Help for rescued beardies

[Beardiebuddy1902]

Hoping to get some help from fellow beardie lovers.

The story is basically that some people I know went off to Australia for a month and left their beardies under the care of a next door neighbour. I popped round to see them and discovered that the tank lights and heat had been off for a couple of days and the neighbour had dumped all the insects into the tank at once!

After getting the heating back on (looks like bulb had gone and the timer plugs they'd set up hadn't worked properly) noticed that one of the pair was blowing bubbles and was in a very listless state (more than you'd expect from a cold lizard).

Got him to the vets (lucky to have a really good lizard specialist at local practice) and she diagnosed respiratory infection, eye infection and was generally concerned about overall welfare.

Got some antibiotics and have moved the tank to my place as needtwice daily hydro treatment plus eye drops etc and have tried to get hold of owners. In the meantime set up a GoFundMe page to look for help with the costs (as not insured by owner)

‪https://www.gofundme.com/help-a-poorly-bearded-dragon‬

Heard back from owner today and they basically told me to either have it put down or rehomed but can't bring myself to do that as I think he's got a chance with treatment but can't rehome him until that's been done so I find myself here asking for help please.

Anything gratefully received

Many thanks.

 

[Gormagon]

You are doing all you can for him right now.no one could ask for more.
Be sure to keep his temps up a tad at night to help boost his immune system and, keep him hydrated .

 

[EllenD]

I appreciate you wanting to help him, I'm not sure why the neighbor's that agreed to care for their pair of beardies absolutely ignored them to the point that one of them is very sick and they had no lights on for days, that's really pretty crappy...What did they have to say for themselves? How is the second beardie of the pair? I hope you have that one as well?

If you can't afford vet care for him, and vet care is necessary for his recovery, and your plan is to rehome him when he's well, I would be trying to find a reptile rescue that will take him and continue his care. They take in sick reptiles every day and get them proper vet care, I have volunteered at an exotics rescue for years, and we have agreements with several different specialty vets, we pay less and use donations and grants to fund the care. So if he is able to be helped with vet care, I'd surrender him to a reptile rescue before I euthanized him.

 

[Beardiebuddy1902]

Thanks Ellen
Neighbor is embarrassed but to be fair was just ignorant. Someone else was due to look after them but got admitted to hospital. She simply hadn't known about heat lamps etc or recognised how poorly one was.
Yes I've taken both in.
Am looking for specialist reptile rescue that's local to me but kinda feel I need to wait till owners are back from Australia and get them signed over properly. Don't really wanna hand them over to regular animal rescue sources as BD's so clearly need knowledgable care.
I know owners and they are genuinely nice people but clearly had little clue of beardies needs. They feel best option is euthanasia but I disagree hence I confiscated them. If they can be saved they deserve a chance though clearly I won't allow them to suffer.
Thought the go fund thing was worth a try so I can do the next stage of treatment and get them to a point where they can go to forever home.
They are both very sweet and seem to enjoy a cuddle.
Had to cut their claws today as curling right under feet. I've learnt to do antibiotic injections and have become ninja at doing eye drops! I'm bathing them both daily and have disenfected viv etc. Giving them some veggies but they don't seem impressed and are ignoring small locusts. Any tips? Am I missing anything?

 

[Gormagon]

Chsnces are if, they where kept under bad husbandry, they were most likely not fed properly as well. This could explain the reluctance to eat veggies and hoppers. This just a guess.

 

[Beardiebuddy1902]

Thanks Gormagon.
So it's a sort of a habit with them plus bit of stress with moving to mine you think? From what I've read it's ok for a week or so ? They have nice fat tails.
Cheers
Caroline

 

[Gormagon]

Yes, moving twice would do it, I was focussing more on the neglect part and, didn't even think about the relocation stress. Things should straighten up in short order.
How is the sick one doing today?

 

[Beardiebuddy1902]

Hi
Well he's survived another night! Good boy Dave!
Breathing isn't as laboured , seems much less lethargic , seems stronger and more aware that I'm there. Eye still very swollen but is reducing slowly.
About to give them both their bath.....can't believe this is what my life's become but I feel really emotionally invested now ya know?

 

[NinaAmbroshia]

Those poor dragons! I'm glad the sick one seems to be doing at least a little bit better! Though, i feel so bad for them! Least they got you know! ... >.> sorry, i am bad with words

 

[Beardiebuddy1902]

Hi All
Sorry to let you know that I've just had to have Dave euthanised. Feel so angry and sad for him but I guess he was just too far gone to be saved. He wasn't picking up significantly with the antibiotics and drops and just looked really poorly today so I took him to vet.
Thanks for help and suggestions.
I've still got his pal Bob at the mo. He's looking ok but I'm kinda dreading the same sort of problems as they were kept under same conditions. Makes me so mad that through sheer ignorance they've got into this state. Sorry just needed a rant.
Caroline

 

[NinaAmbroshia]

No meed to apologize, i would rant to. If i was in your shoes and i am so sorry, you had to do that. Hopefully Bob will make it through!