Is my dragon impacted or constipated? *please help!*

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

Dude has not gone to the bathroom in a few days.
I just saw him wiggle his behind and try to go, but no luck.
There is nothing in his cage like sand or paper towels to be eaten, so I *dont think* it's impaction, but I dont know how to tell the difference.
I've been giving him warm baths, but he still cant go.

-How can I tell if it's impaction or if he is just constipated?
-How can I help him go to the bathroom?

The warm side of his cage is always about 85-92 degrees. He is about 6 years old.

Please help!
Thanks
- CiaraAlexisOnFire

 

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

Someone please help?

 

[SRT12141992]

Shouldn't the warm side be around 95-100? I'd try making the warm side hotter, aids in digestion

 

[SunShine]

Horus had a little trouble going for a couple of days when we moved him to a bigger tank while we tried to get temps right, so try raising the temps, adults like a basking spot between 100-105 so he might be a little cold.
1-How cool is the cold side of his tank?
2-What is he eating and how much of what
3-How warm are the baths and for how long? Temp should be a nice warm bath temp for you, not hot to the touch. Also when horus had this happen I gently stroked his abdomen and he went poop after that. Although I do not know if it actually helped or if it was just coincidence.
I am new to beardies so I'm not sure if it's good for them or not, but lacking more advise as of yet I hope this al helped.

-Lillie

 

[bandit27]

Hi

I agree, you need to try an raise the temps to 100F to 105F, this will help him to digest his food.

 

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

Horus had a little trouble going for a couple of days when we moved him to a bigger tank while we tried to get temps right, so try raising the temps, adults like a basking spot between 100-105 so he might be a little cold.
1-How cool is the cold side of his tank?
2-What is he eating and how much of what
3-How warm are the baths and for how long? Temp should be a nice warm bath temp for you, not hot to the touch. Also when horus had this happen I gently stroked his abdomen and he went poop after that. Although I do not know if it actually helped or if it was just coincidence.
I am new to beardies so I'm not sure if it's good for them or not, but lacking more advise as of yet I hope this al helped.

-Lillie

-The cool side is usually about 75-ish.
-He has been eating crickets (which is why I think he's having trouble digest!) zuchinni, and butternut squash (thats all he's been eating because he refuses to eat anything but butternut squash since I showed it to him a few days ago).
-The baths are 90-100 degrees since that's the temperature thats safe for them and the baths are at least 20 minutes.

Like I said, I think crickets make it hard for him to digest everything. I'm searching for something to replace crickets with that doesnt have an exo-skeleton.

Thanks

 

[SunShine]

Horus had a little trouble going for a couple of days when we moved him to a bigger tank while we tried to get temps right, so try raising the temps, adults like a basking spot between 100-105 so he might be a little cold.
1-How cool is the cold side of his tank?
2-What is he eating and how much of what
3-How warm are the baths and for how long? Temp should be a nice warm bath temp for you, not hot to the touch. Also when horus had this happen I gently stroked his abdomen and he went poop after that. Although I do not know if it actually helped or if it was just coincidence.
I am new to beardies so I'm not sure if it's good for them or not, but lacking more advise as of yet I hope this al helped.

-Lillie

-The cool side is usually about 75-ish.
-He has been eating crickets (which is why I think he's having trouble digest!) zuchinni, and butternut squash (thats all he's been eating because he refuses to eat anything but butternut squash since I showed it to him a few days ago).
-The baths are 90-100 degrees since that's the temperature thats safe for them and the baths are at least 20 minutes.

Like I said, I think crickets make it hard for him to digest everything. I'm searching for something to replace crickets with that doesn't have an exo-skeleton.

Thanks

I have some food tips I'd like to share with you, sources are other of this site =)

*In regards to helping change Diet*
You could give him tough love for a few days (reduce or take away food he normally eats, and put in greens in hope he will get hungry enough to eat them. Not to fond of this method, here's the one I like though.

Take whatever food he really likes (like the butternut squash) and mash it up a little over the greens and mix it in a little. Then have some prepared how you normally do it, but less, and arrange it on top in a way that he will be likely to grab some greens with it.
Hope behind this is to slowly get him to eat them, and use less butternut squash (or whatever else) every time.
I also hear that they really like the taste of baby food, so maybe dabbing some on his leaves will encourage him to try.

Another thing you could do it try adding some kind of red fruit or baby food to the salad, they love eating red.

*In regards of helping him poop*
I hear applesauce is popular in situations where they are having trouble pooping, I think what they where doing is 1 or 2 ml of it a couple times a day (one to three depending on last time he pooped I think). BUT I have not done this yet and do not know for sure, so please ask someone more knowledgeable than me on amount and how often a day.

I have found that when Horus has issues pooping more natural light helps. Like if he is in the window sil (he loves hanging out and watching everyone walk by) then he usually goes easier. So maybe you could try putting a leash on him and giving him a bath outside in the natural light. I'm sorry if it's cold where you are and that won't work, as an alternative to that you could put a mini bath in his viv or move the light so its above him while he bathes.

(you didn't mention what the hot side was at, but it should be 105-110 for juvies and i think its 100-105 for adults)


I am sorry that was such a long reply, I do hope something on here can help you and your little one.

-Lillie

 

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

Thanks Lillie, I'll try 'hiding' butternut squah in some greens, that's a good idea.
As far as outside goes, I let him roam in my backyard for at least a 2-3 hours a week. I make sure he gets lots of sunlight, and he usually goes to the bathroom outside, but it doesn't seem to be helping this time.

I dont know what to do

*Edit*
I stuck my dragon outside, and 15 mintutes later he went to the bathroom
But... He keeps trying to go but he cant! U
still dont know what to do

 

[SunShine]

Thanks Lillie, I'll try 'hiding' butternut squah in some greens, that's a good idea.
As far as outside goes, I let him roam in my backyard for at least a 2-3 hours a week. I make sure he gets lots of sunlight, and he usually goes to the bathroom outside, but it doesn't seem to be helping this time.

I dont know what to do

*Edit*
I stuck my dragon outside, and 15 mintutes later he went to the bathroom
But... He keeps trying to go but he cant! U
still dont know what to do

I'm glad he went! It's good =) If he starts acting like is is going but can't try giving him a nice bath and run water over him if he likes it. (like scoop it up with your hand). That might help him out enough when he really needs it =)

 

[Sherri]

Yes, the unsweetened applesauce is always good
You want to add a tsp or so of mineral oil to that and then do the massage the right side from the *armpit* down to the vent while in the warm bath, just keep lightly stroking it in...10-15 minutes is not too long at all either

If you do not have mineral oil, olive oil will work. You may only need to do this once, but if there is no poop within a day, do it again.

If it continues, a vet visit is the best idea But the unsweetened applesauce and mineral oil should do it if he is not terribly impacted by something

Sherri

 

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

Yes, the unsweetened applesauce is always good
You want to add a tsp or so of mineral oil to that and then do the massage the right side from the *armpit* down to the vent while in the warm bath, just keep lightly stroking it in...10-15 minutes is not too long at all either

If you do not have mineral oil, olive oil will work. You may only need to do this once, but if there is no poop within a day, do it again.

If it continues, a vet visit is the best idea But the unsweetened applesauce and mineral oil should do it if he is not terribly impacted by something

Sherri

An hour ago I gave him a little olive oil, and then about an hour later gave him some prune baby food.
Should I mix the two together (olive oil and baby food) and give him more if he doesnt go soon?

 

[Sherri]

Did you give him about a tsp of olive oil? If so, then I would wait a little longer. Sometimes it takes a few hours, but not always.

What time is it where you are? If it is close to bedtime I would not do anymore tonight But after he is warmed up tomorrow morning, before he eats, give him another warm bath. If that does not do the trick then you can give more olive oil and babyfood prunes or even 100% canned pumkin if you would like.

Massage the area for a while and if still nothing I would do a second warm bath with light massage. Can you feel anything in there, like a little bump? It will feel pretty smooth unless there is something in there. Just keep up the massaging and if he does not go in the next couple of days OR starts to show distressful signs such as dragging his back legs take him to the vet.

Hope he goes soon!
Sherri

 

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

Did you give him about a tsp of olive oil? If so, then I would wait a little longer. Sometimes it takes a few hours, but not always.

What time is it where you are? If it is close to bedtime I would not do anymore tonight But after he is warmed up tomorrow morning, before he eats, give him another warm bath. If that does not do the trick then you can give more olive oil and babyfood prunes or even 100% canned pumkin if you would like.

Massage the area for a while and if still nothing I would do a second warm bath with light massage. Can you feel anything in there, like a little bump? It will feel pretty smooth unless there is something in there. Just keep up the massaging and if he does not go in the next couple of days OR starts to show distressful signs such as dragging his back legs take him to the vet.

Hope he goes soon!
Sherri

I didnt give him a tsp of olive oil, I just dipped 2 pieces os zuchinni in some and then had him eat it.
When I gave him the olive oil and baby food it was about 1pm here.

Where would I feel the bump at? Like below his tummy?

Thank you very much for all your help by the way

 

[Sherri]

Actually, their belly will feel pretty empty and smooth...unless there is a poop in there, so it will be noticeable.

Ok, I would give more olive oil than that and not with any *hard* type food, just the applesauce or babyfood...smooth puree type and a good tsp size olive oil.

He may not have had enough olive oil to help then.

Try it again with more and then do the massage and warm bath, 15-20 minutes keeping the water warm, like for a baby.

Give it some time and make sure he is dried off well and under his basking light right after the bath.

What are his basking temps? You can bump them up a bit after bath to aid in digestion...105 b/c he is an adult.

Take a minute to answer this questionaire it will really help and when the experts on here get here it will be here for them
How old is your dragon?

How long have you had your dragon?

How long is your dragon?

What is the sex of your dragon?

What size enclosure do you have your dragon in?

What type substrate do you have on the bottom of your tank?

Do you use UVB lights?

If so, Is it a coil, compact, fluorescent tube, or Mercury Vapor bulb?

What is the brand name and number of your bulb? Wattage (if MVB)?

How old is your UVB bulb?

How close can your dragon get to the UVB?

Do you use a separate basking bulb? What kind and what is the wattage?

What are the basking temps?

What is the cool side temp?

Do you take the temps with a stick on thermometer, a digital thermometer with a wire and a probe end or a temp gun?

Where exactly are you taking your basking temps?

Do you use a heat rock or heat pad?

What do you feed your dragon? Please be specific.

How often do you feed and what time do you feed (morning, afternoon, night)?

Do you gutload (feed) your crickets, worms, etc?

Do you use vitamin or calcium supplements? What brand(s)? How many days a week do you use each of them?

Is your dragon having regular bowel movements (poops)?

Do you bath your dragon? How often?

Do you mist your dragon or offer water other than in the bath?

Does your dragon share an enclosure with another dragon?

Have you gotten a vet check and fecal done?

Answering these will help a lot,
Sherri

 

[CiaraAlexisOnFire]

Actually, their belly will feel pretty empty and smooth...unless there is a poop in there, so it will be noticeable.

Ok, I would give more olive oil than that and not with any *hard* type food, just the applesauce or babyfood...smooth puree type and a good tsp size olive oil.

He may not have had enough olive oil to help then.

Try it again with more and then do the massage and warm bath, 15-20 minutes keeping the water warm, like for a baby.

Give it some time and make sure he is dried off well and under his basking light right after the bath.

What are his basking temps? You can bump them up a bit after bath to aid in digestion...105 b/c he is an adult.

Take a minute to answer this questionaire it will really help and when the experts on here get here it will be here for them
How long have you had your dragon?

How long is your dragon?

What is the sex of your dragon?

What size enclosure do you have your dragon in?

What type substrate do you have on the bottom of your tank?

Do you use UVB lights?

If so, Is it a coil, compact, fluorescent tube, or Mercury Vapor bulb?

What is the brand name and number of your bulb? Wattage (if MVB)?

How old is your UVB bulb?

How close can your dragon get to the UVB?

Do you use a separate basking bulb? What kind and what is the wattage?

What are the basking temps?

What is the cool side temp?

Do you take the temps with a stick on thermometer, a digital thermometer with a wire and a probe end or a temp gun?

Where exactly are you taking your basking temps?

Do you use a heat rock or heat pad?

What do you feed your dragon? Please be specific.

How often do you feed and what time do you feed (morning, afternoon, night)?

Do you gutload (feed) your crickets, worms, etc?

Do you use vitamin or calcium supplements? What brand(s)? How many days a week do you use each of them?

Is your dragon having regular bowel movements (poops)?

Do you bath your dragon? How often?

Do you mist your dragon or offer water other than in the bath?

Does your dragon share an enclosure with another dragon?

Have you gotten a vet check and fecal done?

Answering these will help a lot,
Sherri[/color]

I felt his belly, and it was flat and smooth as ever, but in between his legs was hard, I couldn't tell if it was a bone or *something else*.

He doesn't like the baby food, so I have to put him out in the sun, wait for him to gape (is that the right word?), and sneak it into his mouth. So my question with that is, does it matter if he doesn't eat it all at once?
His basking temp is usually around 90. I'll have to turn on the heat emitter as well.

The other questions:


-When I got him, the owners guessed he was about 5 or 6.

-I've had him about 5-6 months.

-He is about 16 inches.

-He is a male.

-His enclosure is 47in long, 23in tall, and 24in from the front of the cage to the back.

-No substrate. (he's not allowed, the vet said.)

-Yes, I use UVB lights. It's a flourescent bulb from repti-sun (or repti-glow, one of those :roll: )

-I got my uvb bulb... uh-oh... 5 months ago, time to change it soon.

-My dragon can get within 10 inches of it for now. I'm building a platform as we speak.

-The basking bulb is 100W

-Basking temps around 90

-Cool side usually about 75

-I use one of the round thermometers from petsmart (people tell me they aren't accurate, but I've checked the temp with a digital thermometer and they both said the same thing.)

-The thermometers are on the wall, but close to the ground (does that make sence?)

-No heat rock or heat pad!

-Dude used to enjoy 2 times a week, crickets but i'm switching to repiworms. Lately he has only been eating rasberries, butternut sqaush, and a little zuchinni for the past week. He has become a picky eater. When he isnt being picky, he eats romaine lettuce, different greens, yellow squash, rasberries, apples, broccoli, green bell pepper, sometimes strawberries and bananas. (I'm aware of which ones to feed him occasionally.)

-I feed Dude about an hour or two after I turn the basking light on. I give him greens daily, and more if he's still hungry later in the day, about 5pm.

-I used to get my crickets at petsmart, and they feed them. Reptiworms are coming in the mail though.

-I use Flucker's brand of calcium and I (used to) dust the crickets and occasionally his salads.

-The bowel movements have not been regular, no.

-I bathe my dragon at least twice a week. Lately every day since he hasn't been going to the bathroom.

-My dragon has a water dish.

-No other dragons but him.

-As soon as I get paid i'm taking him to the vet.