Dragon flipping onto back constantly, lethargic

[AHBD]

I actually believe it's best to keep the calcium + vitamins separate. The Herptivite doesn't contain vit. A, just beta carotene so the body can regulate the Vit. A . When the Calcium + vits. are all mixed you can't control the amount you give of one or the other. Best to keep it separate.

 

[Derz13]

I order from Dr. Foster and Smith too! Or Big Al's Pets

Also amazon is my go to. I have Amazon Prime. So the two day shipping is wonderful!
Hmm.. I wish there was some way to share my prime with others in need of items faster...hmm gears are turning..

 

[SilverGravity]

I think the pet store near me sells Herptivite, so I'll be sure to look.

I wish, unfortunately my parents don't have it. My dragons need their UVB lights, I wish I knew what went wrong with shipping :/ At least I can take them outside tomorrow unless it rains or something, so Steve should be a little happier with the sunlight.

 

[AHBD]

Everything I've ordered from Dr. Foster + Smith got to me within 5 days, usually less. I've had all good experiences with them.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How is little Steve doing today?
I agree, it is always best to give calcium separate from the vitamins so you can be sure he is getting what he needs for the calcium amount. I hope he is eating some for you today & basking.
Keep us posted on him.

Tracie

 

[SilverGravity]

Alright, so we got a syringe and Steve got around 2 cc of water today I think since I just got the syringe maybe an hour ago and have him 1 cc. How much should he get per day? Also, I gave him the ceramic heat emitter from Sapphire since he needed it more, Sapphire is doing fine without it and my mom is currently going to the store to pick up a new one so both dragons can have one, and vitamins. Hopefully can get baby food tomorrow. Today seemed better for him, he was a bit more alert for a little while though he still sleeps all day rather than basks. He should hopefully improve though

 

[SilverGravity]

Steve now has his CHE permanently, we got another for Sapphire. My mom also picked up Flukers repta boost insectivore/carnivore high amp boost since the pet store worker said it would help, but I just wanted another opinion on that through you guys?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am glad Steve has a ceramic heat emitter now so he can stay warmer.
The carnivore boost should be fine, hopefully he will love the flavor. Is he eating very many insects & greens, too?
I hope he is feeling better today.

Tracie

 

[SilverGravity]

So he ate 5 crickets today, he wanted more but since he wasn't been eating much I didn't want to overwhelm his stomach so I stopped at 5. He was very eager to get them, just couldn't chase them so I had to use tongs/tweezer things. I also gave him water and blended up some greens and squash and gave him that. Wasn't too fond of the syringe, but he'll get used to it eventually I guess.

The only strange thing was his head was vibrating? He wasn't bobbing it or anything, his head was just vibrating, like he was shivering. Would he shiver if he's too cold? He's got the CHE now and it's much warmer, but since I haven't been able to find thermometers anywhere I'm not sure the temps yet.

 

[Esther19]

You can find a thermometer at Walmart. There is an aisle with outdoor thermometers around the light bulbs and paint. You'll want one with a box that has a digital screen and a wire with a probe. They're around $12.00. Temps are so important to Steve's recovery. Bless you for taking him in!

 

[SpacialCoogs]

There's a pretty good chance the little guy has Metabolic Bone Disease hence the shaking or tremors. If he wasn't getting UVA/UVB he couldn't absorb calcium and other essential vitamins/minerals. A trip to the vet will tell you for the severity if that's the case.

Dragons can recover from MBD but it will take time and proper husbandry. A proper herp vet would be able to tell you more after examination.

 

[SilverGravity]

I figured that might be the cause. I'm researching reptile vets around here now and found one nearby, but I think I'll have to email them and ask them in their experience with bearded dragons and MBD.

Also, thought you guys might want to know- we got a scale and I weighed Steve, and he's 232 grams.

 

[AHBD]

Yes, the shaking would be associated with a calcium and/or other nutritional deficiency. His having an appetite is good though, give him about 5 crickets every day . Once he gets some decent nutrition and uvb he'll hopefully start doing better. An experienced vet can help , definitely one that has experience with beardies.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That's good to hear Steve did eat some crickets today. He likely does have metabolic bone disease though so taking him in to see a vet would be a good idea. They can give a calcium booster shot along with some fluids & other vitamins/minerals too.
Keep us posted on him!

Tracie

 

[SilverGravity]

It's been too long of a waiting for the UVB lights so we've ordered new ones from another site, so both dragons should be getting them very soon. We also have two vets we're looking into, so that should hopefully be figured out soon too. Vet trip should hopefully not be too far away.

EDIT:
Tried the reptaboost, and he loved it. He refused at first so I had to put the syringe in his mouth but once he tasted it he couldn't get enough. He swallowed what he had then looking at the syringe eagerly for more. It was adorable. Then once he ate as much as he could handle he promptly put his head down and took a nap.