3 year old Bearded dragon yawn sound

[mattmarraj]

Hello everybody first time poster.SORRY FOR THE LONG UPCOMING POST I NEED ASSISTANCE. I have been reading this forum for 2 years or so and idk why its takin me this long to create a account. But im in need of some advice. I have a bearded dragon thats about 3 years old name is anakin. Ive had him for about 2 and a half years now. As of the last year hes made this sound when he yawns its like a crack or pop sound. I took him to the vet a year ago and they took xrays and blood work for a check up for the sound. The vet told me that after looking at xrays his jaw is starting to mineralization i think it was from using too much D3 calcium powder with a power sun mvb. They said he has calcium build up on his jaws. And They told me i needed to switch to regular calcium that he does not need d3 in it. There has been no improvement in the sound going away but from what i can tell he seems to be very healthy. No problems walking or eating. Only that he doesnt love his vegetables too much. He loves goliaths and supers. He eats mainly butternut squash daily but somedays wont touch it and then worms 2-3x a week. With calcium powder on them of ofcourse. MY QUESTION is that is it possible the cracking sound can be early mbd ? Im currently using the power sun 160 watt on basking site that keeps it around 100-105F. I have a reptisin t5 hood next to it because after freaking out about the mbd possibility. I purchased a solarmeter 6.5R and where hes basking it says uvi index of only 1.3 . Idg how that’s possible with a mvb and reptisun on him. They arent mounted in cage and there is mesh screen between them. But does that really cut out that much uv? Im going to post pics of him in a second to ask opinion on if he looks healthy and am i over thinking this.

 

[mattmarraj]

 

[MrSpectrum]

MBD comes from a lack of calcium, and ossification is often from too much calcium.
It's possible that the ossification of the jaw may wear down some with time, but more likely it's permanent. Only time will tell. Since your dragon has no problems eating, I'd try not to be concerned--difficult as that may be.

Having UV lighting on top of a screen can reduce the amount getting through by up to 50% depending on how much screen vs. how much space between the wires. If there's a plastic covering over the UVB bulb, it should be removed--that could also be cutting down on the amount getting through.

Having the Solarmeter is good. Once you've accounted for obstacles between the bulb and basking area, the meter can help you fine-tune the distance you need.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How is your dragon doing this evening?
So you are reducing or discontinuing the D3 correct? Since you are using strong UVB
then you wont need any D3. Though the Powersun isn't as strong as the T5 bulbs but
synthetic D3 is hard on their systems, too.
I am surprised also that the UVI is so low, using both lights. The Reptisun T5 should be
pretty strong. Screen will filter some out though.
Are you able to mount the light without the screen top, or not?
He looks to be in really good condition overall & doesn't have any weight issues right now.
Butternut squash is a great staple, too, so that's good he will eat that. Does he eat any
greens or not really?

Tracie

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Health

 

[mattmarraj]

Hello,

How is your dragon doing this evening?
So you are reducing or discontinuing the D3 correct? Since you are using strong UVB
then you wont need any D3. Though the Powersun isn't as strong as the T5 bulbs but
synthetic D3 is hard on their systems, too.
I am surprised also that the UVI is so low, using both lights. The Reptisun T5 should be
pretty strong. Screen will filter some out though.
Are you able to mount the light without the screen top, or not?
He looks to be in really good condition overall & doesn't have any weight issues right now.
Butternut squash is a great staple, too, so that's good he will eat that. Does he eat any
greens or not really?

Tracie

He used to love dandelion and collard greens but now wont touch them. Squash is the only vegetable i can get him to eat. After the solar meter readings i decided to buy a 22” arcadia 12% uv bulb for better uv and hopefully get him to eat better. He never turns down worms or goliaths.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How is your dragon doing today? Is his beard still darker than usual?
That is very odd the tail twitches like that, is it only when you touch his side?
I am happy to hear that you did get him a new Arcadia 12% tube bulb maybe that will really
help him out!
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie