Not fully digesting food - vet needed?

[Sparx]

I've been noticing that Sparx hasn't been digesting her crickets properly (I recently upgraded them from 1/4" and 3/8" to 1/2" - and they came in slightly larger than 1/2"). I have a second Beardie who is a smidge smaller than Sparx and he's been digesting them well.

They're kept in similar conditions.
They are currently in 20g tanks while waiting for the custom enclosures to be completed (they are only between 9-10" so it isn't too bad of a crunch and the tanks will be done soon).
Basking spot: roughly 110*F (occasionally falls a bit cooler and raises a bit higher - but 110*F is the median).
It has a gradient where the cool side sits at about 80-85*F.
*Temperatures were measured with a Digital Thermometer with a probe*
UVB: ReptiSun 10.0
They've been packing away a TON of crickets during each feeding (about 20 crickets per feeding - 3 feedings a day. It normally wouldn't make me nervous but as stated above, the crickets came in a bit larger than 1/2") as well as a few bites of a daily salad (Turnip Greens and Butternut Squash - occasionally a couple other add-ins).
Crickets are calcium dusted 5x per week and dusted with vitamins 2x per week.
Bathed nightly for about 10-20 minutes in luke warm water with ReptiSafe.
I've owned her for about 2 months now with no problems - so this is a first.

I believe I've answered most questions that are normally asked - if not, feel free to ask more.

Now Sparx has been normal as far as activity, being alert, etc goes - and she has been having bowel movements, it's just the "consistency" that's making me nervous. It's like you can still see a bit of the cricket in there - almost as if she isn't digesting them properly.

Do you think if I cut back and only give her about 10 crickets per feeding due to size (or just giving her Phoenix or ReptiWorms for now) would help? Or should I take her to the vet to be sure it isn't a parasite or something. :3

Thanks for any input!

 

[CooperDragon]

It sounds like the environment is OK. It's possibly a parasite - couldn't hurt to have a fecal test done. I would cut back on the crickets a bit for now and try replacing some of them with a soft worm like a silk or Phoenix Worm. Something that will be a bit easier on her system. It's a good sign that she is still active and behaving normally. That leads me to think it's a digestive issue of some sort.

 

[Sparx]

It sounds like the environment is OK. It's possibly a parasite - couldn't hurt to have a fecal test done. I would cut back on the crickets a bit for now and try replacing some of them with a soft worm like a silk or Phoenix Worm. Something that will be a bit easier on her system. It's a good sign that she is still active and behaving normally. That leads me to think it's a digestive issue of some sort.

I'll call the vet clinic tomorrow and see about getting her and Spyro in - just to be sure they're both healthy.
Now I've never owned Beardies so a vet visit with one is going to be an entirely new experience. What should I expect with them doing a fecal? I've heard of a few Beardies having some traumatizing vet visits due the veterinarian doing something off. Our town has an exotic vet so I'm sure he'll be able to work fine with these guys, but I also want to be prepared in case I need to figure out different accommodations for future visits.

Sorry for being such a pain! I feel like a worried mother (or at least I assume this how one feels!).

 

[CooperDragon]

In my experience, vet visits have been OK. For a routine check, it's mostly a visual examination (check weight, look at fat pads and size/shape, listen to heart and lungs, etc.) For a fecal, if you can provide a fresh sample (make sure to clearly mark who's is who's) it helps. My vet does the test on the spot and has results before I leave. I'm not sure if all vets have the equipment for that though. Bring a carrying case of some kind (I use a duffel bag, but a big shoebox works too) with a towel or blanket in it. This will make it easier for transport and provide a comfortable and secure spot for your dragons.