New owner. Beardie front legs seem limp or weak

[KarrieRee]

Ok good it's set up good-- how is he doing now? Now we need him to start eating and your offering the water? Are you dropping on his nose? You can syringe feed but you must do it really slow and let him swallow what you put in before adding more- we need ahbd to recommend how you should feed him
Karrie

 

[dizzy1]

He’s only been in the hospital tank for about 30 mins but he’s still not looking to good yet. I definitely think his front legs are injured. I gave him the water today but he only drank about 4 drops. He also ate 3. It’s almost bed time for him should I leave the light on a little longer than usual?

 

[KarrieRee]

Do you have him in a warm room? Any type of heat pad? If you do I would wrap it in a towel small blanket turn it on low set in tank w/ him on it and the digital probe thermometer on it and see what temp you get like 80 would be good - it will help him keep his immune system up- turn your lights off and get a temp
Karrie

 

[dizzy1]

I was able to get the tank between 75-80 degrees overnight. Today he still looks the same. I'm really worried for him. I have a friend who's a vet tech that's going to speak with his vet and let me know.

 

[AHBD]

Sorry I haven't responded here I didn't get any notifications like I usually do. So your tote is a good size, the set up is good but be very careful with the heat. As for why the tote is preferred, it is the size. The 10 gal. tank is too small to get a cool side + a hot side so the dragon can easily get overheated. The large set up was the problem from the start and here's why. When a tiny baby comes from a pet store , it's health is already questionable. Then in the very large tank it's not always easy for them to get to the area for proper heat + uvb. Then factor in that they can jump or fall from up that high and/or snag their nails in the hammock injuring the legs. So when some people recommend starting a baby out in a huge tank, it sometimes works out but often enough the baby can not thrive for the reasons I mentioned. Some people SEEM to make sense by saying that in the wild they don't have any space limits. But those babies have access to ideal heat + uvb from the sun at ground level . The ones born in captivity begin their life in plastic totes or in a tank that is not too tall. When I was raising babies they thrived in totes like that.

As for your babies legs, they may have been broken from a fall or they are weak from climbing and from lack of uvb exposure. It's good that he drank a few drops and ate 3 insects, what was it that he ate. I'm sorry this happened, it will take time for him to recover , if he even can. He's in an appropriate set up now though so has a better chance. Best wishes for a good outcome !

 

[dizzy1]

I'll be taking him to the vet today. I want to be able to do everything I can. Thank you all for the advice. I really appreciate it.

 

[AHBD]

Please update after, we're all pulling for him !

 

[dizzy1]

I will. thanks

 

[dizzy1]

So I took him to the vet. I was told that he was to small to do X-rays or blood test. They did do a stool analysis and it was clean they gave him antibiotics, vitamins and fluids.basically said to hope for the best. So I have my fingers ? just have to watch him for the next couple days.

 

[KarrieRee]

Why did they give him antibiotics? Odd they couldn't do x Ray's bloodwork I can see but x-rays? Odd-- how was stool sample gotten?
Karrie

 

[AHBD]

Yeah, babies are too small for blood to be taken and most vets can't see tiny bones, some reptile experts can though. So were those shots they gave him ? Sometimes it's too hard on the baby, same as the antibiotics are. A good rule for both humans + animals is to not give a harsh med. like antibiotic where there is no diagnosis. Hopefully just the change to the hospital tank so he can get uvb and giving him a pinch of calcium powder in his water [ by syringe ] might help him. The vet visit is extra stress so hopefully he will make it.

 

[dizzy1]

Once they gave him the injections I guess the stress made him poop so they took they did the analysis. I don’t know any better and now I’m worried it may have done more harm then good.

 

[AHBD]

Was he any different on the drive home as on the way there ? I wouldn't give him antibiotics, his body can't take it and there's no proof of infection. At least he doesn't have parasites though ! Poor little guy, and I really feel for you and I know you're trying hard to help him. It's good that he ate three crickets today, hopefully will eat again tomorrow.

 

[dizzy1]

Not on the drive home but when he got back in the tank he was a little more awake then he’s been but still not moving. I also bought new basking decor that’s a little easier to climb

 

[dizzy1]

still no change. yesterday he didn't eat or drink. I did buy new basking furniture so it's more stable. he's not moving at all so I've been putting him to bask but after a little while he flips over onto his back. I'm assuming that's because it may be too hot for him so I end up placing him a little lower but I temp is only in the upper 80's at bottom part of the tote.