Constant Gaping (Time for a vet appt.?)

[Ethan118]

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that Carth tends to gape a lot more than normal. He does it a lot (more than usual) when he is basking, and gapes off and on when he wanders around my room. I was wondering if I should be concerned about a respiratory infection, or if maybe it is something else?

The temp in my room is usually around 80 degrees, same as the cool side of his tank. The warm side is an average of 95 degrees.

Thanks!

 

[zebraflavencs]

Do you hear any wheezing or heavy breathing ?
If not, than what you are seeing is quite normal. However, should you be concerned, a fecal always will lay arest any worries. Though I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Hope this helped !
Janie.

 

[jacqui778]

Hello,

Gaping when basking is a beardie's way of cooling off, since they cannot sweat like we do. Every beardie does it, and I take it as a sign that the temps. are just right for them. But, if you're still concerned or it doesn't seem quite normal, I'd get Carth checked just for reassurance.

-- Jacqui

 

[Ethan118]

Hmmm... I haven't heard any heavy breathing, but sometimes he makes funny noises when I stop him from doing something (like, he goes to jump off my arm and I grab him, he kind of wheezes). I think that's just his way of venting frustration, or maybe he gets the wind knocked out of him .

 

[Pleaides]

the sound your hearing when you grab him is him probably giving a little hiss, my Mischief does this also, if hes having his run on our upstairs landing then i decide its time to go home, when i pick him up he kinda like wheeze but its him giving a little hiss cos he dont want to go home just yet, lol, he likes to stcratch also at these times too.

 

[Lennifer]

If he is gaping when he's not even under his basking light or not even in his enclosure...I would take him in for a check up just to be on the safe side. Gaping is totally normal but they usually do this while under their basking light to cool off. Hmm?

~Sandy

 

[Pleaides]

oh i completely agree with sandy, it is normal for them to gape under basking lights or even in their warm or cool end to cool off but if its near enough constantly or a lot more than usual then yes a vet appointment would be in need.
keep us posted on him!

 

[Ethan118]

I have a feeling that it could also be the temperature in my room. It gets REALLY hot in here sometimes (for some reason the AC doesn't work in here), and that could be a cause. I have been watching him, and he doesn't gape in the morning when it is much cooler. But, once it starts to heat up... Hmmm, I'll keep an eye on him today.

 

[Pleaides]

what are his actual temperatures inside his home up the cool and warm end and basking area?
even if your room is hot it shouldnt affect the temperaures inside his home, is his heat on a thermostat?