EMERGENCY PLEASE HELP

[jodimahowald]

I'm so sorry you're having to go through this, how scary! I've had scares with mine a few times, he gets really hyperactive sometimes and starts running and jumping off of the furniture! But anyways, my advice would be to just make sure he's always getting plenty of calcium (my container of powder has recommendations on the side for how much to give them based off of weight). That way he can build up stronger bones and hopefully if he jumps like that again, he'll be able to handle the impact. I've read that osteoporosis is a common health problem in captive beardies. Did you talk to the vet about the amount of calcium he's taking in? I really hope he's feeling better, that picture just broke my heart, poor thing. Good luck to both you and him!

 

[plantkisser]

Hello!! Thank you for your well wishes. I keep a very close eye on his calcium intake as well as his UVB as he is a rescue and has a past of MBD. Although I do everything I can to make sure his bones are as strong as they can be, sometimes there is just no reversing past damage I guess!!

 

[jodimahowald]

Hello!! Thank you for your well wishes. I keep a very close eye on his calcium intake as well as his UVB as he is a rescue and has a past of MBD. Although I do everything I can to make sure his bones are as strong as they can be, sometimes there is just no reversing past damage I guess!!

Yeah, that's too bad that he wasn't given proper care in the past! I'm glad you take such good care of him though! On a side note, where do rescue beardies come from? Are they taken from owners who aren't properly caring for them? Just curious because I'd never heard of that til I came on here!

 

[plantkisser]

I personally have 2 beardies that I consider "rescues". One of them I got just this week, and I found him via craigslist. I frequently search for bearded dragon supplies on the cheap there and his ad came up. He looked very skinny and had no calcium or UVB so I said what the heck! The owner traded me him for a potted plant.. :roll:

Spyro, my rescue beardie that fell, belonged to a teacher I used to work with. He was not a classroom pet, he just came up in casual conversation and I said "well, if you ever decide you don't want him anymore, let me know!" and she did! :lol:

Another venue some people go through is reptile rescues. Just try google searching reptile rescues in your area and I'm sure there will be beardies there too!!

 

[jodimahowald]

I personally have 2 beardies that I consider "rescues". One of them I got just this week, and I found him via craigslist. I frequently search for bearded dragon supplies on the cheap there and his ad came up. He looked very skinny and had no calcium or UVB so I said what the heck! The owner traded me him for a potted plant.. :roll:

Spyro, my rescue beardie that fell, belonged to a teacher I used to work with. He was not a classroom pet, he just came up in casual conversation and I said "well, if you ever decide you don't want him anymore, let me know!" and she did! :lol:

Another venue some people go through is reptile rescues. Just try google searching reptile rescues in your area and I'm sure there will be beardies there too!!

Oh my gosh, that's ridiculous (but hilarious!) that they would trade for a plant! Lucky for you I guess, you got an awesome deal and a new friend! I will definitely look into that, now that I have one BD I just want more, they're really great pets and so fascinating. And I would love to get a rescue, I'm all about giving a good home to animals!

 

[plantkisser]

I am a firm believer that rescuing is very rewarding for both you and the beardie!! Adopt, dont shop

 

[plantkisser]

Found Spyro on his back yet again this morning I am afraid to leave him alone at all.

 

[diamc]

Oh dear, so sorry to hear that, poor thing. Is he still getting frequent baths to make sure he is well hydrated? I know if they get dehydrated, it can throw off their balance sometimes, just a thought.

 

[plantkisser]

Oh, good thought! I didn't know that. He just got a bath yesterday but that was his first one since he fell. I have been giving him water daily with a syringe though. I will keep an eye on that and keep it in mind! Thanks!

 

[diamc]

Hope he does better tomorrow and doesn't tip over again. How's he acting otherwise?

 

[plantkisser]

Pretty normal by his standards- he's never been a very active little dude. He'll move around a little to get into comfy spots or to get some sun, but other than that he's just hanging out and continuing his "gaping" thing.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Does he gape both in & out of his tank, correct?
How is he doing today, any improvements for you?
Please keep us posted on him. I really hope that he gets better soon.


Tracie

 

[plantkisser]

Yes, he does gape in and out of the tank. Also, he does not constantly hold his mouth open- more like he opens it to take a big breath maybe once every 30 seconds or so. He did ok today! No flipping over, and he seemed pretty happy to eat a few roaches for me. I also gave him a raspberry, his favorite treat He still seems pretty unbalanced though. Thanks, I hope he gets better soon too.

 

[plantkisser]

Well, we went to the vet on Saturday for a recheck and the news was not what I wanted to hear. The vet thinks Spyro has a possible brain/spinal cord injury. The recovery from this is not always possible, and there is really only so much we can do. He is back on the Metacam but the dosing is different. The doctor hopes that since it is an anti-inflamatory it might help. But if it doesn't and his condition continues to progress, it may get to the point where he cannot recognize food or live any sort of normal life, and at that point euthanasia may be the best option. I am really praying that my little buddy can push through this and be okay. Thank you all for your support through this.

 

[diamc]

Oh dear, so sorry to hear that is a possibility. Must have been so hard for you to get that news. Hopefully the Metacam will help to make him more comfortable & reduce any inflammation he may have.

Thoughts & prayers for both of you.