3 year old really Lethargic and not eating.

Ok, as I said I'll be talking to the vets tomorrow so I'll definitely be questioning the treatment she's giving and why I've only just been told I can do this feeding at home myself, seems like they're taking me for my money and don't really care at this point as I've already paid £207 for x-ray and bloods and then £10 every food visit...but I will definitely keep you guys updated about tomorrow.

Because this 'reptile specialist' I'm seeing doesn't seem to know half of the stuff of what you guys are telling me (didn't see anything wrong in me not dusting the bugs and also said that it's not normal for bearded dragons to brumate) and it's worrying as I feel like I'm going to lose lemon but I'm trying everything in my power right now

Hi again guys, Lemon is now on all his meds as usual and is now on a calcium supplement too along with food I'm home feeding him Via tube into his stomach... I seen the vet do it and I'm very nervous to do it as he didn't like it very much and was just wondering if using the tube down his throat is really needed and will he not just take it straight from the syringe?

I know that makes you both uncomfortable, I'm sorry that you're going through this It's up to you to decide if you want to do it that way. There are a lot of factors that come in to play. How stressed/frightened is this for your beardie ? Extreme stress will be a health issue in itself. Then they can get to a point where your very presence for interaction with him frightens him. How long do they want you to do this ? Have you tried a syringe feeding ? You might try the syringe.

I haven't heard of that being done before, I would be nervous too. Do you mean you have to put a tube down his throat? I would try letting him lick it up first but I don't know. Sorry I can't be of more help here. That sounds scary to me though.

AHBD":jn3w975m said:

I know that makes you both uncomfortable, I'm sorry that you're going through this It's up to you to decide if you want to do it that way. There are a lot of factors that come in to play. How stressed/frightened is this for your beardie ? Extreme stress will be a health issue in itself. Then they can get to a point where your very presence for interaction with him frightens him. How long do they want you to do this ? Have you tried a syringe feeding ? You might try the syringe.

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From what I seen when he was being fed by them via the metal tube he didn't like it all, They told me he freaked out with the meds when they did it but when I did them he didn't really freak out that much if I'm honest because I didn't pin him down and pry his mouth open with a card like they did I just pulled his beard down slightly and then slowly worked it in till he nibbled on it and then slowly squeezed it in and he didn't bring any back up so he clearly took it better that way (Less stress) I was just wondering if the new calcium (zolcal D) has to be fed via the tube to his belly or can I do it the way i just said? Same question with the food.

also I could upload a picture right now if you want me to show you what they have gave me to do it with?

Yes, definitely try it your way. He knows you and you'll have the more gentle touch. Definitely try it like that.

AHBD":fewb7jtk said:

Yes, definitely try it your way. He knows you and you'll have the more gentle touch. Definitely try it like that.

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Thanks a lot for your help I really appreciate it you have no idea, I just want to get him back healthy, This is a picture of the tube they've told me to use just so you know what I'm working with along with all the other stuff for feeding... Could I try it my way and see how he goes as long as he's not bringing anything up he should be getting it how he needs it right?

You're welcome, I would be happy if I can help. And yes, the reason they use the tube is they want to get food in him when he doesn't want it. As long as you can get it in him by the syringe you'll be succeeding. Be gentle and try to go in the side, if you have a good method you used [ pulling the beard slightly ] then that's great.

AHBD":28l5xd58 said:

You're welcome, I would be happy if I can help. And yes, the reason they use the tube is they want to get food in him when he doesn't want it. As long as you can get it in him by the syringe you'll be succeeding. Be gentle and try to go in the side, if you have a good method you used [ pulling the beard slightly ] then that's great.

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Right ok, So the tube is for if he doesn't willingly eat the food... I see now, I will try my method first, Hopefully he will take it that way because he's very stressed doing it the other way from what I seen, Thanks again and I'll keep you updated.

Can I ask you about your UVB? I see you have the reptiglo and it is not as much of a recommended product as the reptisun 10.0 How old is the bulb and is there a plastic lens cover over it? I notice they gave you liquid calcium, they must suspect MBD? If your weather permits can you get him outside for about an hour a day? Real sunshine would greatly benefit him.

kyleena29":2i48yvse said:

Can I ask you about your UVB? I see you have the reptiglo and it is not as much of a recommended product as the reptisun 10.0 How old is the bulb and is there a plastic lens cover over it? I notice they gave you liquid calcium, they must suspect MBD? If your weather permits can you get him outside for about an hour a day? Real sunshine would greatly benefit him.

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I've literally just changed the bulb out to a reptisun 10.0, The old bulb was about 5 months old or something around there.

They didn't tell me what they suspected apart from 'Calcium deficiency'

I will try to get him out as much as possible, If the UK weather permits it. thanks.

The ReptiGlo is a decent bulb, used by a top breeder in the U.S exclusively, I've used them myself in the past. But it won't hurt to change it now that it's 5 months old. He may have other issues too, but the fact that his food wasn't dusted up until now could definitely be a big part and he may [ hopefully ] start doing better once he starts receiving calcium.

AHBD":2uwx50ns said:

The ReptiGlo is a decent bulb, used by a top breeder in the U.S exclusively, I've used them myself in the past. But it won't hurt to change it now that it's 5 months old. He may have other issues too, but the fact that his food wasn't dusted up until now could definitely be a big part and he may [ hopefully ] start doing better once he starts receiving calcium.

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I know, I'm sorry I've messed up by not dusting, I feel so bad for him, I'm really trying for him right now, So worried but can't wait for him to be better.

Hey guys,
Sad news... Lemon sadly passed away today after getting back from the vets, He passed at home surrounded by family who will miss him a lot.

Thank you all for your help, support and well wishes.


Andy.

I'm so sorry to hear this