Aspirated Water? - Solved and Healthy!

[EpitaphREI]

Hello,

I just gave my adult male bearded dragon a bath. In the bath, he drank some (but not an extreme) amount of water. When I took him out and was drying him off, he spat up some water and when holding him with his head down I could see it running out of his nostrils and mouth. He was also flexing his chest and beard. When listening closely to his head, I can hear a slight gurgling and the popping that indicated water in the respiratory system.

Now, he is still active and is not lethargic or anything like that. In fact, he seemed quite perturbed that I insisted on messing with him and was trying to get away. As of writing this, he is basking and is normal in coloration, with no stress marks or black-bearding.

Any information on what I should do would be very welcome! He scared me quite a bit!

 

[NikTait]

My adult male beardie also did that when we bathed him. We were very worried initially to see it coming out his nose and immediately started to worry about respiratory infections. But once he'd dried up or gotten out whatever he managed to aspirate or overload on, that was that and we've had no repeat incidents If it continues, then definitely take him to a vet because if he can't shift it then it could cause an infection or breathing problems. But if higher temps and a couple of hours sort him out, as it did for mine, then I wouldn't worry Just keep a close eye on him and watch for any signs of deterioration.

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

If he does it again (my Tsam is inclined to) then "tea pot" him. Pick him up, tip him at a pretty steep angle, tail up, head down. This will drain off most of the excess fluids - you'll find it comes out his nose more than anything, so be prepared with a bit of tissue to help dry the poor guy off

As mentioned - keep close eye, as any infection will need treatment.

 

[EpitaphREI]

Thanks for the tips and reassurance, everyone. It has been two days since he coughed up the water, and he has not been making any noises when breathing since the evening of the day that it happened. I would have to say that he is back to his old self again!

As a little thanks, here is a picture of Legion being a happy (not coughing up water) dragon!

 

[destiny1998]

He's very handsome! Love the colors!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Poor guy, he is very handsome!
A lot of them aspirate the water while in the bath. If you angle them downwards, usually that will take care of things.
I recommend though keeping his tank around 80 over night for a week or so, just to ward off any possibility of a respiratory infection for him.

Tracie