Bearded Dragon Wont eat

[TallBoy]

Help!! I have a 3 year old bearded dragon. He has always had a very healthy appetite. Recently, he has stopped eating. He is not impacted, he is well hydrated, temperatures are good, brand new uvb and heat bulb. 40 gallon tank, about to move into a 90 gallon. He hasn't shown interest in food for a week, and is being very lazy. Could this be brumation, in the middle of August?

 

[daughterofMyou]

Help!! I have a 3 year old bearded dragon. He has always had a very healthy appetite. Recently, he has stopped eating. He is not impacted, he is well hydrated, temperatures are good, brand new uvb and heat bulb. 40 gallon tank, about to move into a 90 gallon. He hasn't shown interest in food for a week, and is being very lazy. Could this be brumation, in the middle of August?

He could be getting ready to shed, perhaps. What brand of UVB are you using? Reptiglo bulbs have been associated with decreased appetite, among other unpleasant things. Perhaps try to tempt him with some baby food, made of reptile-safe fruits and veggies like sweet potato (not regular potatoes!) or apple. Or, maybe blend his favourite grub yourself in a food processor. Feed with a medicine syringe; either dribble a bit on his nose and let him lick, or gently poke the syringe between his lips.

Or, offer him a delicious treat of wax- or phoenix-worms! Most beardies love those.

 

[TallBoy]

I'm using reptisun 10.0 compact. Unfortunately her never been one for eating his veggies! I will try feeding different kinds of grubs

 

[CooperDragon]

That bulb isn't powerful enough for such a large enclosure. I advise investing in a 22'' T5 tube which should work well in a larger enclosure.

 

[TallBoy]

Thanks, I will shop around for a fluorescent tube uvb. Also, I fed him some apple sauce mixed with canola oil with a syringe to try to flush his system out.

 

[TallBoy]

Update

After giving him the applesauce and two wax worms he has passed a very smelly, runny poop. There was a spot of blood in this poop. Could this be from pushing too hard for a long time? I am trying to self diagnose this because the vet wants an enormous amount of money for me to bring him in for a checkup.. at the time I can't afford it.
Could he have been impacted for a week without having a bulge in his abdomen?

 

[daughterofMyou]

Update

After giving him the applesauce and two wax worms he has passed a very smelly, runny poop. There was a spot of blood in this poop. Could this be from pushing too hard for a long time? I am trying to self diagnose this because the vet wants an enormous amount of money for me to bring him in for a checkup.. at the time I can't afford it.
Could he have been impacted for a week without having a bulge in his abdomen?

It's possible he may have parasites. How are his energy levels now? Parasites can cause lethargy, appetite loss, weight loss, and blood in stool. I'd really try to get a poop sample to a vet, if you can. Best wishes x

 

[TallBoy]

I'm trying to avoid the vet because they want around 200$ for an appointment and a poop sample.. I've been researching about liquid panacur dewormer and I guess it helps with parasites too. Is anyone able to shed some light on what medications and probiotics to use for parasites?

 

[TallBoy]

UPDATE

I gave a half dose of panacur to him on Friday, in 7 to 14 days I will give another half dose to kill any eggs. He is now eating by himself again, couldn't be happier.
Thanks for the help everyone

 

[CooperDragon]

That's great to hear! Hopefully all is well going forward.