My reptile's leg looks dislocated. Should I see a vet and get a cost estimate?

It could be a fracture complicated by MBD but an exam and xrays is what Reptar needs to get a definitive diagnosis. It shouldn't cost "thousands". With proper care and some environmental and diet changes, he can recover from MBD. Left untreated, he may suffer permanent damage or even loss of the limb. An experienced herp vet will have the knowledge and experience to give Reptar the best chance at a full recovery. Follow the links to search for a local herp vet. http://www.herpvetconnection.com/calif.shtml http://www.anapsid.org/vets/findingvet.html

Thanks for reaching out about Sheel and including photos. A veterinary visit is recommended, probably with radiographs, to rule-in/out a fracture or dislocation. Even if fractured, some animals will walk on it. Pain medications will probably be recommended at the minimum. Soft tissue swelling might improve better with anti-inflammatory medications. Good luck.

It is difficult to give an estimate for cost without knowing the extent of his injury. Veterinary costs also vary by location. The best thing would be to call some local vets and get an estimate for an examination and x-ray of his injured leg. That would be a good starting point and then the vet can give you an estimate to treat the condition once it is diagnosed.

Yikes. I'm concerned from your description that his leg could be dislocated or fractured. I would highly, highly recommend a vet visit so you know what's wrong, can formulate the best plan to treat him, and perhaps most importantly get him started on pain meds! In the meantime, keep him confined so he's using that leg as little as possible. Put him in a room with nothing to jump on, with his litterbox, food, and water all there, and a bed or soft blanket on the floor. If that's not possible, a large dog kennel can also work for confinement, if you can fit his food/water/litterbox and a blanket inside. A dislocation will not fix itself without vet attention, and some types of fractures require surgery to improve. However, soft tissue injuries (such as sprains), and even some fractures can heal with rest and time. Cats can be amazing healers. Do *not* give him anything for pain. There are no human medications that are safe or effective for him, and anything you give him could be dangerous, and could get in the way of more effective medications your vet might prescribe. Additionally, don't try to wrap or splint the leg, as you may do more harm than good. I would also discourage you from trying to massage it, since that will only cause further pain for him if he does have a traumatic injury. Hope that helps.

The only way to know for sure is to have an xray done but a physical examination of the leg can often reveal if there is a fracture (a dislocation is more complicated to identify and requires anesthesia) if he is not using the leg at all, then there is a good chance that it is broken. if it is broken a special splint can be made quite easily with medical tape, here is a picture that will show you how it needs to be done: https://www.lbah.com/word/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Avian-FxTibiotarsal-17.jpg

Oh my. It sounds like your pet either has a fracture or a dislocated joint. You need to take your pet to the ER hospital right away to have this leg x-rayed (radiographed) and splinted/casted to stabilize the leg and avoid further injury or pain to your pet. The vet will also give you pet safe pet friendly pain medication. Here is a website link you can reference to look up ER vets in your area. http://www.vetlocator.com/hotline.php Try and keep your pet quiet and confined to a small room until you can get him/her seen by a veterinarian. I hope your pet gets proper care soon!

It is difficult to determine a leg injury with these photos. Fractured legs rarely heal in a aquarium/terrarium environment due to the animals movements usually does not allow stabilization of the fracture site. Also, splinting the limbs is near impossible for the same reason. If you think this frog has a fracture, it probably needs to see a veterinarian, especially before it gets worse (such as an open fracture with bone exposed). I have amputated several frog/toad limbs in my day and most do well and have good quality of life, although tougher time catching prey. Might have to feed via forceps. Good luck.