Is Ruben Sick?

[praslicka]

5 month old unknown sex breadie

Chief complaint: Loss of appetite and watery stool

No Medical HX
No Medications
NKDA (no known drug allergies)

Living conditions: Basking spot 105' F Cool Temp 80-85'F Night time temp 70-74' F

Lighting: UVB with Calcium on greens.

Daily Meals: Crickets ( proper size), Mealworms, Romaine Lettuce, watermelon and mustard greens ( everything is not offered all at once we change it up)

Ruben approx 2 weeks ago started not eating as much no matter what we offered him.His stool started getting watery. He then proceed to turn a lighter color and then molted. He started eating better ( not a lot but better) and his stool improved. Now we are back in the same position, watery stool, not eating ( he ate Saturday 3-4 crickets and 3 -4 mealworms) possible eating some greens but very little. He has turned a lighter color again. But we notice now his getting thinner. He doesn't act lethargic he appeared normal Ruben personality. Is it possible that he is molting again? Is it normal to go through all this during this stage and this often? We have another beardie and he is healthy happy bigger and no problems and they eat the same food and they came from the same group. We just noticed also some skin hanging off his chin area. Should we try baby food? Any help?

Thanks!

Ruben's Mom and Dad

 

[Jiffy]

Hello.
Sorry that Ruben is worrying you.
There are a couple of things I see, and a couple of questions that I have.
One, lettuce is not very nutritious. Here is a great list of veggies, color coded as to what is good and not.
http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html
Mealworms are not great, because they have a harder outer shell, and can cause impaction.

Questions
You mentioned that you have another beardie. Are they housed together?
Also, what type and brand of UV bulb do you have?
What is your substrate?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

What type of thermometer do you use, is it a stick on type, a digital probe or a temp gun?
If you will answer the other tank setup questions, we can help you better. Thanks.

Has he had a black beard lately? How do his eyes look, are they bright & elevated or sunken in at all?

Tracie

 

[2dragoons]

Hey! I just had my 4 mo old Stewie stop eating. He was very lethargic and exhibiting similar symptoms. Have you taken a fecal sample to the vet yet? PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE! I took a fecal in for Stewie and the vet said he had a "raging case of hookworms". She also said if I hadn't brought him in when I did to get the Rx, he wouldn't have made it much longer. I know you love your baby so please get a fecal on him!

Let me know how Ruben does. I know it's scary, but the people on this website really care and are here to support you. They have me many times!

Good luck,

Karen

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Any updates for us today on your dragon?

Tracie