Beard scales rounded/swollen??

[gnchrisman]

Hello,
I have been searching on the internet for a while and can’t seem to find anything like this. I rescued a bearded dragon and he has an area of scales on his neck that are mostly dark and almost bulbous. What is this??

 

[CooperDragon]

I haven't seen that before. The swelling of the scales makes me think infection of some sort. It's probably a good idea to have a vet check it out and see what's going on under the scales. If they can get a sample, then it can be tested and treated. It's possibly the result of a burn too. Have the affected scales grown or has the issue appeared to spread over time? The fact that the rest of his beard is nice and orange is a good sign though and shows he isn't in distress.

 

[AHBD]

I agree that's very odd looking. It may be a fungal infection, best to have it checked by an experienced reptile vet.

 

[gnchrisman]

I haven't seen that before. The swelling of the scales makes me think infection of some sort. It's probably a good idea to have a vet check it out and see what's going on under the scales. If they can get a sample, then it can be tested and treated. It's possibly the result of a burn too. Have the affected scales grown or has the issue appeared to spread over time? The fact that the rest of his beard is nice and orange is a good sign though and shows he isn't in distress.

It seems to have spread a little. The big scales/spikes seem to be covered in tiny scales. They’re textured for sure

 

[CooperDragon]

OK. Yeah I think a skin test is in order at least. That will help determine what's going on and hopefully begin treatment.