12 year old male dragon in thouble

[athenacp]

I wish I could help...I bumped this up for you

 

[Dooter]

I am definitely not an expert, but I have kept an elderly dragon that lived to be almost 13.

Although Gizmo lived a relatively normal life right up until the moment he passed away, I'm inclined to think that based on the sudden behavior and neurological symptoms, maybe your old guy suffered some kind of stroke?

Its really up to you whether you want to take him to the vet, but to be honest, he's really old. If he were mine, I think I'd just try to keep him safe and comfortable, and spoil the heck out of him until its time.

Take out all the things in his cage that he could hurt himself on or fall off of, put in folded up towels and blankets, and lower his UVB and basking lights so that he doesn't have to climb.

See if he will accept some chicken or squash baby food from a dropper - don't force it in his mouth, but drop a little on the tip of his mouth and see if he licks it.

And take him outside in the sunshine. :wink: He will love it.

Good luck, I know it's hard.

 

[Kalyn876]

Hello,

I have a 12 year old dragon as well and he is experiencing some of the same issues your guy is.
I hate to say it but what your explaining sounds like him letting go.. I think it is getting close to his time :?
Generally they will stop eating and sleep A LOT, one day they just don't wake up. It is a very sad truth but I guess thats part of the deal.

I definitely understand how hard it is to watch them slow down, but he knows how much you have cared for him and loved him. Dooter said it all, I would just try to make these days as happy and comfortable as possible for him.

My thoughts are with you two.

Kalyn

 

[athenacp]

I was too short with my prior comment, I wanted to say that getting him to 12 years old is awesome! Both of you are in my thougths and prayers.

 

[Irwinshealth]

I don't know what to say other than I'm thinking of you both and may his last days be sunny and comfortable for him. Get all the snuggles you can. Please keep us posted.

 

[ChrisMiller]

As uncomfortable as it may seem, it sounds like he's in his final days of life. He's had a long go at it though... and I am sure there are memories that will never be forgotten. Keeping giving him your all and I am sure he will hold on as long as he can for you. Know that they cannot hold on forever though, and when it's time - it's time.

I am sorry.

 

[nikipop]

I don't know if this will help any but I have one bearded that refuses to eat bugs on her own (unless it's wax worms). I have found that if i hold dubias by the head and wave their butts around her face she will eat them readily. Also it took mixing chicken and green been baby food together and watering it down before she would take it from a dropper. Just trying to offer different feeding suggestions for the poor little guy. hope he is still doing ok.

 

[Esther19]

You are doing a great job with your old dragon. He is lucky to have you. The baby food meat with the gravy is exactly what you want. Mix it in equal parts with the squash or green beans. Please continue to keep us posted.

 

[Irwinshealth]

Am just not thinking its his last days am just going with it going day to day and doing the usual with him

Sounds like a good way to be! Thinking of you both, enojoy

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

You really are doing everything that you can with him being 12 years old. He is a lucky little dragon to have made it this far.
You can spend as much quality time with him as you can, take him outside if he likes that & enjoy a nice afternoon & sunshine together.
Yes, they can have strokes & still hang in for awhile. That could affect their walking, as well as neurological well being.
Which UVB do you use & how often does he get calcium supplementation?
How much weight has he lost?

I am sorry he is not doing very well. I know he must be happy though, to have had such a wonderful home for so long.


Tracie

 

[kcarello]

My thoughts go out to you! Get, and give all the snuggles you can!

 

[kcarello]

Glad you are getting to spend alot of time with him! That is funny he is biting the blanket..my lttle girl was biting my hair yesterday,,,silly thing.

 

[kcarello]

We do have quite a bond..she gives me kisses, I talk really sweet to her and tell her to give me a kiss, then I smooch at her, then she opens her mouth like she is giving me a kiss,,,it is THE SWEETEST thing ever!!! And they say they dont have emotions..right!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

It sounds like you are spending lots of great quality time with him. Rest assured he is happy! When they are given a reason to stick around, they will fight to stick around as long as possible. He has had a great home.
You could increase the calcium to 3 times per week for him right now, so just another dose or so during the week could help out.
The squash & turkey babyfood sounds fine, that helps get nutrition into him. Maybe get some probiotics for him to help with his digestion issues. That might help to cut down on his vomiting.

Let us know how he is doing.
Tracie

 

[XtinaBeardieMom]

So glad your little guy is still hanging on! We would love to see pics if you have some to post. Any updates on how he's doing?