Newly rescued beardie

[garyfreeman]

Hi

Was Given Beardie last night The pictures Above reflect her set up as we found her. The owner tell us the beardie hasn't gone to the toilet in 3 weeks and has only eatin very little. the tank had no form of water and from the looks of it the beardie has been on a diet of meal worms and locusts. the under soil heater runs from left to right and runs the entire width of the tank. the set up i can change and have begun to immediately, i replaced the ceramic heater with a more conventional heat light from the zoo med range. the more worrying fact is the beardie is shaking quite a bit and appears to what i would describe as wince or jerk when touch on either the legs or hands. a touch of the upper part of the tale cause a jerking reaction in the left hand. i have never seen these reactions to handling from a beardie before as mine are all healthy. the dragon does appear to have difficulty in walking i was thinking Mbd but have never actually witnessed the symptoms have only ever read about it. i do plan on a visit to the vet but living in the south of Ireland( not a haven for reptiles) the only vet is open for 2 hrs a day from 7-9 and my only possible time to visit would be during nest week Wednesday or possibly i know its very late but Friday . any input would be fantastic i feel we have taken possession of the lizard at a time that we can affect a change but i do need your help and advice all comments will be taken on board and acted on

Regards
Two concerned owners

 

[zebraflavencs]

Hi, sorry to hear the little one isn't doing well. Just a few ideas to help.
I wouldn't use a particle substrate, impaction and hygene being bad.
Get a reptiSun 10.0, much better UVB.
Make sure the dragon can get within 4-6" of the UVB. Also arrange the basking close to the UVB so he can get both when basking. Bathing 3-4 times a week in 90-100*F water helps hydrate them, making sure that the anal area is under water,as this is how they hydrate; and the level of water doesn't go over their shoulders. Totally supervised as well.
You will want to get some calcium with D3, to help with the UVB absorption.
What you are describing does sound like MBD, so calcium shots may be needed to turn this little fellow around.
Your Basking temps should be 110-120*F cool end around 80*F.
A multivitamin 3 times a week should be used too. The calcium daily on one feeding.
I hope this helps you !
Janie.

 

[garyfreeman]

hey Jamie

thanks for the quick response as i said the vets not being very helpful with their opening times we have given the same vits to the new guy as we have for our other. the bathing is an interesting tip wasn't aware it was through their anal passage they absorbed the water i always worried when my others just sat in the water. i feel you have described what is best practice for mending this broken beardie and we will follow what you have said to be honest i was sure it wss mbd but was hoping it wasn't. the substrate will be changed out today as for a repti sun again south east of Ireland ill have to order one as i have done before so turn around time of 5 days just hope the repti glo will be OK for that time i have removed any trace of meal worm from the diet might try to bulk her up on a wax worm or two and supplement it well with greens and vit covered cricks. again please keep the advice coming and i will keep ya updated with the progrees

 

[zebraflavencs]

You can also use an Arcadia 12 if you have issues getting the reptisun 10. I understand in the UK that is what is avail.
Oh, lose the mealies too, impaction due to the hard carapace, and fatty. Use roaches, crix, butter worms, phoenix worms. Take a look at BeautifulDragons Nutrition list, the staples daily(green), treats(black) not recommended (red,yellow and blue). I hope this helps bring the baby back to great health !
Good luck and keep us all posted !
Janie.

 

[dobiegil2000]

If your beardie hasn't gone in weeks, I would start him/her on baby food such as squash, pumpkin or sweet potatoes. Also try giving some olive oil with it too. Warm baths several times a day will help also as stated before. Please search the topics here and you will find some good information.

Best wishes,
robin

 

[Ethelia]

Hi there,
When I rescued Ruben he was seriously backed up like your little guy.
I agree with the above advice, get rid of the sand until his system is clear.
Stop solid food, if he is backed up its going to cause more issues.
Insted move onto chicken/turkey and veg babyfood with calc mixed in.
You can try by dabbing it on his nose to see if he will lick it off, for some reason Rube would only ever eat it from a metal spoon.
If the babyfood is a no go you can try getting some pheonix or butter worms and rolling them in babyfood.
They are soft bodied so will be much easier for him to digest.
A drop or two of olive oil can also really help to start working things out.
Worked wonders with my boy.

Also when it comes to back time, have him in warm water up to his armpits and gentle massage down his right hand side from his armpit to vent. This should help to stimulate a bowel movement.

Its scary stuff impaction, but Ruben worked it all out in about 2 weeks and sorted his digestion out in around a month and a half.
Things are slow, but they work
Holly

 

[garyfreeman]

hey quick update changed everything sand,lights,diet etc ...........
mimi is doin great really startin to perk up really comin back to herself thanks for all the help

 

[Ethelia]

Great news.
Thanks for updating us.
We'd love to see some pictures!

Holly

 

[zebraflavencs]

Mimi is also pooing ? Great news ! Hey that is what we are all here for, the best enclosures, food, and health of our dragons !
Janie.