Enema Tomorrow!!!

[LadyKayla]

I have a 9 month old female that went through an extreme decrease in health in the last month. She stopped eating, signs of mbd began showing up (I wasnt aware of any of this in the beginning. This forum led me to take steps to counteract this i.e. calcium and vitamin supplements and changing to reptisun 10.0 tube light), her last poop was a month ago and she also had a seizure that left her back legs paralyzed for a week. I'm a reptile newb but through this website I've tried every little thing possible to get her to go but she just won't so now she has to go to the vet and get an enema at 8 in the morning. They're keeping her all day and night, doing x rays and running intravenous dye through her before the enema. I've read some beardie horror stories about enemas and I'm extremely nervous. What kinds of things should I ask about? What do I take her in? She isnt really moving much so could I just wrap her in a towel and set her on the heated car seat? Its a 40 minute drive to the vet. What medications should I request? This is a little dark but worst case scenario should I request to have her body if she passes? I'd like to give her a proper burial if something happens. I've heard some crazy things online so excuse me if I see crazy.
-Frantic Lizard Mom Kayla

 

[Gormagon]

I don't know if it will help but have you tried giving her a warm bath for about 15 to 20 minutes then take outside in the grass and let her soak up some good uvb for another 20 minutes. When Peaches "my owner" gets this way, it works for her.
I am also curious what type of substrate she is on and what kind of temps are you running.

 

[LadyKayla]

Shes had 30 minute baths twice a day for the last two weeks and we spend 2-3 hours outside every day together. She's on reptile carpet and always has been. Hot side 100, with climbing options for heat up to 105-110 depending on where she is and cool side is 80-85.

 

[CooperDragon]

That's scary, especially after reading the stories about them. I think a lot of it comes down to the experience of your vet. It's good they are taking X-Rays beforehand so they can see if there is a blockage and try to determine what it is beforehand (if it exists). One of my guys had an enema to help clear a sand impaction. It worked with no complications that I was aware of. It's something I wouldn't take lightly though and I wouldn't want a vet without bearded dragon experience to perform the procedure.

 

[LadyKayla]

That's scary, especially after reading the stories about them. I think a lot of it comes down to the experience of your vet. It's good they are taking X-Rays beforehand so they can see if there is a blockage and try to determine what it is beforehand (if it exists). One of my guys had an enema to help clear a sand impaction. It worked with no complications that I was aware of. It's something I wouldn't take lightly though and I wouldn't want a vet without bearded dragon experience to perform the procedure.

It definitely exsists. I give her belly rubs in the tub and theres probably an inch of poop you can feel as of this last week. I'm not sure if shes impacted because of super worms or the onset of mbd paralyzing her muscles. I would've taken her much sooner but her appointment is gonna be at least $200 plus we had to go out of state so we're in a hotel room for the night. I'm just praying to any lizard gods that she makes it out okay.

 

[CooperDragon]

Sending my thoughts and best wishes for a good outcome!

 

[AHBD]

Poor girl, how did it go ?

 

[LadyKayla]

I'm pretty sure the vet had no idea what she was talking about. The xray I was shown was the worst quality thing ever, we werent allowed copies or to take pictures and it looked like it had been used before because someone elses name sticker was under mine. She said my beardie had no bones..? She wasn't concerned Crêpe hadnt pooped in over a month. She gave me liquid calcium, no calcium shot or blood work for baby. Didnt even send me home with a care sheet. She was honestly a mess. Crêpe finally pooped yesterday and it was so big and messy. She gobbled up some smooshed beardie pellets, a little broccoli, raspberry and some dandelion greens this morning though. Her movement and energy are waaay up from yesterday but still no bug chasing or interest. If anyone has anymore suggestions or knows of a thread that talks about recouping from MBD/impaction I could really use it.

 

[kyleena29]

That vet sounds pretty bed. You paid for an xray you should be able to keep the pictures or they can put it on disc for you. Just terrible. Did they suggest treatment? I'm wondering if they are trying to scrape you for money. They should had been concerned about the impaction too. If the MBD is not that bad you can get by with the calcium but make sure you have a fresh new UVB lamp and when possible, real sunshine. I believe an hour of sun is worth all day on a bulb or something like that. Make sure no glass or plastic is in front of the uvb or the sun. Sitting in front of a closed window won't give them uvb (screen is fine). Does she walk and climb well or is she struggling? Does she walk funny with her feet bent under her arms? A blood test would also be able to help. I would definitely find a new vet. I don't know if someone here can help you find one unless you live in WA. I would give her some baby food pumpkin or canned plain pumpkin to make sure she has pooped all that old stuff out. You could also try a little prune juice. If that vet is not the owner I would definitely complain. The fact she is eating is already a big improvement. I'm so sorry you aren't getting the help you need from your vet IF she hasn't eaten protein for a while you will want to start slowly so as not to shock her kidneys.

 

[LadyKayla]

That vet sounds pretty bed. You paid for an xray you should be able to keep the pictures or they can put it on disc for you. Just terrible. Did they suggest treatment? I'm wondering if they are trying to scrape you for money. They should had been concerned about the impaction too. If the MBD is not that bad you can get by with the calcium but make sure you have a fresh new UVB lamp and when possible, real sunshine. I believe an hour of sun is worth all day on a bulb or something like that. Make sure no glass or plastic is in front of the uvb or the sun. Sitting in front of a closed window won't give them uvb (screen is fine). Does she walk and climb well or is she struggling? Does she walk funny with her feet bent under her arms? A blood test would also be able to help. I would definitely find a new vet. I don't know if someone here can help you find one unless you live in WA. I would give her some baby food pumpkin or canned plain pumpkin to make sure she has pooped all that old stuff out. You could also try a little prune juice. If that vet is not the owner I would definitely complain. The fact she is eating is already a big improvement. I'm so sorry you aren't getting the help you need from your vet IF she hasn't eaten protein for a while you will want to start slowly so as not to shock her kidneys.

They only treatment she told me about was to give her calcium and see what she does. She is the owner and only reptile vet near me. Its driving me crazy.
I just put a new bulb in 2 weeks ago. We go outside and hangout together every day the sun is out anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Thats all on her. Shes good at letting me know what she wants. She can walk but its funny looking. None of her limbs go under her, she just isnt real sure in her footing. Sometimes she really takes off. A lot of belly dragging but she hasnt gotten much protein since the impaction and I'm sure those little muscles of hers are tired. I expect to see improvement in that soon. No climbing for right now, I dont think shes strong enough so I just emlinated that risk for now. There is no pumpkin baby food without extra stuff or plain canned pumpkin to be found anywhere near me. She has taken some applesauce and olive oil so I'm hoping that get the job done. Its gonna be a slow process but I'll spend all my time and resources on her. I'll see if I can get a picture to post!

 

[kyleena29]

So she does have signs of possible MBD then. It affects their muscles, well probably everything. You could go with prune juice. I would also give her some turkey or chicken baby food mixed with veggie to get her slowly back on protein since the vet didn't provide you any critical care. I would just stick with the calcium daily. You could add bee pollen to her supplements also for a boost. It will be a long road for recovery for sure, keep up the good work. I read this would help a lot for the calcium absorption too:

http://www.beardeddragon.co/index.php?route=product/product&path=60&product_id=545

You could also give her silk worms instead if she'll eat them, they produce that stuff naturally. Also, there are vets out there that don't say "Reptile specialist" or whatever. There are many out there that aren't specialist but are very experienced with reptiles. You have to call each one and ask if you haven't done so you could try. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[AHBD]

Well that's good that she got through it , I was worried she was too weak, but thankfully it worked ! The applesauce + olive or veg. oil will do the trick to help keep her pooing. Sunshine + calcium are going to help her greatly. Other than that, offering food and syringe feeding will get nutrition in her. A small pinch of good vitamin powder mixed in with her food will also help, that's all you really need other than the calcium,food + time.

 

[LadyKayla]

Thank you all so much. I appreciate the help greatly. I have another question I'd like to ask. So since she cant climb or anything her tank is virtually empty minus food and water that she doesnt touch. She walks around but theres just nothing for her to do in there and it makes me feel terrible. Does anyone have suggestions for tank items right now in her state? I dont want her to get hurt but I cant stand to see her so sad and bored looking when I have to leave.

 

[AHBD]

Poor little one.....you might put a flat piece of wood , even a small branch that could lay flat on the ground. That would provide her something to climb on that would be just an inch or 2 high. Be sure it's stable and can't roll. Or a bandanna or some type of fabric rolled up to create a small perch. If you use any fabric/cloth be sure it's nothing that her claws could get snagged on.

 

[AHBD]

How's your little girl doing , is she eatig or drinking anything ? Any pics of her ?