Chemotherapy and taking care of bearded dragon

[Menolly]

My mother is going through chemotherapy. It is treatable, which is the most fantastic new of my life. However she is afraid to hold my beardie because of the possibility of salmonella. The oncologist said that it was okay as long as I kept the cage clean and that she washed her hands after holding him. My question is, has anyone on here gone through chemo and what kind of precautions did you take? She's really afraid that she might get salmonella with her immune system at threat. I was just wondering if there was anything I could say or prove to her so she could hold him. He's her fourth child and brings such joy. So whatever advice someone could give, I would appreciate it.

 

[RandyMarsh]

I'm no doctor by any means but i feel like pets can assist with healing and give a lot of peace of mind. I never even knew there was any threat of any bacteria transfer from lizards to people, and I've had reptiles on and off my whole life. This is interesting, I know if it was me going through chemo there would be no keeping my beardie away from me. I think they're pretty clean as long as they're well cared for and bathed regular. Anything is dirty if you touch it after it rolls around in it's poop or whatever....*looks at Dogs* :roll:

I say do it, but lets see what else everyone has to say first

 

[kjinxx2]

The salmonella would be transferred from the animals feces. Yes, they do carry it sometimes - so any exposure to the animals feces *could* result in an infection -but- you'd still have to ingest the feces (or get it in eyes etc). Basically, as long as you're cleaning the cage, bathing the reptile (especially after a bm), and practicing responsible hand washing you should have no issues even with a compromised immune system.

 

[dragonlover3]

There is always a POSSIBILITY of anything. That said, if the beardie is kept immaculate, bathed often and poop never left in their enclosure, I don't see a problem at all and I'm a nurse.
I'm donating a kidney to my sister in a few months, this spring is the surgery. I keep my beardies immaculate! I already told my hubby he's sneakin' in a beardie a day to see me...I have 4 :lol:

Amanda

 

[FranktheTank]

I've been going through chemotherapy as recent as two weeks ago. I have two bearded dragons, a uromastyx, and a leopard gecko that all live in my house with me. I handle them everyday and do daily cleanings, bathing, and snuggling. I haven't had a problem with any of them negatively affecting my treatment. If anything they've improved my over all well being and will to fight just a little bit harder. Taking care of them every day for most of the day keeps me busy and gives me a lot to do and look forward to other than doctor appointments and going to treatment. With any animal there's always a risk of bacteria or infection when dealing with their care, so washing hands and cleaning properly is a must. I wash my hands too many times in an hour, I always clean up poop as soon as it happens instead of letting it stay in the cage, and I know my reptiles are taken care of healthy and clean! It's really up to the person, this is only my experience. If someone else was in the same situation but didn't clean and sanitize properly they may be prone to getting an infection. My Oncologist has asked me not to get in to breeding and dealing with large quantities of eggs, he thought in my case that might be too risky. In my honest opinion it's up to your Mother, if she knows you take care of your beardies, and she washes her hands I don't see much of a risk. But I am no doctor and could be wrong.. I love having my beardies by my side through all of the sickness and pain, they comfort me in such a way my family and friends can't. Good luck to your Mother and I hope everything goes well for her.

-Kaleen

 

[sprinz03]

I've been through chemo also and have cared for parents on chemo. As long as everyone practices good hygiene she's prob fine with holding your dragon. If it makes her feel better, she can hold dragon with a towel or blanket between them. No dragon kisses!

Your mom has more of a chance catching something from humans. Best of luck to her!

 

[Menolly]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I think this will go a long way to help changing her mind about handling my beardie. He brings her such joy and I think having something else to concentrate on will help her attitude greatly. She's just really stressed out about how the chemo is affecting her body, she feels like it will never get better. I just want to see her smile, hopefully he can.