Help with black spikes

[JonnyDoum]

Hi, I'm new here and pleased to meet you all.

I have a beardie that is about 4. I just noticed that he has a few spikes on his right cheek that are very dark, almost black and the tips of them look like they've been singed; like they are withering. He recently went through a very long shed that I had to assist with by spraying him with a shed aid for about a week. He also seems to get fairly dark in his tank, which is spacious and has the correct lighting and heating for both cool and hot sides. When I bring him out in the sun on hot days he lightens right up. I'm concerned about the spikes though. Has anyone experienced this?

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Hello,

Would you mind posting a picture of his spikes. It would help to see them.

Dawn

 

[Goonie]

Sounds like he had retained shed on those spikes and they are now "dying".
If you could post a pic of the spikes, we'd be better to help out.

 

[JonnyDoum]

Thanks for the replies... I don't have any way of posting a picture unfortunately and I can't find any similar images on the internet. The best that I can describe it is that three or four of the spikes on his cheek have turned very dark and the tips look like they are withering. It is also fairly dark in the small area of the beard right where the spikes are, but it appears to be isolated right in those spots.

I don't remember if I said it earlier, but he did go through a very long shed and after spraying him and massaging in a shed aid, the skin came up in a few days, and one of those areas of trouble was the top of the head, the spikes on his cheeks, and a patch between his shoulders. I'll try to find a way to get a picture up.

 

[Goonie]

Even though the skin eventually came off, it might've been too late and suffocated the new skin underneath, thus causing the skin itself and the spikes to turn gray/black.

 

[JonnyDoum]

I am bringing one of my other herps to the vet tomorrow and plan to ask the vet about it... if it is what you say, spikes dying because of shed, is there anything I can do? Will this cause great discomfort? It doesn't seem to, but I don't want it to spread if that is a concern.

 

[Goonie]

Usually it shouldn't cause additional problems, but just to be sure, keep a close watch on those spots. If you start seeing the gray/black area(s) spreading, bring him to the vet ASAP.

 

[JonnyDoum]

Thank you so much for your help and guidance. There are not many bearded dragon or herp enthusiasts in my area of northeastern PA, and unless this new vet that I'm going to try is actually knowledgeable with reptiles, just about all of my info comes from the internet and now this site (thank God I found it!).

 

[Goonie]

You're welcome.

Try searching through Herp Vet Connection. Maybe you'll be able to find a herp specialist in your area.