Issues continue, lots of questions.

[Woodsman]

Well, just got back from the vet.

They wanted to keep him a few days, and the price was reasonable. I left him in their care. They said that his mouth infection probably lead to his loss of appetite, and spiraled into pre-MBD. Due to his size, the onset was quick and dramatic. By the time it got rolling, there was really not much that could be done without injections and hormones, which they could administer. He wouldn't be able to absorb food properly even if I continued the syringe regimen, and could ultimately worsen.

I showed them his enclosure and described the issues I thought could have contributed, but they seemed confident that his condition was brought on by malnourishment and not lack of UVB etc... can't process protein and calcium when there isn't any to process. And with the ulcers in his mouth, eating may have been quite painful for him. I actually noticed his discomfort eating, I posted about it in my original thread. He would shake and rub his head on the rocks any time he ate a bug. And being malnourished weakens the immune system as well, preventing him from fighting off his parasites.

All-in-all, this was a MUCH better experience than my first trip to the vet. Whatever the outcome, I feel like I did everything I possibly could. I also feel better that this wasn't caused by improper care or negligence. I most likely received him with a developing infection that simply got out of control under my care.

I'll do another update when (if) he comes home.

 

[Lovmybeardie]

Just saw your post!
Thanks for the update!
I am so sorry you have been taking this so hard and personally.
You did all that you could and still are. He is in extra good hands now and you will know more in time. He is being well taken care of so try and give your mind a brake if you can as I know it's still tough.
Keep updates coming.

 

[Lovmybeardie]

I know you said you would update when he can back home.... But I wanted to check in

 

[Woodsman]

Ha, yeah he's up there for a few days. Not sure how long they want to keep him. It's really reasonable at around $20 a day so I figured I could spare the $$ and let them try with him.

They called today and said he's hanging in there. He got mad when they gave him his shots, which they said was a good sign... any reaction at this point is good. It seems too early to tell if he's on the road to recovery yet, but they said they would call me every day and update me.

Looks like he's being given calcium shots and a hormone treatment to help him digest and rebuild his bones. In addition they are giving him antibiotics for his mouth. They seemed informed on their choices and the vet was great handling him so hopefully he's in good hands.

 

[Lovmybeardie]

That's great!
I pray he makes a huge turn around! He is def in the best hands!

Thanks for the update I will try and be patient and wait to hear back

 

[Woodsman]

Well, Beardie comes home tomorrow. The vet said he's a fighter, but so far his back legs have not responded to treatment. His mouth has healed nicely and he may be able to take food a bit easier.

She did say that she felt as though he could recover, which is great news. Oddly, she suggested feeding him less with a higher emphasis on calcium, since he appeared to have issues with digestion. She said once they get so depleted, digestion alone pulls energy from rebuilding the bones and muscles... has anyone heard that? Also she said to refrain from live feeders for a while and just give him Critical Care. Just worried about feeding him less.

She also said the process to recovery for his paralysis should be measured in weeks/months, not days... so looks like we are in for a long rehab with baby Beardie. Hopefully I'm up to the challenge!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh you have done so much for him! He has sure hung in there for you, too. I am glad to hear that the vet has been so good to him. It sounds like he was very helpful, kind & compassionate also which is extremely hard to find these days!
At least he can come home tomorrow, finally. I agree they heal very slowly so hopefully in time his back legs will begin to recover. I do agree, too much food interferes with overall digestion & absorption of vitamins/minerals, etc. You do want to strike a balance though, to be sure he does receive good protein sources.
I am positive you are up for the challenge, he is a very special dragon. Let us know how he is once you have him home.

Tracie

 

[Lovmybeardie]

Yay! I am happy he is coming home! You have done an amazing job with him! Do not get discouraged as I know at times it's tough. I know it seem like a lot of work but you will see it's totally worth it. He is so lucky to have you! You got this!
I pray for a full recovery! I will keep checking in with y'all!

 

[Woodsman]

Guys, thanks so much for the support. There aren't many people you can talk to about a sick lizard Most of my friends/family think I'm nuts going to all the trouble and spending all the $$ on a baby I've only had for a few weeks.

I waited years until I felt I had the means to take care of an exotic. I always walked by the little guys at the big boxes and just wanted to help one of them, lol. I'm now in a position to really dedicate some time and do some good, so I really want things to go Beardie's way! I'm not one of those who buy first and educate second... but even being as prepared as I thought I was, things can go wrong fast. It just goes to show that you can't always do everything right and hands-on experience counts in spades.

So, here's a list of my plans for short and long term.

Improvements to come in his current enclosure:

- Ordered a new Arcadia 12% T5 and fixture, already on the way.
- Started building a mounting beam for the fixture, and am wiring a porcelain socket for a basking light right next to the Arcadia.
- Removed his old substrate mat... was too porous. Replaced with a 12x24 ceramic tile that runs the entire length of his enclosure.
- Simplified his decor and removed the DIY rocks. All about ease of access while he can't climb well.
- Got new Critical Care products for some food variety (who wants to eat Repta+Boost every day?)

Plans for his new enclosure (approx 6 weeks left to construct due to finish cure times and back-ordered materials - fyi I have a full cabinet shop in my garage and I'm one hell of a woodworker, hence "Woodsman." REALLY hoping Beardie is around to see it!):

- 48x24x18, oak plywood construction, solid hardwood face frame with glass inset. Ceramic tile for flooring. 2 Arcadia 12% T5s running the length of the enclosure, and basking bulbs on dimmers to control heat/cool. Lights are beneath the screen top. The back will be 55% translucent white acrylic set up with a sky blue backlight system so it feels like home The rock work will be DIY foam stone.

Lessons learned:

- Before you buy, do your animal a solid and wait until you have the means to care for him/her, even in the worst case scenario. Things go wrong quickly and it's more than just "remember to feed" sometimes.
- Never assume all beardies are the same. They don't all like crickets and love 110 degree basking. It takes time and patience to figure out what yours likes.
- Be ready to work if you buy a little baby. When things go wrong, they go wrong FAST.
- Don't wait to act. If you think something isn't right, fix it.
- If you go to a vet, check and double check that they have exotic experience. The difference in the care is night and day.

I know that was a long one... been through a lot with this little fella and thought I should share. I'm no expert... FAR from it. But I hope my experience helps someone. I'll post with an update tomorrow when Beardie comes home!

 

[Lovmybeardie]

He is by far a lucky little guy!

I agree with all that you have said! The things I was told are way off from all that i have learned. Acting fast is huge!! And yes if you feel something is off then read up and change whatever it is fast.
When n doubt right?

Well enjoy building the enclosure! Please send pic when it is Complete. My husband is amazing with building and we to want to do a custom one

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I hope he is doing well & is back home with you today!!
He is one lucky little beardie, with you building a nice home for him. That is excellent you love to do wood working so you can really build him something nice. LOL He will be so appreciative.
Beardies are more involved than a lot think. You are right, they are all different & don't always like the same things. Have fun with your project!

Tracie

 

[Woodsman]

He's back home today. I wish I could say things have improved but he's still in pretty much the same state. While he "seems" to have more strength in his little legs, he still very much lacks control of his limbs. He can't really climb, or even control where he's going very well. His enclosure has been modified to accommodate his special needs right now, new substrate (tile), decor removed (except his hide), and lights improved to reach him from a distance.

Of course, the intent of the extended visit wasn't necessarily to cure all, but to get the opinion of a professional after a few days of observation on my next steps. And the vet is confident that Beardie can recover, so that's really all I needed. It may be a process of a few months, but if that's what it takes I'll try. He has a liquid calcium to take twice a day (orally) and goes back for a follow up next week.

I hope he pulls through. There's no guarantee, but I'd love him to get a chance to explore his new home And thanks again for the support everyone!!

I'll do periodic progress updates for anyone interested. Until then!

 

[Lovmybeardie]

I am happy he is home and Also happy there is a lot of hope for him and you!
I def want to hear your updates as I want that little guy to recover. I will keep praying

 

[SLDragon]

Has their been a formal diagnosis?

 

[Derz13]

Woodsman,

It makes sense what the vet is saying about feeding less and focusing more on his vitamin/mineral uptake. The body works hard to process and metabolize food into a form of vitamins and minerals that the body can absorb. This process takes a lot of effort and cell energy. By feeding raw nutrients, you are giving Beardie's body a chance to simply focus on the problem areas. Same as humans! Don't you feel less of a desire to eat when you are sick/unwell? Your body knows what to do and it will tell you!

I would be extremely optimistic about his recovery as long as he is willingly taking his supplements. I wouldn't worry too much about the decrease in feedings. I rehabilitated a beardie who wasn't eating and losing weight by feeding just critical care and a calcium supplement mixed in for about five days and he plumped up and became bright and alert after just two feedings. I love that stuff!
In regards to his hind legs, if there is any nerve damage which it seems like there is...that could definitely take several months to repair. Nerves repair themselves very slowly, at about a tiny fraction of a mm a day. Do not get too discouraged if you don't see progress right away.

I have faith in you and Beardie!!!
On behalf of bearded dragon lovers everywhere, thank you for doing all that you can and not giving up on little Beardie.

You da real MVP :lol: