Is this Gout? Beardie's foot swollen-Missing nail

[spike5]

Hi- Was just trying to research my beardie (aka my son's beardie) Spike's toe/ foot issue...and I am now worried it is Gout?
Spike is 2 yrs 2mths old-
About 4-6 weeks ago he seemed to have hurt his front pinky toe-the nail stayed in and it wasn't really red/ bloody but looked a bit swollen and yellow/brownish. He was also shedding dramatically, including his toes...so I thought it may be associated with the shedding.
It did not seem to bother him and the swelling appeared to disappear.
This morning I went in to see him and he was casually on his branch, normal routine and I noticed that not only is he missing an entire nail from the one toe I had been concerned about, but he also is missing nail from his back foot as well.
The front toe does seem to be a little swollen...but honestly, I am not sure if it is really swollen or just looks off.

I was reading that nails can fall off and it not be an issue? I also read that yellow-brownish-swollen looks can be a health risk. I am not sure where Spike fits in.

Can anyone help and offer advice? I have pics but don't know how to post??

also-on the topic-can their nails be trimmed easily? or only a vet? Spike has not had his nails trimmed.

Thanks!

Suzy

 

[Esther19]

To post pictures:
http://www.beardeddragon.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=167225

Seeing the foot will help.

 

[spike5]

Oh-thanks so much!...figured out the imgur site-hope this works and helps!


First two are the front foot/ toe-the original toe I was concerned about-






This last one is the back foot/ toe-

 

[Esther19]

I believe that gout would be characterized by swelling of the whole limb, not just the toes. In my opinion, it looks like retained shed. I don't know why retained shed would cause loss of a nail, however. There is a possibility that it might be a fungus, though it is quite localized. Do you see any other patches that color anywhere else?

My recommendation at this time would be to soak him is a betadine (povidone iodine) solution diluted with water to the appearance of weak tea. If he drinks in the bath, let him do so before adding betadine. The solution just needs to cover the affected areas. After drying, apply neosporin (not the pain relief kind) or polysporin to the area to help prevent infection.

Hopefully someone else will jump in with an opinion, as well.

 

[spike5]

Esther-thank you-I am glad you pointed out that fact about the swelling re: gout. The discoloration just seems to be in the toe area so far.
Does retained shedding create an infection? Would that be the fungus?

Thanks for you advice on the soaking in betadine and neosporin-I will do that today...and make sure he does not drink it ;-)

I am feeling a bit relived-thanks for your quick reply!!! Much appreciated-

Best
Suzy

 

[Esther19]

Retained shed does not cause infection. However, something is causing the nail to fall out. I don't know why. In my opinion, it is best to ensure that no infection develop to complicate the situation. I doubt fungus is present if there is none anywhere else. The neo/polysporin should soften up the area, as well, and assist in the remaining shed coming off.

I'm still hoping someone else will take a look at this. Probably later in the day.

Please keep us posted on how things are going.
I am happy to be of help,
Esther

 

[spike5]

Ok-Will keep my eye on the posts... either way will update you on the turn out as soon as I see change-thanks again!

Best
Suzy

 

[Tonja]

I looked at your pictures and it appears there is a slight bruise around his toe with the missing nail on the foot with the longer toe <back foot> Im wondering if maybe he injured it and pulled the nail from the nail bed and it fell out due to injury. I don't see any other discoloration other than the bruise but I would take him to a vet to be sure something systemic isn't going on with him. If he injured the back toe by getting the nail caught in something, then its possible he tried to free with this his front foot injuring it also. I am only guessing here based on the bruise. You could also message Drache613 I hope I got that right and see if she will look, shes very good with beardies, injuries and illnesses,

 

[Tonja]

sorry forgot to add this, I do agree with Esther, it looks like some retained shed and if the shed it tight enough on the toe it would have possibly blocked the blood supply to the nail and bed causing it to fall out from lack of blood

 

[spike5]

Thanks Tonja-I do see the bruise and wasn't sure what that would be from-I do hope it is nothing serious. I gave him the treatment Esther recommended and so far he seems good-happy and eating and playing...I am hoping those are all good signs?
Thanks for the advice to email the other member directly-I am not sure how to do that but I will figure it out!

Best
Suzy

 

[Tonja]

go to your user control panel just above your messages then click on messages and enter drach613 for the user name and send your message

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I don't see any swelling on the hand area at the moment. Gout can manifest, starting swelling in just a toe or two, moving to the hand/foot then the limb.
It is likely from a retained shed, or an injury which caused the discoloration. Is there anywhere in the tank he could have caught his toe on?

As suggested, the betadine baths along with the antibiotic ointment should help soften the area up.
If the nail bed is still in tact, then the nail will grow back. The toe however, wont grow back.
You could always get a blood test to test uric acid levels, also if the fingers continue to be swollen, etc to rest your mind.

Tracie

 

[spike5]

Thanks Tracie-

He has a tree branch that he loves to climb up on-it's one of those made for the Beardies...but I'm wondering if that or his reptile carpet could have snagged his toe. He's had his viv set up like that since he was a baby so hard to tell.

He completely seems in good spirits-still playing-full appetite and no black beard unless the temperature changes on him in the morning or night-but we fix that quickly ;-)

Thanks for all the advice-I feel good about him being OK and will keep watching him in the next few days for any signs of discomfort or stress.

Thanks for all everyone!

Best
Suzy

 

[Drache613]

Hello Suzy,

Great to hear he is doing well!
Yes, it is possible he could have snagged his nail on the carpet. Is the carpet short?
I am glad he is in good spirits though with no black beard.
Did he eat good today also?

Keep us posted on him.

Tracie