I just took my beardie Goose (2 yrs old) to the vet a little under a week ago as she was having trouble walking correctly and would wobble. They gave her fluids and a calcium shot and her blood test came back normal. I mentioned that she wasn’t eating at the time and now it has been almost a week and she still wont eat. I’m very concerned as she’s never had this issue before. She also pooped about a week ago and I’m not sure if she strained too hard but she’s got hardness on her sides as well which are dark, have red spots, and cause her discomfort when I touch the spot (see picture.) The vet did not say much about her sides but I’m just worried about her still. Please help.
I'm sorry to hear that your beardie, Goose, is still struggling. Based on the symptoms you described—wobbling, not eating, and the hardness with red spots on her sides—it’s definitely concerning, and I understand why you're worried. Here are some potential issues and steps you might consider taking:
1. Impaction or Constipation
- The hardness on her sides could suggest impaction, especially if she hasn’t pooped recently. Bearded dragons can become impacted due to ingestion of substrate, large food items, or dehydration. If the vet hasn’t ruled this out, it might be worth asking about it again. Some signs include:
- Hard, swollen abdomen
- Lack of bowel movements
- Discomfort when touched
- What to do: Warm baths can sometimes help stimulate bowel movements and alleviate mild impaction. However, if it's severe, she may need assistance from a vet.
2. Calcium Deficiency (Metabolic Bone Disease - MBD)
- Even though her blood calcium levels were normal, a one-time shot may not be enough if she has chronic low calcium absorption. Bearded dragons need consistent UVB exposure and calcium supplementation. If she wobbles while walking, it could indicate early stages of metabolic bone disease (MBD).
- What to do: Ensure she has adequate UVB lighting (replacing bulbs every 6-12 months), proper diet, and calcium supplementation.
3. Internal Infections or Organ Issues
- The dark spots with redness could indicate internal issues, such as organ inflammation or infection. Since the vet didn’t comment on these during the visit, it might be important to bring it up again, especially if the condition worsens or hasn’t improved.
- What to do: Follow up with the vet to check if an X-ray or ultrasound could reveal any internal concerns.
4. Stress or Environmental Issues
- Stress or an improper environment (like incorrect temperatures, humidity, or lack of UVB) can also cause bearded dragons to stop eating. If you haven’t already, ensure her enclosure has the proper temperatures (95-105°F in the basking spot and 80-85°F in the cooler areas).
5. Further Diagnostic Testing
- Since the vet visit didn’t result in a definitive diagnosis, it might be worth asking about further tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or fecal exams (to check for parasites).
I recommend following up with your vet, especially with the redness and discomfort you're seeing. It's always better to be thorough, and if the current vet isn’t addressing your concerns, getting a second opinion might be beneficial.
In the meantime, keep her
hydrated, monitor her closely, and try offering her favorite foods or some
critical care formulas (available at reptile stores or prescribed by a vet). These can help her stay nourished until she starts eating again.
Wishing Goose a speedy recovery!