I need some advice!!

[Silas66]

Hi there everyone,

This is my first post ever and unfortunately it isnt on the best of terms. I have a female dragon that is estimated to be about 5 months old. Due to a suspected RI I took her to the vet and he prescribed Baytril. The vet didnt really seem like he was worried...but I feel like he wasn't very passionate.

Ok, so Silas has had 3 doses of Baytril. She hasnt eaten in 3 other days than some mushed banana today. Ive been bathing her to keep her hydrated, and she is not impacted. Basking: 105 cool side 80 ish, measured with a probe thermo. UVB bulb full length of her tank and humidity is 10%

Symptoms: Sleepy...like as soon as I pick her up shes out, which never happened before. She falls asleep in her basking spot and almost falls off. Shes been glass surfing and falling asleep against the glass.

I'm worried and I have no idea what to do. Sorry that this is long. Please, any advice would be great. Thanks!

 

[AHBD]

Hi there.....sorry to hear that she's sick ! How was Silas before the R.I., and how did you decide it was an R.I ? As for the lethargy, the Baytril can upset their tummy. It would be good to give Silas a probiotic along with the Baytril. Acidophiliz +, Benebac or soy yogurt can help balance the gut flora. Hopefully she's just a lil' bit sick from the meds. At least she ate a few bites of banana, but if you can get her to eat some greens or squash by mixing with a tiny bit of banana that would be much more nutritious, bananas alone aren't too good for beardies. Best wishes for a quick recovery for Silas !

 

[Silas66]

Silas seems to have perked up quite a bit over night. Sleepy, but not as inactive. Im going to try to feed her some greens this morning and I also bought some green beans and butternut squash baby food as a last resort. Just to give her something in her belly. I couldnt find Soy yogurt but I bought 90% lactose free plain. Havent used it because I want to make sure it is safe.

As for how she was before all this. She was very very tiny from a pet store ( I felt I had to rescue her) Shes always taken deep breathes once in a while and exhaled sharply with a hiss sound but it wasnt all the time and she was eating, pooping, soaking and exploring without any concern. Then one day I gave her a bath and she started making wet exhale noises and a bubble out her nose. She may have aspirated water but the bubble worried me because I didn't know if it was mucus. Took her in and the vet said we can try Baytril.

Maybe I just need to give her some time?

 

[thelonelyzombie]

I hope she just needs time. It seems crazy how long it takes a beardie or any reptile to heal! Mammals (people, dogs and cats) seem to be able to heal in a time that makes sense to us. But lizard seems to take forever! Especially this time of year when they are naturally slower, sleepier, and eating less.
The bubbles out the nostrils are concerning, but I think baytril should clear up whatever's infected. It's a pretty broad spectrum antibiotic and also pretty powerful. We think of baytril as kind of a bigger gun in cat/dog vet medicine.
Is she into eating any if her live food? What about other sweets that are a little better for her like Mangos?
My main advice is to be patient. Dragons need longer to get better than we are usually used to. I hope the baytril works!!

 

[Silas66]

Thanks for the replies. Its nice to have someone to talk to when youre second guessing everything. I think only other beardie owners understand. Great news; Si ate a hornworm yesterday and is a little more active. She has been pooping regularly and staying hydrated. I'm going to pick her up some more feeders today and see if she'll take some more.

I knew she was hungry when she started to lick the thermometer probe :lol: She thought it was a worm! Things are looking up!!!

 

[sammmycakes]

Good luck with everything! I find baytril is a very common drug in treating RI in small animals.
I've always heard of using ceftadizime injections for reptiles but it could be depending on what area you live in!