12yo Beardie Ill Tonight

[Ruvio4]

Hello, I am after some urgent help. I have a 12yo female bearded dragon. I went to say goodnight to her earlier as I always do and found her on her back - she isn't lifting her head up and when walking seems very off-balance and unable to walk properly. She seemed well up until this happened - can anyone please help me?! I understand she is old.

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello, I am after some urgent help. I have a 12yo female bearded dragon. I went to say goodnight to her earlier as I always do and found her on her back - she isn't lifting her head up and when walking seems very off-balance and unable to walk properly. She seemed well up until this happened - can anyone please help me?! I understand she is old.

This could be a UVB issue or a ear infection or I am not sure what else--- what are you using for a UVB ? coil or a long tube fixture ? How old is the bulb? Where in the tank is the UVB? These are all standard questions when we hear of things like this so we can rule these out-- this can come on suddenly if its improper lighting

 

[Ruvio4]

Hi, I am using a tubular UVB light that I changed around a month or so ago. The bulb is around 2" down from the roof of the vivarium - it has been there since I got her as a baby.

 

[KarrieRee]

Hi, I am using a tubular UVB light that I changed around a month or so ago. The bulb is around 2" down from the roof of the vivarium - it has been there since I got her as a baby.

So how far is the distance it should be 12-15 inches directly above the basking decor and what brand please? Are you using the T 5 bulb?

 

[Ruvio4]

Yeah it is no more than 15" away from the basking area.

I'm currently using the Arcadia T8.

 

[KarrieRee]

Yeah it is no more than 15" away from the basking area.

I'm currently using the Arcadia T8.

Ok you need to lower the T 8 its too far -- it needs to be 6-8 inches directly above the basking decor -- shes been getting inadequate UVB because of distance - I dont know if your fixture will allow for a 12% bulb but I would get that switched out like yesterday -- this would be the reason for the flipping - if shes been that long w/ out correct UVB shes developed MBD

 

[Ruvio4]

Okay - which bulb would you suggest?

What can I do to help her apart from change the bulb?

 

[Ruvio4]

She doesn't seem to have any deformity - can you recommend a certain UVB bulb to get - should I also add more Calcium D3 and Spinach/Kale to her diet??

 

[KarrieRee]

Okay - which bulb would you suggest?

What can I do to help her apart from change the bulb?

Its irreversible -- you can stop it from getting worse -- get the UVB lowered to the distance I posted then look for a Arcadia Pro T 5 - are you in the states? You can look at Pet Smart if you have one where you live you want the 12% bulb -- I am going to flag your post to our vet tech mod on here Tracie shes on late at night-- are you giving her calcium? the UVB is extremely important for them so they can absorb the calcium as a baby and as they get older - Arcadia Reptile ProT5 UV-B Kit | reptile Light Fixtures | PetSmart
I need Tracie to help w/ this -- lets see what she advises --
@Drache613

 

[KarrieRee]

She doesn't seem to have any deformity - can you recommend a certain UVB bulb to get - should I also add more Calcium D3 and Spinach/Kale to her diet??

No spinach! Kale is good --- how often are you feeding the calcium D3 ?

 

[Ruvio4]

Ok - will also try get some Kale in her.

What bulb should I be looking at getting her? I will get one tommorow.

Twice per week on average.

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok - will also try get some Kale in her.

What bulb should I be looking at getting her? I will get one tommorow.

Twice per week on average.

Start w/ everyday on insects for now Tracie is better at this than i- your uvb fixture is not going to accommodate the 12% bulb - they are a skinnier bulb T 8 's are fatter-

 

[Ruvio4]

Ok I will do - she hasn't been eating much due to the season here.

My fitting should accommodate it unelse the two prongs to connect into the fitting are different from the current one I have but looking online it looks similar.

Do you deffintley think this is the cause? I was so worried, she has been healthy otherwise! I know she is older now, so thought it could be a seizure or something.

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok I will do - she hasn't been eating much due to the season here.

My fitting should accommodate it unelse the two prongs to connect into the fitting are different from the current one I have but looking online it looks similar.

Do you deffintley think this is the cause? I was so worried, she has been healthy otherwise! I know she is older now, so thought it could be a seizure or something.

I am pretty sure this is what's going on- you need to lower the basking decor so she's not falling off - they can't breath on their backs- try the 12% bulb in that fixture the reptisun / zoo med fixtures do not interchange w/ the T 5 's and T 8 's totally different fixtures are needed- and the expiration dates are different as well

 

[Ruvio4]

Thank you so much for your help I will keep you updated and will go out first thing tommorow to get her a new bulb.

I'm unsure if she fell off a basking spot or fell on her back while walking as she seems so off balance and tilting her head when walking.

I've never seen her like this in 12 Years.