Baby Bearded Dragon Coughing/Gagging

[mlk510]

Hello. I recently had a beautiful bearded dragon shipped to me. He’s 4 months old and I’ve had him only 4 days. He started doing a coughing/gagging motion 2 days ago. It’s not constant but happens at different points of the day. I’m worried this is the beginning of a respiratory infection. He’s eating dubia and pooing fine. He won’t touch his greens. His humidity is about 36% and his temps are good. Below is a video pin. I haven’t given him a bath yet. https://pin.it/14sAfCKwz

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello. I recently had a beautiful bearded dragon shipped to me. He’s 4 months old and I’ve had him only 4 days. He started doing a coughing/gagging motion 2 days ago. It’s not constant but happens at different points of the day. I’m worried this is the beginning of a respiratory infection. He’s eating dubia and pooing fine. He won’t touch his greens. His humidity is about 36% and his temps are good. Below is a video pin. I haven’t given him a bath yet. https://pin.it/14sAfCKwz

Please no baths - if he does have a RI it will make it worse- what are his surface basking temps those need to be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer - 105-110- and the UVB your using please? Humidity is being taken w/ a digital probe hygrometer?

 

[mlk510]

Please no baths - if he does have a RI it will make it worse- what are his surface basking temps those need to be taken w/ a digital probe thermometer - 105-110- and the UVB your using please? Humidity is being taken w/ a digital probe hygrometer?

Digital Basking temp is 107. Digital hygrometer says 30%. UVB is Reptisun 10.0.

 

[KarrieRee]

Digital Basking temp is 107. Digital hygrometer says 30%. UVB is Reptisun 10.0.

Ok good on all that - where is the UVB? top of screen or in the tank - I am going to have someone else take a look at the post see what they think
@AHBD

 

[mlk510]

Ok good on all that - where is the UVB? top of screen or in the tank - I am going to have someone else take a look at the post see what they think
@AHBD

UVB is inside the tank about 14” from the floor and 12” from basking areas.

 

[KarrieRee]

UVB is inside the tank about 14” from the floor and 12” from basking areas.

ok that is good --- does he have any mucous coming out of his nose - any wheezing or crackling going on? I can see the video but no sound

 

[mlk510]

ok that is good --- does he have any mucous coming out of his nose - any wheezing or crackling going on? I can see the video but no sound

No mucus, no wheezing but a weird sound. If on your phone and you touch the video, you will see the sound icon to turn it on doc you can hear the sound.

 

[KarrieRee]

No mucus, no wheezing but a weird sound. If on your phone and you touch the video, you will see the sound icon to turn it on doc you can hear the sound.

Yes that is a strange sound- not sure what that is- let's see if ahbd can help

 

[mlk510]

It was suggested I share with Tracie @Drache613

 

[AHBD]

Hello. I recently had a beautiful bearded dragon shipped to me. He’s 4 months old and I’ve had him only 4 days. He started doing a coughing/gagging motion 2 days ago. It’s not constant but happens at different points of the day. I’m worried this is the beginning of a respiratory infection. He’s eating dubia and pooing fine. He won’t touch his greens. His humidity is about 36% and his temps are good. Below is a video pin. I haven’t given him a bath yet. https://pin.it/14sAfCKwz

Very important info, where was he shipped from and what were the temperatures at the place he was shipped from and temps. at your place, and how long did it take to get to you ? What was the packing like and was there a heat pack in the box ? It's very likely that he developed an R.I during shipping.

 

[mlk510]

That’s what I’m thinking too. He was shipped from Texas to Michigan overnight. There was a heat pack and styrofoam around the box. The heat pack wasn’t warm when I opened the box.

 

[AHBD]

What part of TX and what were your temps. in Michigan ? It's possible to ship in cold weather but the heat pack needs to be the correct type and to be activated, they usually are 40 hr heat pack and they keep it lukewarmish so the beardie doesn't freeze OR overheat. Was the heat pack abot 3" x 5" , and NOT a hot hands type that burn out quickly ?

 

[mlk510]

He went from a warm climate to a cold one quickly.

 

[AHBD]

Yes I know, I shipped many dragons but if they were packed right they shouldn't have gotten cold. Was the heat pack wrapped in paper towels or newspaper ? That keeps it warm when it's insulated unless it's like below 32 F for a while. Even below 25 they can stay warm if it's done right but it's nor recommended. Did you contact the breeder and are they established with a good reputation/reviews ?

 

[mlk510]

It may have been wrapped in paper towels. I can’t recall. I have been talking with the breeder and so far he’s been great. I’ve sent him the videos and he was unclear about what was going on with him. So I’ve come here for some help to see if others think he may have an RI.

He did offer for me to ship him back and then he’ll send me another beardie. The problem is, I don’t really want another. I want this little guy. We’ve already established a bond. I love him. I also don’t want a large vet bill either because I received an ill animal. So we’re still trying to figure it out. I do feel like he should see the vet asap.