Beardie been lost outside for a week Advice?

[Linkcwz]

So about a week ago someone opened my door while I was moving my beardie to his feeding cage and he was able to get outside. I searched for a few hours and waited until nightfall. Night time temps have been in the 30's F. I went outside 20 min ago and he was laying in front of my door. He's about 7 months old and seems very lethargic. I didn't think he could have survived the temps. I put him under the heat lamp immediately and am going to wait a few hours to give him a warm bath. I can't get an appointment to be seen today but they do walk ins after hours. Anyone have any tips until then?

 

[LunarTechAsylum]

I would try giving him some Rept aid/repta boost. I hope that he pulls through for you.

 

[Tonja]

There was a story on here where a beardie was lost for months in cold temps. He, I think was finally found in the shed. Another got outside and was found much later. Both survived. I would up the temps a bit on his basking spot and keep him warm to boost his immune system a bit. Wrap him well in a blanket or towel when you take him to the vet. I would also get a fecal done in a week or so on him to make sure he doesn't have parasites from eating bugs outside that can carry a heavy parasite load. I would also watch for any signs of respiratory problems like clicking or wheezing when he breathes, mucus in the mouth and bubbly fluid coming from his nose. I hope all will be well and am sure it will be.

 

[Esther19]

I would also focus on rehydration. Give him daily 20 minute baths and offer him water by mouth with a syringe or dropper. Hydration is important for many bodily functions, and if he is dehydrated he won't have much of an appetite. So glad you found him!

 

[Tonja]

Thanks Esther, I knew there was something I forgot, just couldn't put my finger on it. Thank you for saying something about hydration.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh my! Wow, you are so so lucky that he found his way back to your front door, thankfully!
As suggested, hydration is the most important other than slowly warming him up. I would keep his tank temperatures around 80 overnight to help boost his immune system.
I am so happy for you & that he found his way his way back to you.

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[Linkcwz]

Thank you guys for the support. He seemed to be perking up when I took him to the vets. They're keeping him overnight (because the reptile specialist won't be there until tomorrow) and they said they could get fluids in him. They also said they'd try and get him started on a diet to help him recover. They were surprised at how good a shape he's in considering what happened.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is fantastic he is doing so well for his entire ordeal.
I am sure that they will rehydrate him there. Let us know how he is doing!

Tracie

 

[Linkcwz]

Okay so they let me pick him up today. He is a LOT better now. He won't stop eating. When I lost him I didn't think I'd get him back so I had bought another one that's about a month older than him. My sick one (Reptar) was absolutely dominating my new one (Jim/Jane) so I put the new one in my 20 gal feeder tank until I can get a bigger one. The vet want's Reptar on wax worms for now to help him fatten back up, but I can't believe the recovery he's making.

 

[Tonja]

I am so glad he is doing so much better. Should take no time at all to fatten him back up. What an ordeal for both of you. Happy you have him back.