northern BTS leg limp

[static pewter]

I got a northern bts on wednesday and I noticed today that his front right leg seems a bit limp? When he walks he kind of just drags it along it kinda looks like if a leopard gecko was “splooting” any advice on this? Is it a possible broken leg? I fully intend to get a vet visit as soon as they open..

[tiny oar]

Do you have a video?

My BTS pushes himself around like a penguin at times.

[static pewter]

I haven’t got a video he’s been mostly lethargic, I brought him back to the owner of the shop I got him from and he took a look and he said in his opinion he most likely is nursing a sprain in his leg but I’ve been having trouble contacting the specialist vet for reptiles local to me but I was told to not worry about it. I do however have a picture I can show you

But supposedly he isn’t in much pain because he wasn’t flinching or responding when the guy touched the leg so just waiting to hear back from the vet to see what the best course of action would be

@tiny oar have you got a northern or indo bts? If its northern would I be able to see your setup as I can’t really find any good pictures online and I’d like to get prepped for when he comes out of quarantine!

[tiny oar]

Just as a heads up. Don't take medical advice from pet store owners. They aren't vets.

I've seen far too many pet store owners/workers give medical advice and it ends up being wrong. Then it leads to more harm than any good.

Does he drag his leg like that all the time? My BTS lays with his legs back like that often. Though, I haven't seen him in weeks as I believe he is brumating.

I have a Northern. I can send you pictures of my setup.

[static pewter]

I couldn’t get in contact with a specialist reptile vet over the weekend but I sent these pics and video to him today, he’s the vet for the national reptile zoo here in ireland and he was saying it’s hard to know what it is through pictures. But he did say give it a week and if he’s not any better then book an appointment and make the trip. I hope he’ll be alright for the journey though it’s about a 2 hour round trip. Yes he does drag his leg while walking and he is a bit aggressive when I go near him I dunno if it’s because of his leg or if hes just getting settled and feels threatened. But please do send me pics of your set up as it would really help alot! Thank you

[tiny oar]

The foot laying off to the side is a little concerning. Though it could just be how he is laying.

Right now, avoid handling him and let him get settled. The constant moving, touching, and dragging him to the pet shop is not helping his stress levels.

Only handle if you really need to especially if he is injured.

My BTS does something similar with his feet. So its really a hard to tell type of situation.

[static pewter]

Do you use an automatic mister or do you mist the enclosure yourself manually? Was thinking of getting an automatic mister once he’s settled and on substrate etc but yeah I’m going to leave him be not gonna go near him for the time being see how he gets on but definitely keep an eye on him, thankfully he is quite active just doesn’t necessarily like his fruits and veggies lol

[tiny oar]

I don't mist my substrate often at all.

I might in the future set him up with a misting system if I want to stimulate rain but right now I do not.

[static pewter]

Ah okay, well anyway I really appreciate your help and thank you for sharing your setup with me! Greatly appreciated I may find somewhere that sells slabs like the ones you have

[tiny oar]

All of my rock is from a local river. Its river slate.

I wish you luck with finding rocks.

[tiny oar]

Also from the one video you sent. Add more paper towels. Give him the ability to burrow.

[static pewter]

I got mine for my leopard gecko from a lake so I might need to take a trip there again to find some for my beardie and skink as rn I’m just using bricks for the basking spot but they just look so unnatural

[static pewter]

Duly noted, how many layers do you reckon?

[tiny oar]

During my quarantine phase I had about 6 layers of thick paper towel.

You can also rip some of it up.

[static pewter]

No probs thank you

[static pewter]

@tiny oar just a quick one my bts has finally pooped and wanna get your opinion on how it looks if it looks healthy or not I’ll send a pic now