laying on back - dangerous?

[mojo505]

I came home yesterday and found our geriatric beardie, Diablo, on her back. No idea how she flipped over or how long she was like that. She was white as a ghost except part of her beard (she is normally dark brownish-grey) and had her eyes closed. I turned her over and massaged her back and tail then her beard until she opened her eyes. She appears fine today. Movement, poop, eating all normal. I know she must have been pissed and fought to turn herself right side up. My guess is she wiggled & wiggled and wore herself out.

My question is: is it dangerous for them to be on their backs?

 

[diamc]

Oh, how scary for you to see! Yes, it's VERY dangerous for them to be on their backs. It makes breathing difficult because they have no diaphrams. Are you thinking she just lost her balance? I would double check the way the things are set up in her tank to help prevent it from happening again. I'm glad she's doing better today.

 

[mojo505]

yeah, she was next to her basking log so i am sure it had everything to do with her aging and trying to climb. when we got her she had/has metabolic bone disease. we are going to re-work her area in a little while. she's full of zest (for her) today.

 

[diamc]

Please give us an update on her when you can.