mild dehydration and lethargic dragon maybe gout?

[jasonandmeeps]

I have an 18 " bearded dragon that I'm unsure of in age. Possibly older than eight months and less than a year. I bought him on Craigslist and the set up was inadequate. I was planning on getting a bigger cage but he has become I'll be for I had a chance. I'm not sure when the swelling started but now that I know what I'm looking at its very obvious. This is my first beardie and I'd hate to lose him. My kids are very attached. His terrarium is 29 gallon and he has a 24" uvb bulb and a 150 watt basking light. I've downgraded it a few weeks ago because it was to hot. Now I have a 75 watt with uva. He has night heat and eats well until last week. He still eats a little but def slowed down and became lethargic. Help pls.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am sorry he is not doing well! Do you happen to have any pictures you can post so we can see his condition?
Is there a lot of swelling going on right now?
At 18 inches he is likely at least around 1 year of age, maybe older. He could be stunted if his set up was poor as well.
What type of set up do you have for him now?
If you suspect gout, you can go ahead & get some Black cherry juice to start him on daily along with an increase of oral fluids daily, too. Keep the protein a bit lower & increase his vegetation, too.

Tracie

 

[jasonandmeeps]

I've started him on diluted cranberry and cherry juice and hand fed him some prices of cherry since they are in season now. I'm changing to liquid calcium. Yes he is in the set up I got him in only I've downgraded the basking light since its summer and it was getting to hot. About 105 in the hot spot and 90 in the cool. Now its less with the smaller bulb.

 

[jasonandmeeps]

It almost looks like the guy I got him from just threw stuff together to get rid of him. He's actually a good looking lizard I think.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How is he doing today?
I hope he is enjoying the cherry & cranberry juice mix daily. Maybe that will help out along with the extra oral hydration.
Keep us posted on him. He is a great looking dragon! I am sorry he was not kept well previously.

Tracie