NatureCenter
New member
I'm looking for some advice on dealing with health issues in Spark, the bearded dragon.
Spark was donated to the camp I work at about six months before I started working there, and his owner didn't leave much information on his background. He's an adult, but not sure what age. I'm also not sure what condition he arrived in, but ever since I've started working with him he has never seemed completely healthy. His top jaw is receded, leaving curled edges, and he never seems to have great muscle tone or energy.
I've tried improving his habitat with a better UVB light and better basking spot (although there is still room for improvement) and increasing his calcium intake by dusting any live food, but I haven't noticed much improvement in his condition. He is a VERY picky eater and rarely can be convinced to eat any veggies, so that might be part of the problem.
Now for the questions ... Does this sound like MBD? If so, can something like a deformed jaw be reversed, or is that permanent damage? Besides calcium powder, is there any other at-home/DIY type treatment that might help Spark? How helpful do you think a vet visit might be? The closest reptile vet is several hours away and the camp budget is pretty limited, so I'm trying to do as much as I can on my own.
Thanks for any insight or advice you can offer!
Spark was donated to the camp I work at about six months before I started working there, and his owner didn't leave much information on his background. He's an adult, but not sure what age. I'm also not sure what condition he arrived in, but ever since I've started working with him he has never seemed completely healthy. His top jaw is receded, leaving curled edges, and he never seems to have great muscle tone or energy.
I've tried improving his habitat with a better UVB light and better basking spot (although there is still room for improvement) and increasing his calcium intake by dusting any live food, but I haven't noticed much improvement in his condition. He is a VERY picky eater and rarely can be convinced to eat any veggies, so that might be part of the problem.
Now for the questions ... Does this sound like MBD? If so, can something like a deformed jaw be reversed, or is that permanent damage? Besides calcium powder, is there any other at-home/DIY type treatment that might help Spark? How helpful do you think a vet visit might be? The closest reptile vet is several hours away and the camp budget is pretty limited, so I'm trying to do as much as I can on my own.
Thanks for any insight or advice you can offer!