Got an injection in the back, beards been black all day

[Menolly]

Last month he had the beginnings of a respitory infection. He got 3 shots of Amiglyde .05. He seemed to do okay for awhile and then he started gaping again. He saw the vet again and we got another 3 shots of Amiglyde .05. He seemed to be fine and then he started gaping again. He has a little click now and again, but no mucous either time. I'm at a lose at what to do now. He was a 120 Sb mercury vapor bulb and a regular household bulb. Temps around 105-110. He's been getting baths every other day, he eats crickets, hornworms, butters, and super worms on the rare occasion. He's been eating more squash lately, butternut and whatever kinds he can eat, collards, and safe fruits. Calcium and vitamin supplements, gets outside a ton.

I took him to the vet and he said everything sounds ok. No fluid in the lungs, he seemed good. He still has been gaping, so the vet gave him an injection of Baytril .25 in the back. His beard has been jet black since we got home 5 hours ago. It gets a little less black, but it's still black I'm worried. He's supposed to go back to the vet to get another shot, but not if it seems to hurt him, but he's still gaping what should I do. I'm at a lose at this point.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am pretty sure that the black beard is due to the shot of Baytril. It is really harsh on their system so it can really leave them feeling under the weather for awhile.
You can try giving extra water to help with hydrating him back up as it does tend to dehydrate them pretty badly.
Are you giving any probiotic now to help settle his tummy?

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[Menolly]

Hi Tracy,
He got a nice bath this morning, but his beard is still a little black. He'll be getting soy yogurt a little later. I was curious about the dosage and the need for future shots. That was his 6th shot is there something I'm doing wrong?

 

[Drache613]

Hello!

What is the dose he is receiving?
His 6th dose & how far apart are they spread out?
Do you know the strength/concentration of the injection he is getting?
He has had a respiration infection or the bacterial infection, correct?

It sounds like he just does not like the Baytril or it could just be too much for his system right now. I am glad you are giving the soy yogurt, hopefully it will help him out. Continue with his daily baths, also to help with hydration.

Tracie

 

[Menolly]

Hi Tracy,

This is his first dose of Baytril .25ccs. He had two shots about mid July of .05ccs of Amiglyde. He got 3 more in mid August, Amiglyde .05ccs each time because he was gaping and he was demonstrating some clicking. He seemed to be okay for a week, but started gaping again.

I'm not sure if it's bacterial or a respitory infection, the vet just assumed it was a respitory infection. I don't know the concentration of the Baytril, I could call the vet tomorrow and ask. He has had a black beard all day again so I don't want him to have another but I don't know what to do. He didn't gape today I guess that's an upside, but he barely at anything at all. How would I know the difference between a bacterial infection or a respitory infection?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Burra]

My rescue beardie had a Baytril injection for suspected mouth rot, and was also sent home with an oral antibiotic for 3 weeks. He had a black beard for 2-3 days after the injection and did not want to eat. The oral antibiotic didn't help his appetite either. I made sure I bathed him daily, and I also syringe fed him a few times with critical care, baby food, and probiotic.

I know this doesn't answer all of your issues, but I hope it helped to ease your mind a little about the Baytril injection.

 

[Menolly]

I'm just worried its exteme when he doesn't know exactly what's wrong.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Did he not listen to his breathing to see if he heard any congestion while breathing? They could do a mouth swab/culture to test for specific bacteria, also.
The Baytril is awfully hard on them if it is not warranted. If the vet feels like he may have a respiratory infection, you could consider nebulizing instead of giving oral medication, they tend to do a little better with that treatment.

Tracie

 

[Menolly]

He did listen and didn't hear any fluid in his lungs. He said it sounded like everything was okay but be ause he was still gaping to try a different medication.

The Baytril is awfully hard on them if it is not warranted. If the vet feels like he may have a respiratory infection, you could consider nebulizing instead of giving oral medication, they tend to do a little better with that treatment.

Nebulizing or do you think it could be something bacterial? I just want to cover all my bases. Maybe instead of a shot on Monday I could ask to swab his mouth instead of getting the shot.

 

[Burra]

The only thing with antibiotics is they need to be given on a regular schedule to be effective. I am a vet tech for small animals and our practice doesn't work with reptiles, but from my experience it seems beardies need to be treated every other day. I'd hate to see you stop the antibiotic and then have it turn out he needed it. Or worse yet, the bacteria become immune to it because he didn't get a full course. On the other hand, you don't want to give it if he doesn't need it. Poor baby! Is it possible to get a second opinion?

 

[Menolly]

I've been to most of the vets in town, that's why I wanted opinions of people on here. The vet I have seems good, a second opinion might not hurt though. Its just hard to find a vet that specializes in reptiles.