Limping Dragon

[PikoDragon82]

My dragon starting limping and not using his front right leg today. He can move it but doesn’t put pressure on it. Anyone have this before?

 

[KarrieRee]

My dragon starting limping and not using his front right leg today. He can move it but doesn’t put pressure on it. Anyone have this before?

Do you have a hammock in the tank?

 

[PikoDragon82]

Do you have a hammock in the tank?

I do yes, I took everything out now so he can't jump. I think that is how he hurt it either that or trying to lift the lid wand maybe got his fingers stuck.

 

[KarrieRee]

I do yes, I took everything out now so he can't jump. I think that is how he hurt it either that or trying to lift the lid wand maybe got his fingers stuck.

That is more than likely the issue - they seem to cause all kinds of issues if you can get a cloth or a fleece one they seem to be better than the mesh www.pamperedbeardies.com or etsy has them --- please make sure your using a long tube fixture UVB they are the best please no coils they are go good - your basking temps are surface basking temps taken w/ a digital probe thermometer 95-100

 

[PikoDragon82]

That is more than likely the issue - they seem to cause all kinds of issues if you can get a cloth or a fleece one they seem to be better than the mesh www.pamperedbeardies.com or etsy has them --- please make sure your using a long tube fixture UVB they are the best please no coils they are go good - your basking temps are surface basking temps taken w/ a digital probe thermometer 95-100

Do you think he needs to go to vet or will this heal on its own?

 

[KarrieRee]

Do you think he needs to go to vet or will this heal on its own?

With the good lighting especially the UVB it will heal on its own - he is really walking stiff and it looks like hes not bending it --- I am gonna have our vet tech mod on here look at it - see what she thinks - and another person on the forum --
@Drache613
@AHBD

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

He definitely strained his leg. I don't think it appears to be broken but he is really favoring it.
You took the hammock down then? I agree, that is probably how he hurt it. A lof of them tend to get a hand,
foot, etc caught in the hammock hole, or their claw gets stuck & they rip at it to get it loose.
I would give him a bit of time & lower his basking area so he doesn't have to climb & hurt himself further. If he
doesn't improve soon you can take him in for an x--ray if needed.

Tracie

 

[PikoDragon82]

With the good lighting especially the UVB it will heal on its own - he is really walking stiff and it looks like hes not bending it --- I am gonna have our vet tech mod on here look at it - see what she thinks - and another person on the forum --
@Drache613
@AHBD

Is this the correct lighting? @Drache613

 

[hdochow]

that uvb bulb is one that is considered a coil bulb. it is inadequate and will cause health problems. replace it with a long tube bulb and fixture. Arcadia ProT5 12% UVB Bulb With Hood is what i use, and it is one of the ones recommended on here the most. the length you will need depends on the size of your enclosure.

 

[PikoDragon82]

Is there a certain number of watts you don't want to go over for bearded dragons? And what is the percentage you want to aim for, my local pet store has a couple different options and I'd like to get it on him right away. @Drache613

 

[hdochow]

the watts for the uvb will depend on the length of the tube. in that link i sent, i have the 36" fixture so that is a 39w bulb. if you go the 24" fixture it is a 24w. the longer 48" fixture comes with a 54w bulb.

I'd go for the 12% bulb unless your enclosure is super tall, then maybe the 14% would be better.

all will get down to what size your enclosure is? also what type of top you have, like a screen or if it is solid.

 

[PikoDragon82]

30.5" long enclosure and a screen top.

 

[hdochow]

ok so you'd definitely want to go with the 24" then. how tall is the enclosure? the 14% is more than likely going to be too strong. that 12% you'll want to be 12"-15" above the basking decor if it is inside of the tank. i can't remember off the top of my head what the distance is for on top of the screen, but i know the basking decor needs to be closer because the screen will block some of the uvb. i'm sure some others will chime in for that on the screen distance.

edit: just went and looked at a couple other posts. looks like the on top of screen distance between light and decor needs to be 8"-10" for wide hole screens.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

It isn't the watts that you are looking for but the strength on the UVB output. It is the percentage of the output listed
to look at, for the strength.
As mentioned, if you are using the Reptisun 10 tube you can mount it directly overhead or underneath of the screen
top also. Please avoid the compact/coil light for UVB becasue they don't emit quality UVB emissions.

Let us know how he is doing.
Tracie