Back Legs Twitching?

[jacqui778]

I've searched the forums, but I can't seem to find anything like this that wasn't thought to be MBD.

As I sit and type, MoMo is sitting next to the keyboard, her legs held stiffly, the bottoms of her feet facing outward. Her legs are also twitching slightly.

I don't know what to think, and I don't know what else I should type. Her back legs ARE shedding, but she's shed them 4 times since the beginning of September, and she's never done this before. I've tried moving her, but she's still doing it.

MoMo is housed in a 55 gal aquarium with a Powersun 160 watt bulb 1 foot away. She gets daily calcium on her crickets, along with phoenix worms (not dusted). She's active and runs from wall to wall, lengthwise, in her viv. She eats like she has a bottomless pit for a stomach. She gets baths everyday, and every other bath she usually drinks.

And now as I type she's begun twitching her front arms....

Jacqui

 

[DragonMomSandy]

The most likely cause is MBD. Do you have a UVB bulb on the viv? You need something like the Repti-Sun 10.0 uvb strip light. They need the uv to produce vitamin D which helps their bodies absorb the calcium you supplement with. Most calcium supplements contain vit d, but, it's not as good as vit d produced naturally by UV. Other possibilities would be injury to the spine, a bacterial or viral infection or neurological problems, but, These are less likely than Metabolic Bone Disease. Twitching is a major symptom of MBD, and this happens prior to the dragon become really sick, bones weakening, jaw softening, bone breakage, etc... You need to get your beardie to a vet, to determine if it's MBD or something else, like infection (either one needs to be treated very soon). I notice your using a power sun MVB, how old is it? It may also be defective and may not be putting off enough uv. MVB bulbs are generally only affective for 6 months to 1 year (Power Sun says 1 year on their bulbs, but I think that may be pushing it a little) and they generally work well, but, there is always the possibility of a defective one. Good luck and let us know how she's doing.

 

[ajkry2]

is your little one pooping regularly?

 

[jacqui778]

The most likely cause is MBD. Do you have a UVB bulb on the viv? You need something like the Repti-Sun 10.0 uvb strip light. They need the uv to produce vitamin D which helps their bodies absorb the calcium you supplement with. Most calcium supplements contain vit d, but, it's not as good as vit d produced naturally by UV. Other possibilities would be injury to the spine, a bacterial or viral infection or neurological problems, but, These are less likely than Metabolic Bone Disease. Twitching is a major symptom of MBD, and this happens prior to the dragon become really sick, bones weakening, jaw softening, bone breakage, etc... You need to get your beardie to a vet, to determine if it's MBD or something else, like infection (either one needs to be treated very soon). I notice your using a power sun MVB, how old is it? It may also be defective and may not be putting off enough uv. MVB bulbs are generally only affective for 6 months to 1 year (Power Sun says 1 year on their bulbs, but I think that may be pushing it a little) and they generally work well, but, there is always the possibility of a defective one. Good luck and let us know how she's doing.

I'm a bit confused here. You just asked if I had UVB in the viv and then acknowledged that I have a Mercury Vapor Bulb. So, the answer is yes, I have UVB. The PowerSun. I don't understand how this COULD be MBD, when I dust her crickets EVERY BLOODY DAY, generously, and give her phoenix worms, and she's under an MVB. Enlighten me, somebody.

The Powersun is 3 months old, so it does not seem to need replacing anytime soon. I've heard 1 year for MVBs and 6 months for fluroescents.

MoMo has not seem to have had any recent falls, is active and stressmark-free, and has had absolutely NO past problems (unless you count the incident with my brother, but she has recovered 100% from that).

I would get her to a vet if my father had not been recently laid off. We are low on cash, even though he now has a new job. We don't have the money to take MoMo to the vet. I didn't even have the money to get my rescue, Gem, a UVB for her SEVERE MBD, and I had to get one from someone on the forums, who I still owe for it.

She's stopped twitching now. She's napping on my leg, with her little white palm face up. :love5:

Jacqui

EDIT: Yes, she is pooping regularly and often in large quantities with a healthy urate and color.

 

[jacqui778]

I've just noticed that the spot where she was sitting (and twitching) has hot air flow from the laptop. Could this have something to do with my twitching issue? Now that she isn't there she isn't twitching....

 

[Twobeardieguy]

I've searched the forums, but I can't seem to find anything like this that wasn't thought to be MBD.

As I sit and type, MoMo is sitting next to the keyboard, her legs held stiffly, the bottoms of her feet facing outward. Her legs are also twitching slightly.

I don't know what to think, and I don't know what else I should type. Her back legs ARE shedding, but she's shed them 4 times since the beginning of September, and she's never done this before. I've tried moving her, but she's still doing it.

MoMo is housed in a 55 gal aquarium with a Powersun 160 watt bulb 1 foot away. She gets daily calcium on her crickets, along with phoenix worms (not dusted). She's active and runs from wall to wall, lengthwise, in her viv. She eats like she has a bottomless pit for a stomach. She gets baths everyday, and every other bath she usually drinks.

And now as I type she's begun twitching her front arms....

Jacqui

Jacqui, it is most likely the powersun that is causing your problem! I recommend changing out the light ASAP!! Their have been numerous problems with that light!! Hope this helps!!

 

[jacqui778]

Jacqui, it is most likely the powersun that is causing your problem! I recommend changing out the light ASAP!! Their have been numerous problems with that light!! Hope this helps!!

No offense to you, but I'd rather get a second opinion from a mod, Tracie if possible, about whether this could be the cause. I'd rather not get rid of my $70 bulb, especially because then I have to buy another for around $100, or spend $50 on a regular bulb, fixture, and fluorescent tube. Money's an issue right now (like it isn't for everyone!).

Jacqui

 

[ajkry2]

http://www.beardeddragon.org/home/beardie/beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=105420

a post abot PowerSun MVB

 

[jacqui778]

http://www.beardeddragon.org/home/beardie/beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=105420

a post abot PowerSun MVB

The issues I've read about the PowerSun usually deal with eye issues and unwillingness to bask. Those were the exact symptoms Tracie gave me when I asked her about the PowerSun, because I was monitoring it to make sure it was O.K.

If twitching is now on the list, I missed it. :?

 

[ajkry2]

back legs twitching (problem)
pooping normally (no impaction)
plenty of clacium (mbd doubtful)
not average powersun probs (basking fine)

hmmmm

how're the temps?

 

[DragonMomSandy]

Yes, I asked and acknowledged that you had a powersun, I also suggested that the powersun may be defective. These bulbs have had a lot of problems, thats why I suggested replacing with the Repti Sun.

Now, if you'd rather have Tracies opinion, why not PM her directly instead of the post asking for advice from other members? You know, members like Lance (Twobeardieguy) have owned beardies for many, many years and he also breeds them- He probably knows what he's talking about. As for myself, I offered you advice and info based on my own experience, (as I have kept dragons for several years) to take it or leave it, your choice.
And yes, money is tight for everyone, but many vets will work out a payment plan- it's worth asking.
Good luck, whatever you choose to do.

 

[jacqui778]

back legs twitching (problem)
pooping normally (no impaction)
plenty of clacium (mbd doubtful)
not average powersun probs (basking fine)

hmmmm

how're the temps?

The temps are great, they're in the high 90s. At the moment, it's reading 98.9. The cool side is 82*.

Yes, I asked and acknowledged that you had a powersun, I also suggested that the powersun may be defective. These bulbs have had a lot of problems, thats why I suggested replacing with the Repti Sun.

Now, if you'd rather have Tracies opinion, why not PM her directly instead of the post asking for advice from other members? You know, members like Lance (Twobeardieguy) have owned beardies for many, many years and he also breeds them- He probably knows what he's talking about. As for myself, I offered you advice and info based on my own experience, (as I have kept dragons for several years) to take it or leave it, your choice.
And yes, money is tight for everyone, but many vets will work out a payment plan- it's worth asking.
Good luck, whatever you choose to do.

No need to get testy. I was merely confused because you asked if I had UVB at all and then went on to tell me about my MVB, as if that wasn't UVB.

I bother Tracie too much as it is; and I did not say I'd rather have Tracie's opinion, it's just that she has done a lot of work with the bad PowerSuns and their symptoms. I said that I would rather have a second opinion before throwing out my $70 bulb-- preferrably Tracie's opinion, because she knows a lot about the PowerSun problems. I don't doubt Lance's abilities as a beardie owner or breeder. I have no doubt whatsoever that he knows what he's talking about. I thank you for your advice.

I would try to work out a payment plan with my vet, but I just blew my last $300 on getting an appointment for my rescue, Gem. She had really bad MBD and needed a couple calcium shots, some Baytril for sores, and an anti inflammatory. And, being 13, I have no source of income. I don't dare ask my parents for money for my lizards.... so I have to wait for my next report card, and money from my true father, to get anyone a check-up.

I will continue to try to figure out what's wrong. Still contemplating the hot air flow idea.

Jacqui

 

[ajkry2]

Still contemplating the hot air flow idea.

Jacqui

I wonder if this really did have anything to do with it. Is the twitching a constant problem, or only sometimes?

 

[jacqui778]

Still contemplating the hot air flow idea.

Jacqui

I wonder if this really did have anything to do with it. Is the twitching a constant problem, or only sometimes?

Only sometimes.

For instance, right now, she's perfectly fine-- she's making me type around her.

Jacqui

 

[Twobeardieguy]

Jacqui, no offense taken!! I was just saying that a customer of mine went and bought a powersun after I went through and gave all the care sheets!! Then about 2 months later called me and asked me what was going on!! The dragon also was twitching off and on! Well I instructed her to get the reptisun and some liquid calcium and then the problem went away within two weeks!! But anyways, whatever it is I wish you the best of luck!