Bearded dragon with parasites and other issues

[gbgirl1705]

I made an appt with Dr. Funk a well known and trusted vet that specializes in reptiles and headed up the reptile department of the Phoenix zoo for many years. He recently retired but takes clients every other month and I waited over 5 weeks to see him because I heard and read so many good things. Well, Im so confused now. He told me not to use the repti bulb that everyone on here says is imperative for our bearded dragons. He said to only use a mercury bulb 160 watt by exo terra solar glo only. He said the reptisun T8 didn't actually produce the correct amount of uva and uvb and only the mercury bulbs can and that the natural sun is obviously the best choice if that's an option as it is for me being I live in Arizona and have the desert climate.

I spent hours installing and ordering this special fixture I had to have mounted inside my tank only to be told I'm using the wrong kind. I'm so confused. He sent me home with a card that reacts to different colors under the uva/uvb lighting and hes right. The color barely changed under my $55 reptisun tube bulb. So shocked???

He also told me that those marks on my bearded dragon are not stress marks at all. Weird. I thought my juvenile bearded dragon was stressed all the time. Hes not stressed but does have parasites and 3 of them. Thank you Petsmart. Im now treating him for ponasuril, panacur, and flagyl. I hope his next fecal sample will be better or better yet they will be irradicated. Had a hell of a time getting her to take her meds. I felt like I was hurting her. UGGGG

I guess I'm confused and having a hard time knowing who is the expert on these types of things. So bummed about the parastes but I figured she probably had them. Shes healthy overall and besides changing her name she seems very content. So happy to learn shes not constantly stressed. Any feedback??

Jennifer

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Im treating her (thought her was a him before appt lol)

 

[MsCarter]

It's interesting but not entirely true. the reptisun 10.0 t5's are great fixtures that do provide dragons with plenty of UVB. A pet shop near me did a test and what they found was (while using a reflective fixture in all testers) the Arcadia bulbs actually out preformed everything else. They scored a 4.9 while reptisun scored a 3.3 at 8". The equipment they used to read the ultraviolet B rays stated that 2.6-3.5 readings were equivalent to mid-summer days. So, it seems that the reptisun t5 fixtures produce plenty of UVB

 

[AHBD]

Don't worry, you have an excellent bulb that will work just fine. Thousands of owners including professional breeders use them....MVB's are fine but so are the Reptisun and Arcadia long tube bulbs.

 

[gbgirl1705]

I am sticking with the reptisun bulb I have mounted inside of Lady Lizards terrarium. I'm so grateful for all the support and feedback. Thank you!!!