 years old, developed the same thing last summer. His neck area curves to one side. Seems bad, but he still moves around and is always happy to eat.

Good luck with yours.

 

[Dyelon]

Re: Tiger Salamander with an injured back.

Poor thing...
Did you have him before he morphed and he just grew into this condition? I'm curious to know if this is something that only happens as they are growing?

 

[ron1fritsch]

I have an 14 year old Easter Tiger that has a curve by his neck. The condition started in summer. The salamander still eats and moves around, although his head faces to the right. I think this condition is just because the salamander is old.
I feed them earthworms, with occasional crickets and wax worms through his life.

I hope yours still has a good life and gets better!

 

[ron1fritsch]

I had him from a larvae. He grew into this condition. I developed this past summer in August. The weird thing, the salamander acts like this condition is no big deal! He just looks like his condition is just the way of life is for him for now. Still eats with lots of augusto, if he gets my; finger, tremendous pressure!

 

[Cliygh and Mia]

He looks cool, he has a battle-scarred look to him

 

[gtrheroine]

Hi Ron,

Sadly, my 17 yr. gray tiger salamander had to be put down today. I did want to tell you that it was not from the metabolic bone disease. He developed a skin condition with bad vasculitis and the doctor thinks he might have also had cancer.

I can tell you that despite his other problems, once I started administering oral calcium gluconate- his calcium levels went back to normal (a normal level is from 8 to 12). His walking up to this day got better and he could use his legs well- he just walked funny. I would avoid any topical calcium gluconate because I think it could have hurt his skin. I also don't think you need UVB light that I think may have led to the problem also. His levels returned to normal without any UVB light at all.

It would be good in the future to get a test of the calcium levels at the vet and then treat orally with calcium gluconate. This can help to stop the progression of MBD. I know it helped in his case- I just wish there was something I could have done about the other issues.

Good luck with the little guy

-Elise