Hi everyone,
I have an ongoing post under "I am so mad" but I thought I would post this here as well so hopefully I will get a faster response. I have been struggling with an ill beardie for a couple of weeks now. He was diagnosed with MBD and kidney failure (we are hoping that he has some remaining kidney function though). I have been force feeding him with a syringe of carnivore care and squash baby food. He is also on liquid calcium, acidophilus, pedialite, and parazap. He finished a 4 day course of antibiotics for coccidia about 4 days ago. His temps are fine (85-105), on newspaper, and is in a temporary enclosure that is probably 15 gallons (vet recommended for easy cleaning). MVB bulb less that 3 months old and a 60 w basking bulb (as needed). I measure temps with a temp gun. Anyway my issue is that his tummy is bloated out like a balloon. It is soft to the touch and there are no obvious masses. At first I thought this was because he was under stress, I was told that sometimes they such air into their bellies when they are mad, but it has been three days and he is still very bloated. Does anyone have any ideas on what this might be? He is pooping regularly and has gone three times in the last two days so I doubt he is impacted. That and the fact that he is on a liquid diet. Is it possible that this is kidney related? He seems energetic, is basking normally and his strength is improving on a daily basis. Oh and it is not because of over feeding him, the last few days I have only gotten about 4cc's into him each day and nothing today as of yet.
Our beardies do this sometimes. Especially when they are about to be put in their baths; I do not think it is anything to be worried about. They also puff themselves up (appearing bloated) when they feel threatened. I don't know for sure, but I do not think this is something to worry about.
Thanks for the response but how long do they stay puffed up for? It has been three days and there is no change. I have seen him puff his belly before but it always goes back down. I think this may be different.