No bowel movement in a month

[LeoA]

Hi,

My lovely 9 month old beardie has gone an entire month without going to the bathroom. He's been far less active, spending about 50:50 time between his den and the basking spot. He is only eating a minimal amount of bugs (1-2 Locusts each day). His weight has remained constant the last month.

Vets have looked at a stool sample from about a month ago (lucky!) and declared him parasite free.


I've taken him to the vets and they said they couldn't feel any impaction, but I'm at a loss as to what to do? I thought it could be a light brumation due to his age, but he often basks, adding confusion to the matter. I've tried the normal 'tricks': regular warm baths, oiled up insects, and even a light laxative prescribed by the vet!

Anyone have any ideas on what could be going on? I worry so much about him.


Edit: Just to add, I'm 100% happy with his setup. Proper T8 light replaced every 6 months, plenty of room, good temps (26c/40c) etc.


UPDATE: He just went to the bathroom after a long 30 minutes shallow bath. I'm so relieved!

 

[kingofnobbys]

What state are located in ?

If in Northern Hemisphere , he may be shutting down for a spell in brumation.

If no BBing going on , and otherwise seems healthy , a dose of 0.3ml olive oil given by mouth using a syringe every couple of days might get thing flowing again if there's anything to shift in there.
An Xray to check for any blockages / impactions is not a bad idea.
Resist an enema - unless it's absolutely essential and there is no other option , too many pet reptiles are killed by being given an enema and vets trying to force blockages through ( under pressure using water ).

No food in , no poo out.

 

[LeoA]

Northern hemisphere, England
He's was only 8 months old when it all started though, I thought that was too young. It's like his body is still active, but his digestive system is almost stopped..

 

[kingofnobbys]

Northern hemisphere, England
He's was only 8 months old when it all started though, I thought that was too young. It's like his body is still active, but his digestive system is almost stopped..

I'd keep him warm and try to keep him active , under 12 months is too young ( my reptile vet's advise to me ) for a reptile to bromate , ie no brumation in it's first winter.

What's the photoperiod ( hours lights heat on / off each day ) ?
I keep my photoperiod at about 14hr in winter , 15hr in summer.

 

[LeoA]

7 Am to 7 Pm. He's tucked away in his den by around 4 Pm though, I don't think keeping the lights on longer would do much when he puts himself off to bed :lol:

 

[KarrieRee]

UVB and basking temps are the two most important things in the tank -- what are you using for a UVB? Where in the tank is it and what are the basking temps? How are you taking them? NO stick ons and NO coils for UVB and you need a reflector on the tube fixture if your using one--

 

[LeoA]

T8 12% w/ reflector replaced every 6 months
cool end 26-28c basking spot 40c, measured with digital thermometers

 

[KarrieRee]

Is the T 8 inside the tank w/ NO cover over the bulb? If not it needs to be -- w/ a distance of 6-8 inches directly above the basking decor

 

[kingofnobbys]

T8 12% w/ reflector replaced every 6 months
cool end 26-28c basking spot 40c, measured with digital thermometers

What are the overnight in tank temperatures like where he sleeps ?
Is the room kept warmer than 21 degC overnight or heating turned off overnight.

If the room gets chilly overnight, and there is not in tank heating overnight ie heatpad under hide , CHE on a thermostat ( keeping the tank warmer than say 22 degC ) the dragon's metabolism is getting very slow overnight and it will take a while for it to increase ( is body temperature dependent ).

 

[LeoA]

The T8 is mounted horizontally on the inside top of his tank, going from end to end.

Night time temp is controlled by a CHE maintaining about 22c overnight as soon as his lights go out.

I've put a lot of attention into making sure his setup is comfortable for him.

 

[LeoA]

Thanks for your replies so far by the way. Appreciate any advice.

 

[kingofnobbys]

7 Am to 7 Pm. He's tucked away in his den by around 4 Pm though, I don't think keeping the lights on longer would do much when he puts himself off to bed :lol:

12hr photoperiod is pretty short ( very similar to winter hours in their natural range ).
I'd nudge that up by 2hr , give the dragon at least an hour or 2 before you get up to feed it , and similar at the end of the day .

14 hour for a photoperiod would be the minimum I'd set up for a bearded dragon.

I set up my lights to come on close to my local sunrise , I'm a night owl and often see my skinks and dragons awake already at 4am despite house in darkness and my not having more than headtorch or a computer screen on even if the lights are not programmed to come on til 6am ) and sun isn't up til 5am ( summer ) .

 

[LeoA]

Interesting, wonder if mine does that too! I'll try to increase the day time by a couple hours.

Would you think brumation is the most likely cause here? He's booked in for an Xray in 1 weeks time, just to clear him of any internal issues.

 

[kingofnobbys]

Cleo , my girl was already on her basking spot at 3am this morning assuming the position when was up with lights all off and having a snack raid.

 

[LeoA]

He just went to the bathroom, biggest I've ever seen. It followed a roughly 30 minute bath. So relieved!