bearded dragon dragging legs

[Brae99]

Hey guys I just got my first bearded dragon. Long story short I see he drags his back legs and doesn't move around often. I got he/she in a real dirty terrium with lights with dead bulbs so who knows how long its been without light. I have cleaned the terrium , added new sand and decorations. I currently have day time 75 watt zoo med repi basking spot lamp with uva and a red 100 watt heat lamp. I have crickets veggies in there. I have noticed since the uva bulb has been put in it's been moving around more often but not better. Also have a calcium supplement for the crickets. Any tips would be greatly appreciated IL try and upload some pictures

 

[AHBD]

Hi there....it's nice that you're trying to give this poor beardie a good home ! He is suffering from MBD [ metabolic bone disease ] and/or impaction. A few things to do ASAP. Remove the sand, it can cause or worsen impaction. The next thing, get rid of the red light + get a long tube Reptisun 10.0 T5 UVB bulb. Since he has had no UVB bulb in the past he was not able to absorb any calcium.....you now have a UVA heat bulb, but neither of your bulbs produces UVB, so you must get the bulb I mentioned. If it's warm outside you can take him out in the sun, but not in a glass tank [ they overheat in minutes ! ] Just let him sit in the grass if it's above 78 degrees outside, or on your lap if it's even 70 as long as it's sunny [ your lap will keep him warmer ] If he IS impacted you can offer baby food squash, prunes and/or applesauce with a few drops of veg. oil. Then a shallow warm bath [ up to his armpits] for about 10 minutes to help him poo. Stay with him the entire time to be sure he doesn't drown.

I'm sure others will offer advice as well....he may never move normally but you can keep it from getting worse.

 

[Brae99]

Thanks for the reply. I will look into getting the UVB tomorrow, He can move his back legs but not properly I just seen him stand up on all 4 for the first time. Do you know anything about salmonala in beardies? I know they can carry it but what are the true risks in my self catching it if the tank and beardie are clean?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I hope you are able to get the light soon, it will really help him out a lot.
As far as the salmonella, they commonly carry it but it really doesn't pose a problem or threat to you if things are clean. It only can cause issues with newborns or anyone with a suppressed immune system.
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[Brae99]

So just a little update i should be getting the light today and hes been moving around better he ate about 10 dusted crickets yesterday and hes had 5 this morning and he pooped last night so im sure thats a good sign, still not much movment in back legs he is able to move them but not how he should be.

 

[Claudiusx]

That is great news. You are doing a great job, Keep it up

-Brandon

 

[Brae99]

Heres some pics of him when i first recived him and one of him standing for the first time ive seen.

 

[AHBD]

That's good that he ate and also produced a poo.... any little bit of progress is a real plus. With the new light there might be some hope for him becoming even more mobile. Good for you and the little guy !

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is wonderful news he did eat for you & that he is starting to stand & move around more, too.
I am sure he is starting to feel much better also! Great job with him & just be patient. He should gradually get more mobility in his legs.
Keep us posted on him.

Tracie