Potentialy Broken Leg-Need Input

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Hello everyone,
I just joined this site and am new with bearded dragons, I got my little "Bandit" about 7 months ago and hes growing like a weed! This is my first post, and I apologize if this is repetitive, or if I am doing something wrong (Let me know so I dont make the same mistake).
Well,this is the story:
I was letting Bandit (aka B-Band) run around my room and do as he pleases while I work on all my college assignments. Of course I keep a VERY CLOSE eye on him. He ran into my closet, so I got up to fetch him. He happened to run behind a bin in my closet and I laughed at him. I went to pull the bin away and the shelf above it broke while I was pulling the bin out. I threw my body forward to prevent anything from falling on him (got a pretty nasty cut; well worth it)...but sadly I couldn't stop everything.
I turned around and noticed that he scurried out and was looking at me like...whoa! When he started to walk again he was dragging his back leg :(
I ran over to him and took a closer look and observed the following:
-Very limp
-Nothing was odd shaped (meaning his leg wasn't going the opposite direction)
-No discoloration
-No blood/cuts
-(while being very careful)Noticed the leg frame(bone) seemed sturdy
-No muscle tension (very soft, and as stated, limp)
-It swelled up a very little bit on his "thigh"

It doesnt seem to bother him, he kept trying to run around being his trouble making self. I instantly isolated him in a box with one of my shirts and emptied his tank of everything so he could not climb. I am very upset about this because I love him to death. (Sorry this is long, but I am trying to give as much detail as possible) I was just wondering what everyones input is about what the problem could be: Broken leg, sprained, etc. He has the proper lighting (UVA, UVB) and is well fed (Crickets + Calcium, Greens); and he is more than well loved. I am going to see the price for a vet to inspect him ASAP, but being a poor college student :( I want to make sure I dont jump to something dramatic.
I did spend 30min-45min making him a little cast using some gauze and straws to make sure his leg was well supported (I called my cousin who is going to be a vet, and she said I could if I wanted, if I was very careful, but it is not necessary).
So If I could have ANY input it would be greatly appreciated, I love my little B-Band...he is my buddy forever
 

Trogdor_1

Juvie Member
I am so sorry this happened to your little guy. Poor thing!
It sounds like he needs to get some x-rays shot of that leg. He could have dislocated his hip or broken/fractured a bone. I'm not sure what a vet can do about a dislocation in a beardie. If it is broken or fractured, a cast may be used or you might need to have the limb removed (depending on the severity of the break).
Make sure you find an exotic specialist to see him - not a dog and cat vet who will see exotics, too. These doctors generally aren't as well versed in the care of reptiles. Also, exotic vets have specialized equipment and handling techniques for reptiles.
Hopefully you can find a good vet close to you. I drive about 30 minutes to my exotic vet's office. But I trust them whole heartedly with all of my babies, so it is worth it.
Make an appointment asap. And let us know how the visit goes. Good luck!
 

BaskingBaby

Sub-Adult Member
Ouch! Poor little guy. It sounds like he definitely needs to see a vet. If you possibly broke your leg, I'm sure you would be at the ER and getting xrays done! You want to make sure it isn't broken and if it is, make sure its going to heal correctly. Exotic vets aren't exactly cheap, but it's only fair to see whats going on with him.


http://www.herpvetconnection.com/
 

BBandsCareTaker

Member
Original Poster
Thank you to everyone who has replied. I will be driving home tomorrow and bring him in. He is still doing well today, moving/sliding around his tank. I feel awful about his leg and it makes me sad watching him walk around his tank :cry: . I have to admit though,it is kind of cute seeing him with his little cast. It will be nice to get him in. I hope they just say he needs a little cast :( I looked around on some forums and one person said a few days later his beardie was ok, and he ran his beardie over with a tv stand/kart :? :!: Again thank you everyone for your support. I will keep you posted on what the vet says.
 

BBandsCareTaker

Member
Original Poster
Well, not more than two min ago Bandit actually drank some water! Bandit has never drank water...either from his dish nor spray bottle...I have tried to train him to drink and no luck. But I just happened to get up and check on him and he was awake :/ usually he is fast asleep. So I took him out and tried to give him some water; why not. And he drank it! I was so happy, but...at the same time wondering: Why now? I hope it was just coincidence. Anyway...thats that. Just keeping an update.
 

BBandsCareTaker

Member
Original Poster
Well, I just got home from school late last night. I talked to someone at PetSmart to see who'd they would recommend (just to get some names). They said at the PetSmart in the city over someone looks at reptiles, and the price was pretty good. So I thought I would check that out. If they suggest anything dramatic...then I will go somewhere else; worth a shot though (its local).

Bandit is doing alright. I got him some lettuce, carrots, snow peas. He didnt eat them...until I left, haha. Then he chowed down. I also got some crickets that I contained in a cup so he didnt have to move; with plenty of calcium. I took off his little cast to see how things were going. His leg is still normal color, still limp. I just left it off to see what he would do. When he walks faster he actually pics it up sideways and moves (so it doesn't drag). So I dont know if that means anything. The car ride home was fun, he sat on my warm lap and slept for awhile, otherwise he had a padded box I made (cardboard). Thank you guys so much for helping me out and being concerned about my little buddy.

Last priority: I am alright :) Got plenty of homework over spring break...I guess I chose my fate being an electrical engineer. Hope all of you and your little guys/girls are doing well.
 

BBandsCareTaker

Member
Original Poster
Bandit:
Well guys...I went into the vet today and they brought me in for an x-ray of my whole body. Apparently I broke my leg in one spot :? (cant remember the technical name for the bone, but its below my "knee"). They were very nice to me, but for some reason I kept running back to my dad and hiding under his chin :shock: . They tried to put a splint on me, but I wrestled them so they couldn't; but in the end they won (P.S. I even tried pooping on them :wink: , didn't work). They said my dad was feeding me well, so I should be fully healed within 3-6 weeks! Thanks a lot dad!

Me:
Yes, bandit did very well. All the vets scrambled to him, and adored him. I am VERY happy that he is able to heal and that he doesn't have to get it amputated like I saw in a lot of other forums! :D
Thank you guys for all your support and following my little B-Band! Hope you all are doing well! Oh, also hope all the care takers are doing well too :lol:
 

diamc

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
I just found this thread. Poor little guy, you must have felt terrible. It's a good thing you took him to a vet for an xray. Would it be possible to post a pic of him in his little cast?
 

BBandsCareTaker

Member
Original Poster
Of course! I will take some pictures tomorrow...I have some pictures of the cast I first made for him...really bad job...then I can post pictures of the splint the vet made...I wont tell you who did which one...Im sure you can guess. But I think mine was much better... :p Haha
 
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