Blocked femoral pores - build up under skin

[Amazonia]

Hi everyone,

I'm due to take Nioka to the vet again on Friday as I believe he may have blocked femoral pores. He's always had an occasional twitch in his back legs and I've asked the vet about it and he thought it might be something neurological. It's definitely not MBD, he's had x-rays and the bones are healthy.

On inspection the femoral pores aren't all spiky looking like some pics I've seen but when I had a feel around the area I can actually feel hard, longish growths underneath the skin, in line with the pores! :shock: So I'm wondering if this is why his legs sometimes twitch? I've given him a few warm baths and felt the area and he doesn't like me doing it, it's obviously causing him some discomfort as he gets all stressed and his beard turns black. He also does the twitchy leg thing when I do this. I don't want to attempt to remove the blockages myself in case I hurt him. So, we're going to the vet's and I'll see if he can help. My poor boy must be in pain so I hope the vet can do something!

I've not found much info about this online aside from one post (with photos) on Facebook. I'd be interested to hear from anyone else whose beardie has had these blockages removed. Did you do it yourself or did a vet remove them?

 

[pbkelly]

I would seek a vet like you plan to do. I've read removing them will leave the pores open and eaiser to get a infection from getting substrate or poop in them. If you have a credible vet they should be able to help you out and give you advice on what to do. I'm sorry I don't have more information then that.

 

[Amazonia]

Visit to the vet went fine. He doesn't think the leg twitching is caused by the blocked pores but he emptied them anyway. Nioka was really good, just struggled a bit as they were emptied but no biting or anything. I'll give him a bath tomorrow.

 

[scotjess]

Hi, I've unclogged my beardies pores today and now I'm freaking out about keeping them clean and risk of infection. I cleaned them and put salvon. Did your very advised anything? Thanks.

 

[Amazonia]

Not been on this forum for a while and just noticed your comment. You did it yourself?! Mine gets way too stressed out for that and I think it's a two person job, one to hold the bd and one to empty the blockages.

Anyway, no my vet didn't recommend I put anything on it, he said just to make sure the viv was clean so it didn't get infected. Seemed to be fine although the pores filled up again pretty quickly!

 

[scotjess]

Yes, I did it myself. And then I thought I was mad. But Karl is a very gentle guy and he didn't resist. I freaked out for nothing as he is now all well. He doesn't get annoyed with contact on his thigh anymore. I think it was a good thing, although I frightened myself and would next time go to the vet, just in case.

 

[Amazonia]

My beardie's not a biter either but he just gets so stressed, black beard, skin goes a sickly yellow colour and heavy breathing. I'm very tempted to have a squeeze (am bad for picking/squeezing things!) but don't want to freak him out. Also worry I might damage him, their legs are so small.

 

[Jacqqui]

Okay now I'm a bit worried! I have 3 boys and although they are young I feel the need to worry about things way before they happen! How old are they when this type of thing happens? Is it normal for them to get plugged and have to have them unplugged? I've only seen pictures on the internet but not really asked anyone about them.

 

[Amazonia]

I don't know much about it but I don't think it's really necessary for them to need the stuff squeezed out. My vet wasn't insistent that it was done but he did it anyway - said it gave him some satisfaction, like squeezing spots! Although it took him a while with me holding Nioka and him squeezing. They filled up again very quickly though, like in days. I think they can become infected perhaps, but aside from that I don't think it's anything to worry about. Just something that comes with having a male beardie!