Swollen front leg

[Nikstar49]

Hi, I have a 3 year old rescue Male beardie he wasn't
in great condition when I had him, he will not eat any salad/veg though he will eat wax worms, locusts and crickets in abundance. His left forearm has become very swollen, he has been prescribed metacam and antibiotics zodon he does not appear to be getting any better the leg is still swollen and has now changed colour to a pale colour than the rest of him. I have been reading the forums here and some have suggested gout any advice would be appreciated.

[KarrieRee]

Please post a pic of him and his leg
https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ click on XIMG at the top of the message box then click on the pic and it should post
Karrie

[Nikstar49]

[Click image to enlarge]
[Click image to enlarge]
Hi Karrie,
Thanks I think that I have uploaded a few pics now the vet did xray him so have put that on as well[Click image to enlarge]

[KarrieRee]

The pics did not post --
Karrie

[CooperDragon]

The swelling does look a bit like gout. I don't see structural damage in the x-ray. Did the vet run a blood test or take a sample from the swollen area to check for uric acid crystals or high uric acid levels?

[Nikstar49]

No he didn't I will contact tomorrow and get him booked in again to get confirmation.

[Drache613]

Hello,

Are there any other hands, feet, etc that are showing any puffiness or swelling yet?
That is either onset of gout, or a bacterial type of infection. Gout is not easily diagnosed
by x-ray, because it depends on the composition of the crystals. Blood test readings are
usually the best way to determine it, but they can aspirate fluids to look for crystals, too.
We can review your supplementation & diet for him too if you need.

Tracie

[Nikstar49]

Hi Tracie,

The vet has been unable to get a blood sample, I am currently bathing him daily for hydration, dusting his food in calcium, I have a vitamin supplement from vet he has daily, cherry juice and baby food swelling has gone down slightly and he is a lot more active

[Claudiusx]

It looks like he has a bit of swelling in his other front arm too.

Especially with the fact that the antibiotics aren't working, it's most likely gout.

What does his daily diet look like? You will want to keep the protein low, and keep up with the cherry extract.

Hydration is very important. But be aware, bathing doesn't hydrate dragons at all unless they actually drink in the bath. If they don't, you need to find another way to hydrate whether that be dripping water on the nose, or spraying the salads down well with water.

-Brandon

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is good to hear his swelling has gone down a little bit. Continue with the cherry juice,
daily right now as well as a little extra oral fluids, too.
As suggested, try to keep his protein levels a bit lower also so his kidneys can get flushed out.
I would try to focus on vegetation & fluids a little more. I recommend keeping his insect levels
no more than 25 per week right now.
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie