Rocky the Rescue
Rocky found his way into our hearts and home on a rainy Saturday a few weeks ago. After suddenly losing my first dragon, Zilla, back in November, I was left with an empty heart and an empty tank. A random internet search for dogs led me to the local animal shelter’s website. And there he was. Rocky looked fat and happy and my dragon-crazy-self drove right out to see him. He had a very visible tumor/cyst on his beard and I was told he had CAN-V (yellow fungus.) I took a copy of his vet records home to study and called my trusted reptile vet. After a family discussion, I was ready to rescue Rocky. He had already been adopted once and then was returned a week later. I feared for his future.
Two days later, I went to sign the papers and off we went. He was a bit anxious and so was I. It was different having an adult beardie that I knew nothing about. My last dragon arrived as an 8 week old baby and was a part of my life for 8.5 years. I knew every scale on his body. But this was different. He LOOKED different. The tumor/cyst was a bit intimidating and he was sick. I knew he deserved a fighting chance. Fingers crossed, I was ready to give him that chance.
Two days after arriving, Rocky was examined by our fantastic reptile vet. He confirmed what Rocky’s previous vet had found. A tissue culture from above his right eye was positive for yellow fungus. The tumor/cyst on his beard was tested as well but was negative. Rocky had just finished a round of Turbinifine and was eating and pooping well. And active. VERY active. My vet decided to stop the meds and give him some time at home to adjust before doing blood work and a fecal. At this time, I am awaiting the results from the vet.
Rocky weighs in at 675 grams and is 21.5 inches long. It’s hard to know what his past meals consisted of. But one thing is for sure: he LOVES his butterworms and hornworms. He eats lots of fruit and is starting to like his greens and other veggies. He runs around his tank like a crazy man and enjoys exploring the house.
I am in basic hospital mode with Rocky. I have removed all porous items from his tank and clean regularly with F10 disinfectant. He hasn’t traveled much with me, as I know the yellow fungus is highly contagious to other reptiles. But I’m sure he will have a trip or two to the beach with me in the near future.
I’m hopeful that I am able to give Rocky a happy life in spite of his diagnosis. He has truly been a sweet boy from day one - minus the time he bit the vet while his eye was being examined. Oops!
Thanks for reading about Rocky! I will continue to update his condition as I can.
Rocky found his way into our hearts and home on a rainy Saturday a few weeks ago. After suddenly losing my first dragon, Zilla, back in November, I was left with an empty heart and an empty tank. A random internet search for dogs led me to the local animal shelter’s website. And there he was. Rocky looked fat and happy and my dragon-crazy-self drove right out to see him. He had a very visible tumor/cyst on his beard and I was told he had CAN-V (yellow fungus.) I took a copy of his vet records home to study and called my trusted reptile vet. After a family discussion, I was ready to rescue Rocky. He had already been adopted once and then was returned a week later. I feared for his future.
Two days later, I went to sign the papers and off we went. He was a bit anxious and so was I. It was different having an adult beardie that I knew nothing about. My last dragon arrived as an 8 week old baby and was a part of my life for 8.5 years. I knew every scale on his body. But this was different. He LOOKED different. The tumor/cyst was a bit intimidating and he was sick. I knew he deserved a fighting chance. Fingers crossed, I was ready to give him that chance.
Two days after arriving, Rocky was examined by our fantastic reptile vet. He confirmed what Rocky’s previous vet had found. A tissue culture from above his right eye was positive for yellow fungus. The tumor/cyst on his beard was tested as well but was negative. Rocky had just finished a round of Turbinifine and was eating and pooping well. And active. VERY active. My vet decided to stop the meds and give him some time at home to adjust before doing blood work and a fecal. At this time, I am awaiting the results from the vet.
Rocky weighs in at 675 grams and is 21.5 inches long. It’s hard to know what his past meals consisted of. But one thing is for sure: he LOVES his butterworms and hornworms. He eats lots of fruit and is starting to like his greens and other veggies. He runs around his tank like a crazy man and enjoys exploring the house.
I am in basic hospital mode with Rocky. I have removed all porous items from his tank and clean regularly with F10 disinfectant. He hasn’t traveled much with me, as I know the yellow fungus is highly contagious to other reptiles. But I’m sure he will have a trip or two to the beach with me in the near future.
I’m hopeful that I am able to give Rocky a happy life in spite of his diagnosis. He has truly been a sweet boy from day one - minus the time he bit the vet while his eye was being examined. Oops!
Thanks for reading about Rocky! I will continue to update his condition as I can.