Beardie limping

[Mylittlebabytiger99]

My bearded dragon has starting limping. Like he won't put his foot on the ground but I noticed he fell asleep with his foot under him. And was like that all day. So I was thinking maybe it just fell asleep. Any ideas?

 

[kyleena29]

Is it possible he jumped down from somewhere and hurt it? Maybe check his nails in case he injured one? Does he react to you touching it?

 

[AHBD]

Along with answering those questions, can you post pics of your beardie as well as a few of the tank set up ? Here's how to post pics :

https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ Then hit XIMG

EDIT....I just searched your posts + saw your little cutie pie + the set up. Is it the same one now it was from those pics the end of July ? It may be the hammock, your beardie can very easily snag a nail and sprain a foot. If you still use a hammock, take that out ASAP. There might also be a calcium problem if the uvb is still on top of the screen.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How often do you give him calcium? If he is under one year, he will need calcium 4-5 days per week on his insects or greens, once daily.
If you do have your UVB tube on top of the screen, it will filter out up to 30% or so from the light. It would be very helpful if you could mount it underneath of the screen. Is there any swelling on his foot/ankle that you have noticed?

Tracie

 

[Mylittlebabytiger99]

Nope I don't have the hammock anymore. And my uvb is mounted inside of the tank. And he can get 6-8 inches from it. Idk if he's fallen. He's usually very skittish and does jump a lot. I will post pics

 

[Mylittlebabytiger99]

 

[Mylittlebabytiger99]

He seems to be putting a little more pressure on it but I know he's still in pain. He still is limping. It's not swollen. But he doesn't really seem to want to move on it. I feel so bad. Idk whats wrong with him

 

[CooperDragon]

It's good that it isn't swollen. Perhaps he jumped off of his platform and landed wrong. It may just be tweaked. It may be a good idea to remove the elevated areas for a bit so he can bask without having to put much exertion on the food so it has a chance to heal up. Try hand feeding him for a bit and keep him as immobilized as is reasonable. Hopefully it will be back in good shape quickly without much intervention. If it does start to swell or doesn't show improvement an x-ray might be worthwhile.

 

[Mylittlebabytiger99]

How much would an xray cost? Not to sound harsh..I love my animals..But money is an issue.

 

[CooperDragon]

They can often use dental x-rays which are cheaper than traditional x-rays. I don't recall exactly but I remember it being under $100. Prices vary between vets but you can call and ask how much it would cost. It should be a set rate. I would monitor him for a bit before getting an x-ray though because the advice will probably be just about the same (immobilize) unless signs of infection are found.

 

[Mylittlebabytiger99]

Alright. Thank you

 

[AHBD]

You made a beautiful and spacious enclosure for Tiger, good job. It is all pretty big for him at his small size and like Coop said he probably jumped + landed the wrong way. The basking areas are too high for him right now as a baby, a very simple enclosure with lower climbing areas esp. is what he needs now that he's having trouble with his leg. He will probably heal on his own as long as he doesn't re-injure from a possible jump/fall from up high.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I agree, he most likely fell somehow & landed the wrong way on his foot. He will heal but it may take a little bit of time.
You could put in a lower basking area so he doesn't have to climb much right now, maybe use a cardboard box for a makeshift basking area.
Be sure he is getting plenty of calcium too, for bone support.
Keep us posted on him.

Tracie

 

[Mylittlebabytiger99]

Update: tiger has not pooped in 2 days. Last he pooped was Wednesday night. He ate a little bit on thursday and Friday. But still hasn't pooped. His arm is still no better. I'm really worried.

 

[kyleena29]

I think it's time for the vet and get that xray. Try some can or baby food pumpkin or prune juice to get him to poo if you tried bathes already. It may be because he hasnt eaten much that he hasnt gone yet. You can also give baby food turkey, chicken and squash since he's not eating much.