Why are the bones of bearded dragons so weak?
Due to a lack of Calcium, which can often result from a lack of UVB (explained further below), dragons can become so weak that their very bones deteriorate, leaving them fragile, weak, and headed for death. BUT MBD doesn’t have to be mean an untimely death!
What does an abscess on a bearded dragon look like?
Abscesses, occasionally seen in bearded dragons, often appear as hard tumor-like swellings anywhere on the pet’s body. An abscess is an infected swollen area within body tissue, containing an accumulation of pus.
What kind of disease does a bearded dragon have?
Since most reptiles that carry Salmonella bacteria are not ill, they usually require no treatment (treatment is often unsuccessful in killing all the bacteria, anyway). Bearded dragons may occasionally be afflicted with a condition called avascular necrosis.
What should I do if my bearded dragon is having problems?
A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an animal in this condition right away. A physical examination, blood tests, X-rays, and an ultrasound examination are often used to facilitate diagnosis. Medical and/or surgical procedures may be required to help these animals.
What to do if your bearded dragon has a swollen tail?
If your bearded dragon has a swollen limb or tail seek a qualified veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian can perform x-rays and other tests to determine exactly what’s causing the swelling and prescribe treatment. If you suspect possible Metabolic Bone Disease, seek a qualified veterinarian.
What should I do if my bearded dragon is slack jawed?
This is a way to cool off while directly under the basking bulb. This behavior is very similar to the way a dog pants to cool off and completely normal. If slack jaw is suspected seek a reptile veterinarian immediately. In the mean time, offer soft foods to the bearded dragon such as baby food or soft wax worms.
What does it mean when a bearded dragon is Boney?
Boney / Malnourished Appearance. A boney, malnourished appearance can be a direct sign that the bearded dragon is not eating correctly. This could be due to stress, improper temperatures, a lack of adequate UV lighting, or a sign of a more serious health condition.
Is there such thing as an unhealthy bearded dragon?
There are also times when an unhealthy bearded dragon may start showing signs or symptoms of a condition without you really knowing it. Unfortunately, an unhealthy bearded dragon can not tell us what is wrong. It is very important to pay attention to tell-tale signs that something might be amiss.
An extremely common disease amongst bearded dragons is Metabolic Bone Disease or MBD. Due to a lack of Calcium, which can often result from a lack of UVB (explained further below), dragons can become so weak that their very bones deteriorate, leaving them fragile, weak, and headed for death. BUT MBD doesn’t have to be mean an untimely death!
Can a bearded dragon walk on its back?
A bearded dragon that is healthy will use both of its front and back legs equally to move around. Your bearded dragon shouldn’t be limping, having trouble lifting its legs or move them to walk around. While most bearded dragons love laying with their stretched legs and doing splits, they should be able to walk normally.
When to take a bearded dragon to the vet?
Take your bearded dragon to the vet if you suspect impaction. If your bearded dragon has broken its bones, it will have trouble walking, using its legs and will be limping. Your bearded dragon can break its bones from falling. Another reason yet again, can be MBD.
A bearded dragon that is healthy will use both of its front and back legs equally to move around. Your bearded dragon shouldn’t be limping, having trouble lifting its legs or move them to walk around. While most bearded dragons love laying with their stretched legs and doing splits, they should be able to walk normally.
Why does my bearded dragon have leg paralysis?
If your bearded dragon has swallowed any food or object that was larger than the width between the eyes, it might start getting convulsions. Consequently, this can lead to body shock, shaking and leg paralysis. Make sure not to house your bearded dragon on any loose substrate.
Take your bearded dragon to the vet if you suspect impaction. If your bearded dragon has broken its bones, it will have trouble walking, using its legs and will be limping. Your bearded dragon can break its bones from falling. Another reason yet again, can be MBD.
