Big lump on base of spine? Pics included ****UPDATE

[ub003]

Hi all, i'm getting quite worried about a "bump" that's seemed to develop over the past few months. It is now very noticable. It is at the base of his spine, at the top of the tail. My other beardie is alot smaller, and they are the same age, but his back is perfectly straight. Just so you know, the basking temp is 106f, he has a 3foot long repti sun 10. He's about 16 inches long and weighs 285g (A little heavy?). Insects dusted with calcium, and vits added to all veg. I am going to try and add some pics to this post if I can. I am concidering taking him to the vet next week. If anyone has any idea what this is, why it has occured then I welcome any advice. ps. please let me know if the pics dont work. Thanks very much.

 

[jscott]

oh man. can he walk alright? it looks like hes on sand in those pics, does he ever ingest any of it? ive heard in latter stages of impaction a bulge forms at the base of their back. a vet visit might be in order, keep us posted.

 

[beardie parents]

I don't know what the cause of that could be. I do know that some beardies can't absorb the powdered calcium and must have the liquid. The only one that can tell you that is a good herp vet, one that specializes in reptiles.

 

[LJean]

I wish I knew something to help. I just have no clue.
Hope you can find a good vet and all will be well with him.

 

[Zemanski]

this could be mbd

he needs to see a vet

 

[ub003]

Thanks for your help so far. I have managed to find a couple of other posts simular to mine, and looking at them, it could be a fracture of his spine!? This of course has got me very worried, and I have booked in with the vet on tue. (Thats the earliest I could get). In the mean time if anyone else has any opinions, I would be very interested to hear them. Thanks all.

 

[ArdorAndZeal1]

just keep up the love, he looks like hes in generally upbeat condition? thats a good sign!

let us know how that vet appointment goes, and maybe send them these pictures ahead of time?

 

[jeitzen]

Vet visit for sure. I dont think it would be MBD because of the time it took to develop and beside the lump he looks fine. Is it hard to the touch?

 

[ub003]

It is hard to the touch yes. It seems to be causing him no pain atall, he still loves chasing the crickets! His back legs are working fine, and his appetite is HUGE!!!, and he goes to the toilet almost every day. Again anymore comments are welcome, and I will keep you updated as to the visit to the vets. Thanks everyone.

 

[jeitzen]

Does it feel like a bone deformity? Or does it seem like it moves?

 

[ub003]

jeitzen to be honest im not sure, the last few days, to me it has gotten worse. It almost seems as if something (bone) is going to come out through the skin?! if you know what I mean. It doesn't seem to bother him when I touch it. I have removed everything from his viv that he can climb. It has been a gradual development over the last couple of months, but does seem to have gotten worse lately. Again, he is fine within himself, and it doesn't seem to bother him whatsoever.

 

[jeitzen]

Hmm, well let us know what the vet says. It could be a whole host of things, but if he does not seem to be effected by it try not to freak out too much. But you must take him to the vet as soon as you can. This is serious if it has only taken a couple of months to grow. You don't want it to get bigger, to where it starts hindering and stressing him out.

 

[ub003]

Couldn't agree with you more. As I've said, I've got an appointment first thing Tuesday morning, and the local vet is a specialist. He has even had his own TV series so I'm very lucky. I'll keep you updated. Thanks for your help and concern. I will keep a close eye on him in the mean time.

 

[LJean]

I hope all goes well at the vets! Sorry we couldn't be more help to you.

 

[ub003]

All thoughts and advice are much appreciated, I havn't posted that many questions compared to most on this site, I'm just wondering if theres any way of contancting some of the moderators about this? What I would ideally like to to is print out any good advice and actually take it with me to the vets. As I said before, he is a specialist, infact the best spesialist in this country, but if theres any good advice as to what I should be asking for, xray etc, I would love to have advice. Is there anyway to ask one of the moderators, as they have so much knowledge? thanks