We just picked up Spike from the reptile shop that boards reptiles when we go on vacation. The same place we bought her when she was a baby. They trimmed her nails and talked to us a bit when we picked her up. They said her nails are curling a bit and are thickening, and this is a first sign of gout. She is a big girl, has impressive curves. But she is also big all over, head, tail as well. I have tried to cut down on her intake before, giving a lot of salad, but she never really loses much weight. They said she appears to have some German Giant in her perhaps, because of her overall larger size. Anyway, her legs did not appear really swollen to them at all. She does have curvy thighs, but the forearms, really are not big at all, nor are her feet or toes. I do think they know what they are talking about as they also take in rescue beardies. They have one now they said that was surrendered and has bad gout, can't move at all, is maintained on meds. It is a wonderful, caring store. But they scared me. They said she looks good, but that the nails are a first sign. I didn't ask then because I didn't research until I got home. Should I take her to the vet? I took her last year for a check up and they said she looked great. I have researched everything when it comes to her, she has the right lights, tank, temps, gets baths daily, greens daily according to the beautiful dragons site. Her staples for protein are phoenix worms, wax worms maybe once every other week, crickets couple times a month. She gets worms or protein maybe every other to every third day. She can be a bit lazy and due to a broken leg that never fully healed well, she does limp a bit. But she does get around and climbs a bit. But not less than she ever has, she has never really been a crazy climber...so it isn't as if she is worse, know what I mean? I can take her to the vet in a week or so, but now I am really worried. her nails have been curved a bit for the last year or so anyway. How much less protein should I give her? Cut out the wax worms totally, I imagine. Would dried be better for one feeding a week? The tiny meal worms? I know they are less nutritious, but she gets lots of greens and calcium on her salad every other day. She hates crickets. I can't convince her to eat more than one or two when I do offer. SHe refuses to hunt them at all. But again, she never did. She is 4. If it helps, I could take a picture of her legs and joints....I would just like to know if I should call the vet or if there is really any concern...We love her to pieces and I feel like we have taken such great care to take care of her. She does get more protein than they suggested, though....but maybe 1/3 of her diet....that is all.