Frozen Beardy

[BeardyMommy]

We moved from FL to NJ and my beardy froze during the drive because we got caught in a bad winter storm. Although he was frozen solid and not moving, after an hour or so in the heat he began to puff up and open his mouth. Its a miracle. My question is, what can I do to help her regain her health and strength?

 

[Jiffy]

I am sorry, I dont know of anything to tell you to do other than warmth. I hope your beardie is ok.

 

[Freeie]

Maybe try luke warm baths? I'm not really sure either.

 

[zombies]

does your car not have a heater?
you coouldnt hold em n let your temp warm em up?


i have no solutions .. jus questions

 

[Trickseedog]

Is he doing any better, yet? I'd check around ASAP for a herp vet in your new area.

Zombies, a little sensitivity might serve you well. When stuck in a winter storm, you can't always keep your vehicle running without either running out of gas or asphyxiating all occupants of the vehicle.

 

[instabilus]

between warm baths, try putting her on a rice sock.

 

[jortiz9758]

I guess I would also suggest warm baths and some TLC . I would have just kept him with me, wherever it was warm enough for the rest of the family.

 

[vickson420]

You need to keep him warm.Dont push too many baths yet.Make sure his night time temp doesnt fall below 70F.The biggest issue here is going to be the possibility of an RI or Pneumonia.If you see that he doesnt perk up immediately or he starts caughing,has mucous or is gaping extensively you will need to get im to the vet ASAP for antibiotics.How did he get so cold?Exactly how cold did it get?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

WOW I would like to know also, exactly how cold did he get?
I agree, no baths yet. Warm him up gradually not quickly so he doesn't go into shock from such temperature variance.
Keep his tank warm overnight at least to 80 for a few days or so to make sure his immune system.
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[BarkAtTheMoon]

I'm sure somebody's going to "scold" me for me this, so go ahead, it's O.K. But . . . I keep hearing my Grandma's voice (may she rest in peace)

"I think you're pulling my leg."

Jessie
Southwest born, Southern raised

 

[BeardyMommy]

There wasn't any room in the cab of the moving truck so we wrapped his terrarium in blankets and he was in the back of the moving van. Unfortunatly, we got stuck in the snow storm on the east coast around Virginia. Hes fine now, he seems very happy and just as cuddly as he was before (perching on our shoulders and nuzzling our neck and chins). So far I see no ill affects from his tiny adventure into the cold. Hes eating like before and having BM's just as before. I googled this coma type behavior and it seems thats its a common thing that some (not all) reptiles do when they are not able to get warm. We have kept him in the warmest room of the house since the incident and my kids wrap him in a blanket several times a day and cuddle him. I think Freddie will be fine and thank you everyone who has replied to help my baby!

 

[BeardyMommy]

Also, to answer a few questions: Its was well below freezing, I believe night time temp got below 20 degrees. Our moving van cab was too small to put a terrarium in (Freddie does not enjoy car rides and freaks a lil unless in his tank). When we were finally able to get to our new house and get into the van he was frozen solid (stiff, unresponsive, no apparent heartbeat or breath). We brought him into the house and sat him next to a warm radiator for 20 minutes before thinking that he had died and of course the kids cried for a bit. We placed his terrarium on the kitchen table where my children watched him a bit and every few minutes would say "Hes moving". I kept telling them that when u want something badly enough your brain tricks you into seeing things. I then got up to check on him when i noticed his mouth was wide open and his beards were puffed and body flattened. This is the point where i picked him up out of the cage, wrapped him in a blanket and held him over the radiator. Everything has been fine since then. I haven't given him a warm bath yet because he seems to be doing ok (regular BM's, eating normally) Anyway, hope all this has answered all your questions and thank you everyone for the suggestions and concern.


BeardyMommy

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh I see. He basically went into a brumation type of state. He may have been close to freezing, but, if he was truly frozen, he would not have made it. They are capable of slowing down their heart rates to 1-2 respirations per minute to preserve oxygen levels & energy levels during brumation phases. They are able to cool down safely, but being realistic, obviously they can freeze in certain situations of course. They have been seen basking in the sunlight in temperatures of the mid 40's, so, since he was wrapped up & in shelter, he just slowed himself down & went to sleep. So, no harm done at all.
He is a lucky little boy! I am glad that everything turned out in the end for you all.
I am happy to hear that he is just fine & is eating well also. Great, I think he has probably already forgotten about getting cold now.

Tracie

 

[instabilus]

i'm glad he is doing better!

 

[LJean]

That is an amazing beardie you have there, to have survived that cold. Glad to hear that he is doing well.