Java Not Eating

[DracoLord510]

So I'm beginning to get concerned about my male beardie, Java. He hasn't eaten much to our knowledge in a week or so, with the exception of veggies we offer him that disappear when we aren't watching, he won't willing take veggies from us but we give him a mix of greens, peppers, onion, etc. He is also fed dusted crickets every other day. It looks like his fat pads are slightly shrunken. We lost our female roughly two months ago after she stopped eating and I cannot lose my little guy. I am wondering if it's time to take him to the vet or what else we should do.

Java is in a 50 gallon tank with an Exo Terra Solar Glo 125 watt lamp. It is approximately 100* under his basking spot and around 85* on the other side of the tank. He is given water from a spray bottle daily which he drinks with gusto.

Please help. I love my Java.

http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/patrickm510/media/image2_zpsvxctznov.jpeg.html

http://s1344.photobucket.com/user/patrickm510/media/image1_zpswvokxhva.jpeg.html

 

[DracoLord510]

Java is two years old and he used a ReptiSun bulb up until about 2 months ago when we switched to the ExoTerra bulbs for cost.

 

[CooperDragon]

I would start tracking his weight so you have a metric to go by. I haven't tested the solar-glo myself but based on the test results I've read, they have a very odd and unreliable output. It's quite possible that is causing an issue and I recommend replacing it with a higher quality bulb. I think your best bet will be to get a tube style UVB light, probably a T5 depending on the dimensions of your tank. That will produce a nice wide, even distribution of UVB. If you want to continue using a MVB, then it's absolutely worth investing in a high quality bulb such as the Arcadia or Megaray.

 

[DracoLord510]

Good morning. Just a short followup on Java...he threw up yesterday after his soaking so he ended up going to the vet to get checked up. Not quite sure what was up but he threw up a bunch of liquefied dubia and cricket, and his beard turned jet black, and his skin got paler. He stayed overnight and got some vitamins and a de-wormer as a precaution. We got a call this morning that he is doing significantly better, and is able to come home later today, after my shift at work. We will get blood test results back soon to see if it's anything major.

 

[DracoLord510]

I would start tracking his weight so you have a metric to go by. I haven't tested the solar-glo myself but based on the test results I've read, they have a very odd and unreliable output. It's quite possible that is causing an issue and I recommend replacing it with a higher quality bulb. I think your best bet will be to get a tube style UVB light, probably a T5 depending on the dimensions of your tank. That will produce a nice wide, even distribution of UVB. If you want to continue using a MVB, then it's absolutely worth investing in a high quality bulb such as the Arcadia or Megaray.

Cooper, do you have any idea on what might have been wrong with Java prior to us getting test results back? Also, do you think we should have the ReptiSun/Powersun bulb we currently have (http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-PowerSun-Mercury-Vapor/dp/B0002AQDJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1461590882&sr=8-1&keywords=powersun+bulb) in addition to the tube light, or should we get heat bulbs plus the tube lights? What is ideal in terms of setup?

 

[DracoLord510]

We got Java home yesterday and he's not doing well. They kept him in an incubator overnight and gave him vitamin A + D and some medicine for stomach bugs, and sent his blood out for testing. He seems to have lost the use of his left front leg and is pale. His fat pads are even more sunken and all he has done is rest on his log under the light. He's not interested in food or water and I can't bear to see him sick like this. He went from good to dying in under a week and I know we have been doing everything right with his lighting and food.

I may be selfish but I hope he makes a decision for us. I can't bear to leave him at urgent care again and put him through surgery, injections, or worse. I don't want to put him to sleep either because there's always a part of me that hopes he turns a corner. On the way home we saw a rainbow and I'm wondering if his mate who passed recently is waiting for him. This is so hard on my wife and I and I just need a hug.

 

[DracoLord510]

Anyone? Even if it's just someone to talk to...

 

[hewi]

Anyone? Even if it's just someone to talk to...

i am so sorry they really steal your heart i never thought i could fall in love with a dragon but hewi means the world and every little thing triggers a reaction i hope he pulls through, i am not an expert but no one is answering so i thought i would comment i am preying for your dragon