dying? force feed?

[ltrain]

My beardie Lizzie is 8-9 years old. I had in her brumation for 6-7 weeks, giving her a bit of water every 2 weeks..but turned her light on a week ago and about died when I saw her body. She has lost all fat reserves, hip bones are sticking out, base of her tail is very slim and even her soft spots on her head are sunken in. She has never lost weight like this while brumating, even when she stays in for much longer. I started force feeding her peas, just a few, each day and gave her a superworm 2 days ago. Yesterday she had 2 blueberries...everything still force fed, and after that feeding she was actually on her log awake for a little bit..first time since I started trying to wake her up. The lighting and heat have started her digestion, she had a BM. I have a vet appt in 2 days but should I continue feeding her until then? Could this be due to old age? She went to sleep healthy, though a little slimer than she has been in the past. I would be thankful for any advice

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Wow, that is a real shocker to have that happen.
Lizzie is around 9? It is possible it could be old age. She should not have lost weight like that during brumation definitely not.
I would continue to feed her to try to get her hydrated right now, & get a blood test when you take her to the vet to see what could be going on with her.
Do you use UVB lighting? If so, what type & brand do you use, a fluorescent tube bulb or a compact/coil light?

Tracie

 

[ltrain]

Thanks for the reply Tracie..U have actually been helping me off and on via email for the last 3 years on Lizzie. I use the megaray 100w and it was only a few months old when I put her to bed. I fed her again today and she seems to be getting more alert but it is strange that she would lose weight like that especially so quickly.

 

[taransteve]

I'm sorry to hear about Lizzie, we send her lots of beardie hugs and headbobs to get well soon.!