Shingleback hit by car - face injuries help
Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2023 4:31 am
Hello, I found a shingleback lizard hit by a car a few days ago. I called my local wildlife carer and they were happy for me to foster care for lizard through them. I didn't think it would survive, there was blood on the road and it must have been in shock.
The shingleback looks as though it was clipped on the right side of its face, one nostril is very damaged, the side of its mouth is a little damaged and there is also damage to one eye (wasn't opening and sunken now opening but still doesn't look the same as the left eye) and I haven't seen it's tongue. The whole body seems fine with no injuries.
The shingleback sunbakes all morning and then is very active wandering all afternoon, but I haven't seen it eat at all. I have given it small amounts of water with a plastic syringe in it's mouth and some mashed blueberries. Although it moves well once warmed up it is still very lethargic, and I am unsure how active/responsive they usually are.
I have also been putting Betadine on the wounds (which are nearly non existent now, no blood) and antibiotic cream.
I am worried that it hasn't been poking out it's tongue, I would do anything to see this beautiful lizard recover. I have had bad experiences with taking wildlife to the vet and am hesitant to do so at this stage.
Can a shingleback recover from face injuries and survive with one nostril, possibly one eye and a damaged tongue? I am most concerned about the tongue.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
The shingleback looks as though it was clipped on the right side of its face, one nostril is very damaged, the side of its mouth is a little damaged and there is also damage to one eye (wasn't opening and sunken now opening but still doesn't look the same as the left eye) and I haven't seen it's tongue. The whole body seems fine with no injuries.
The shingleback sunbakes all morning and then is very active wandering all afternoon, but I haven't seen it eat at all. I have given it small amounts of water with a plastic syringe in it's mouth and some mashed blueberries. Although it moves well once warmed up it is still very lethargic, and I am unsure how active/responsive they usually are.
I have also been putting Betadine on the wounds (which are nearly non existent now, no blood) and antibiotic cream.
I am worried that it hasn't been poking out it's tongue, I would do anything to see this beautiful lizard recover. I have had bad experiences with taking wildlife to the vet and am hesitant to do so at this stage.
Can a shingleback recover from face injuries and survive with one nostril, possibly one eye and a damaged tongue? I am most concerned about the tongue.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.