I Need Advice

[Forrest T.]

I have a male bearded dragon who has a bone infection behind his eyeball; it is literally eating away at the bone. It has worsened over the past couple of months despite our treatments. He has seen two vets already and both prescribed the same medication and pain relief. However, he's not doing good. His gums are very sensitive; they bleed when touched, he has large swelling in the back of his throat which is blocking his airways, and he has lost around 50 grams. I try to feed him critical care multiple times a day, but he has difficulty breathing as a result, so I can't really feed him. I don't know what to do. The vet said we should do more tests which would cost a lot of money, and we can't afford them. Even if we did do the tests, there is a high probability he can't be healed. So, I need advice. Should I continue the meds and force-feeding, or should I put him down? I love him dearly and it saddens me to do so, but I don't want him to hurt either.

Any advice is greatly appreciated,
Forrest

 

[CitrusLemonBeardie]

I don't have any advice but I just wanted to say I'm really sorry you are going through this. I think it's a decision only you can make based on the advice you have already been given from vets and from your own gut feeling about your beadie's wellbeing. It sounds like you are doing everything you can for him for now and all I would say is whatever you decide you can be certain you have made the right decision. Sending you lots of positive thoughts. What is your beardie's name?

 

[KarrieRee]

I have a male bearded dragon who has a bone infection behind his eyeball; it is literally eating away at the bone. It has worsened over the past couple of months despite our treatments. He has seen two vets already and both prescribed the same medication and pain relief. However, he's not doing good. His gums are very sensitive; they bleed when touched, he has large swelling in the back of his throat which is blocking his airways, and he has lost around 50 grams. I try to feed him critical care multiple times a day, but he has difficulty breathing as a result, so I can't really feed him. I don't know what to do. The vet said we should do more tests which would cost a lot of money, and we can't afford them. Even if we did do the tests, there is a high probability he can't be healed. So, I need advice. Should I continue the meds and force-feeding, or should I put him down? I love him dearly and it saddens me to do so, but I don't want him to hurt either.

Any advice is greatly appreciated,
Forrest

Wow Forest I am so sorry to hear this - things sound grim- I am going to flag your post to three people on here that may be able to help -- and advise on what you can do for him
@AHBD
@Drache613
@CooperDragon

 

[AHBD]

Hi Forrest, I'm so sorry about what you and your poor beardie are going through. I know that a situation like this is devastating and no real easy answer. If he is suffering, lost weight, has multiple painful symptoms going on and has no real positive chance to survive I would probably let him go. My heart goes out to.

 

[xp29]

I agree with AHBD, if he can't eat and is in chronic pain, you might should let him go. We had to make that decision on our ferret a couple weeks ago, i know how hard it is. At the end of the day your the only one that really knows your dragon just do what you feel is right and be at peace. My heart goes out to you

 

[Forrest T.]

Thank you very much. That really means a lot.. His name is Mulder

 

[xp29]

That's a cool name. I actually like it a lot.

 

[Forrest T.]

That's a cool name. I actually like it a lot.

Thank you

 

[Forrest T.]

Thank you all for your kind answers. I felt awful making this decision, but now I see it's really the best thing for him

 

[xp29]

I'm sorry this is the downside to having pets. They are still worth it though. I hope you find another beardie and fall in love with him to.(when your ready of course). Also know all of our hearts are breaking with yours, we all love these wonderful little animals.