Limping

[Patsfan1996]

My bearded dragon is limping and he seems to be in serious pain. He did not fall nor did I drop him. Idk what is wrong. Please give me advice ASAP.

 

[haileytaco]

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear that your dragon is having leg issues. Can you tell which leg he is limping on or is he just walking strange and how long has he been limping? Also, are there any high branches in his cage that he could have fallen from when he was left alone? Keep us updated on his condition.

Hailey

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Is he housed with another dragon? Can you post a picture of his leg? When did he start limping? Is his leg swollen?

 

[haileytaco]

Hey I didn't know how to reply I'm new to this site. My dragons right hind leg seems to be in pain because he's been limping for about a day now. I really don't know what's happening and I'm scared. I don't want to lose my little guy he was my graduation gift. Anyways, he is only a juvie so I only have a a basking rock and it's also a hide for him to keep cool and there are no branches in there I didn't think he needed any. So no, he didn't fall because I'm very careful when handling him. I'm just really nervous right now and need to know if I should go to the vet. Also he is not being himself. His eyes are always closed. Get back to me if you can. Thanks.

Have you ever noticed your dragon "glass surfing" or anything similar to that where he could be scratching a lot with that leg and is favoring it because of soreness? Also, do you have no UVB bulb? And do you ever supplement his food with a reptile calcium powder? I ask those two questions in particular because calcium powder helps keep bones strong as most dragons in captivity do not get all the calcium that they need though their diet alone. Also, a good UVB bulb is essential to a healthy beardie because it aids in calcium absorption, no bearded dragon will ever live a normal healthy live without a UVB bulb. That could very well be your issue. The hind right leg could have slightly less bone density due to the lack of UVB light and calcium which is making him limp since it would be less strong. I recommend that you purchase the Reptisun 10.0 uvb tube asap. In addition to that, you could purchase a calcium powder or liquid supplement. Let me know if that all made sense and keep us updated on how he's doing.

 

[CooperDragon]

I agree that this may be a lighting issue and the suggestions made are solid. I'd like to add that if the weather permits it, bring him outside for a while so he can get some natural sunlight. That will provide him with great UVB exposure and may help in the short term until you can get your setup/lighting all sorted out.

 

[Patsfan1996]

Hey I didn't know how to reply I'm new to this site. My dragons right hind leg seems to be in pain because he's been limping for about a day now. I really don't know what's happening and I'm scared. I don't want to lose my little guy he was my graduation gift. Anyways, he is only a juvie so I only have a a basking rock and it's also a hide for him to keep cool and there are no branches in there I didn't think he needed any. So no, he didn't fall because I'm very careful when handling him. I'm just really nervous right now and need to know if I should go to the vet. Also he is not being himself. His eyes are always closed. Get back to me if you can. Thanks.

Have you ever noticed your dragon "glass surfing" or anything similar to that where he could be scratching a lot with that leg and is favoring it because of soreness? Also, do you have no UVB bulb? And do you ever supplement his food with a reptile calcium powder? I ask those two questions in particular because calcium powder helps keep bones strong as most dragons in captivity do not get all the calcium that they need though their diet alone. Also, a good UVB bulb is essential to a healthy beardie because it aids in calcium absorption, no bearded dragon will ever live a normal healthy live without a UVB bulb. That could very well be your issue. The hind right leg could have slightly less bone density due to the lack of UVB light and calcium which is making him limp since it would be less strong. I recommend that you purchase the Reptisun 10.0 uvb tube asap. In addition to that, you could purchase a calcium powder or liquid supplement. Let me know if that all made sense and keep us updated on how he's doing.

Yes he has done that quite a lot and I usually didn't think much of it but to get him out and play with him. I do have bulbs and I'm sure it's a UVB. One thing I don't have is the calcium powder. I guess that could be the problem. But I looked it up and the Internet said something about impaction and that there's mild cases and severe cases of impaction. I sure hope it's not too late for my little fellow. Do you think he will be okay??

 

[haileytaco]

What have you been feeding him and was any of it larger than the space between his eyes or was it fed in excess? Also, what brand and type is your UVB bulb and how long have you had it? Thirdly, what substrate are you using because some can cause impaction. In addition to that, if you mess with his right hind leg with your finger, can you feel him move or pull it away or is it totally limp?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Yes, please check your UVB light for us, the brand should be stamped on the base of it. Is it a long fluorescent tube or a compact/coil type of light?
Since he is under one year of age, he will need calcium 5 times per week, dusted on his insects daily or if he is good at eating his greens, you can even sprinkle a good pinch onto his greens, too.

Tracie

 

[haileytaco]

I feed him Dubia roaches and I think I fed him one that was a little bit and it may have cause impaction i sure hope not..but I do have a uvb bulb and it's like a 120 watt. I also keep him on reptile carpet not sand

Do you know what brand the UVB bulb is? Also, is it a tube or a coil? You can refer to Tracie's post above mine to know how to see the type.

 

[haileytaco]

It's exo terra. And a tube light

It sounds like you have the Repti Glo tube. Those are not the best UVB tubes, though that may have nothing to do with the limping but I would still highly recommend that you purchase a more reliable UVB tube such as the reptisun 10.0 Sorry I do not have any other suggestions at this time but I will do some more research on leg limping tonight. In the mean time, keep an eye on your beardie and let us know how he's doing.

Hailey

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Just wondering how the leg is?

 

[Patsfan1996]

Hi. Just wondering how the leg is?

Still limping I'm gonna take him to the vet soon.

 

[destiny1998]

Just wondering how the little dude is doing? Did the vet give you an answer?