old age

[my2boys]

Hi Everyone -

I'm new to this site (so forgive me if I didnt post in the correct category).... but I am not new to beardies.

**I lost my beardy who was 8 years old last night. I never thought I would have cried the way I did for him but what can I say - they become part of you. You get attached. I am depressed over this... and sadly, I can't really tell anyone cuz they will think I'm a crazy for crying over a lizard. Not that I care what they think... but who would really understand what I'm feeling, other than similiar bearded dragon owners and lovers...

So I am here to find out what advice anyone might have on old age. I already know as they age into their golden years - that they stop eating as much and are pretty much lethargic and lazy... but does anyone know if they also loose weight before they die, or will they become dehydrated.. or do most beardies remain the same, healthy lizards they are - and like- die in their sleep?
I know my lizard was sick as he became extremely dehydrated (i.e., eyes sunken BAD, realllllly thirsty, extreme weight loss) but I'm wondering is it more of a caretaking issue or something that happens naturally....... like sickness that was brought on by the onset of old age or what. I'm just really confused. I brought him to a "exotic vet" who knew NOTHING about beardies, but charged me an arm & leg for the consultation - in which she printed articles off the internet - which I could have done. She wasn't able to tell me if he was sick or just old. So I was/felt helpless. I just tried to make his last few weeks enjoyable as possible. I'm glad he is not suffering anymore. But I'm still in shock and oh sooo sad. I have changed a few things around (viv wise for both lizards) in the last 2 weeks and just hope my remaining lizard can reap the benefits of these changes. I can't help but feel my deceased lizard would have lived longer if I took him to a vet that knew what he/she was doing... possibly perscibing meds for him or something... but I also feel maybe it was my fault. It took me a long time to realize his UV bulbs should be changed every 6 months and the heat needed to be up near the 100 degree area. And this.. and that... sad to say, I was ill-informed from the start with my beardies but glad I was able to learn enough on my own in time. (((Ahhhhh --- sorry to ramble all))))..... sorry.

REST IN PEACE MY BUDDY LOVE <3 i miss u already

 

[UTreptiles]

So sorry to hear about your loss. It seems to me that beardies much like all other animals sometimes tend to mask thier illnesses very well. You may not even know they are sick till it's too late. I think this is still a wild instinct thing that if you show weakness that turns you into a prey instead of a predator. It looks like we still have to use this much informative site and the very, very limited knowledge of vets to help our beardies. I do not have a single vet within a hundred miles that knows anything about beardies.

My oldest beardie is about 7 years old now and is a semi-retired breeder. Breeding shortens the life span a little, but she still looks strong and is nice and plump. It is so hard to read beardies and thier health. All we can do is do our best in giving them the care they need from the start.

Again, sorry for your loss.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh that is too bad, 8 years old is a pretty decent age. They are very good at hiding illnesses until it is too late.
I am very sorry for your loss, I know you will miss him terribly.


Tracie

 

[clbauman7]

Beardies are such sweet little ones. It is hard to imagine how a lizard can make your heart melt, but they really do!
It isn't fair for you to get upset with yourself for doing the best you knew how to do for your beardie. There is so much to know about these little guys. Just keep doing your best, and keep researching for your other little one.
My thoughts and prayers are with you