Broken Rib or Normal?

[ryderm0902]

Hi all,
My beardie seems to have a rib poking out. I've read some things online saying it's a floating rib however it seems very strange. Beardie is currently preparing shedding on it's back, maybe it's tightening it up and making it more obvious?

Take a peek. It's more pointy in person...and when gently touch no reaction. Sometimes shows on other side same spot.

 

[xp29]

It's normal. If it were broken your beardie would probably be black bearding and be favoring his sides and not be moving very much.

 

[Chris.]

Both my dragons have this also. Sometimes it is more obvious...but yeah it is definitely a rib.

 

[ryderm0902]

It's normal. If it were broken your beardie would probably be black bearding and be favoring his sides and not be moving very much.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on him to see if he's favouring it more so. Appreciate the help!

 

[ryderm0902]

@xp29 @Chris.

Updated photo of it today. As you can see skin shedding so skin loosens, however, it seems to poke out and just looks very unusual. Not moving as much, however, I think due to the shed, also hiding in cave too.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is a bit odd. He is definitely going to shed. Did it slowly develop or come on suddenly?

Tracie

 

[ryderm0902]

Hello,

That is s bit odd. He is definitely going to shed. Did the slowly develop or come on suddenly?

Tracie

Hi Tracie,
I have just noticed since shedding, 2-3 days ago. He 11mo, my past beardie never saw this. I'd love to think it's caused by shedding, but find it hard to believe. Have any thoughts?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How is he doing today?
I doubt that it is caused by shedding. Perhaps it is just a bone or rib oddity. The only thing that you can do is to take him to the vet for an x-ray to help determine if any thing is broken.

Tracie

 

[ryderm0902]

Hi @Drache613 @xp29 @Chris.

Please check the vid below

 

[ryderm0902]

IMG_4625.mov

drive.google.com

Thanks!

 

[Chris.]

It looks the same on both sides to me. If so it is most likely ether normal or genetic.
As mentioned, mine do have this both, one "floating" rib if that's what you want to call it. According to my vet, this can be caused by inbreeding but isn't usually a problem for them. To me it also seems more noticable when they are about to shed.

 

[ryderm0902]

Hi @Chris. Really appreciate this. Mines definitely on the leaner side too, making it much more noticeable. thanks!!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Thanks for the video for comparison. It is definitely the same on both sides. I think that is just how he is built. He is a great looking dragon, indeed. I hope he is doing well.

Tracie

 

[ryderm0902]

Update @Drache613 @Chris.

Took beardie to the vet, has parasites (coccidia) which explained the weight loss & more prominent ribs. Now on medication to get rid of parasites. Thanks for both of your help in this matter

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh bless him, I hope he gets to feeling better. If his coccidia levels were high then weight loss is a
very common ailment indeed in them. Which medication is he on now?
Hopefully he is on the road to recovery now!

Tracie