Is my bearded dragon approx 12-13 years old nearing the end

[Crackerslizard#1]

I have a female bearded dragon approximatel 12-13 years old. She’s always been healthy we’ve had no issues. In this last year she has significantly slowed down and now to a point she won’t feed herself anymore she just sleeps endlessly, she doesn’t move around much and if she falls upside down she can’t right herself. She’s never been sick she doesn’t look sick. I have to force feed her water and bugs. Her coloring is good. I feel like she’s gotten very elderly now but I’m not familiar with aging dragons she’s the only one I’ve had. Any thoughts

 

[xp29]

I have a female bearded dragon approximatel 12-13 years old. She’s always been healthy we’ve had no issues. In this last year she has significantly slowed down and now to a point she won’t feed herself anymore she just sleeps endlessly, she doesn’t move around much and if she falls upside down she can’t right herself. She’s never been sick she doesn’t look sick. I have to force feed her water and bugs. Her coloring is good. I feel like she’s gotten very elderly now but I’m not familiar with aging dragons she’s the only one I’ve had. Any thoughts

@AHBD @Claudiusx @CooperDragon may have advice they all have decades of experience

 

[CooperDragon]

Has she been losing weight? I would keep track of that and see how it is trending. She could be slowly losing weight and it may not be apparent. If her coloring is still good and she isn't showing black/gray beards often then she may not be in distress which is good. Falling upside down and having less energy and little appetite is concerning though. There may be an underlying health problem that could be detected by a vet exam, but there isn't a guarantee that it could be treated. The answer may just be to keep trying to feed her and keep her as comfortable as possible.

 

[AHBD]

I agree with this advice here. The most concerning symptom is the flipping over. If she does this often and starts showing a black beard then that would be more serious , possibly showing extreme disorientation and discomfort/pain.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Congratulations on having an older dragon, it is
not a real common occurrence!
Since she tends to flip over sometimes & can't
get herself turned back over that is concerning. I agree, but since she doesn't have a black beard or seem to be in distress at the moment.
Do your best & help assist feed her so she can get nutrition that way.
Have you updated her UVB light lately?

Tracie

 

[Sue E.]

Wishing you and your girl all the best!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Feel free to post pictures of her, in her tank setup
just so we can see her & her environment.
Let us know how she is doing.

Tracie

 

[Drache613]

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