Possible beardie impaction

[Winnythecool]

Hey guys,
My beardie is about 7 years old, has never been impacted until recently. He is struggling to poop. I took him to the vet twice, he was given fluids and enemas and pooped a little bit, but still hasn't passed the large mass. I've been doing warm baths and he is lethargic and limp at times. He doesn't want to eat much. I've heard you can feed applesauce and pumpkin purée but what if he won't eat? How can I encourage it? does oil really help? I'm so freaked out. When is it dangerous/too close? Thanks.

 

[AHBD]

Hi Winnie, is he on a loose substrate or has he eaten large prey items lately ? Are you positive that he is still impacted , and how long has he been ? Was he very lethargic before the enemas ? You can try applesauce and baby food squash mixed with 1/4 tsp of veg.oil and/or same amount of raw honey. Add a wee bit of warm water , just about a half teaspoon. Sometimes they will eat this type of concoction because they like the flavor, if not you can try wedging a small piece of cardboard cut from a cereal box top in his mouth and wiggle it open. Then quickly slide the plastic [ not glass ] feeding syringe in the side of his mouth and administer it carefully, watching that he doesn't choke. If you have not yet tried, give him a warmer than usual bath the day after hes had the dosing, but stay right with him so he doesn't drown, and pat him dry + put him back in the tank to keep warm afterwards.

 

[anwyn]

Try olive oil too.

With pumpkin or oil I put a bit on a spoon and then hold the spoon just on Mort's nose. Like with drops of water she'll lick it and I move around the spoon so she's licking off pumpkin. Re-dip the spoon in puree or oil as needed.

If he is still eating other things you can also dip a bug or piece of veg in oil or the puree. I used to trick mine that way!

 

[Winnythecool]

Hi Winnie, is he on a loose substrate or has he eaten large prey items lately ? Are you positive that he is still impacted , and how long has he been ? Was he very lethargic before the enemas ? You can try applesauce and baby food squash mixed with 1/4 tsp of veg.oil and/or same amount of raw honey. Add a wee bit of warm water , just about a half teaspoon. Sometimes they will eat this type of concoction because they like the flavor, if not you can try wedging a small piece of cardboard cut from a cereal box top in his mouth and wiggle it open. Then quickly slide the plastic [ not glass ] feeding syringe in the side of his mouth and administer it carefully, watching that he doesn't choke. If you have not yet tried, give him a warmer than usual bath the day after hes had the dosing, but stay right with him so he doesn't drown, and pat him dry + put him back in the tank to keep warm afterwards.

Hello, yes he is on sand, which I now know is very bad. I'm going to switch him over to a new substrate which I'm still researching. I can't determine what is best. He was lethargic before but not as lethargic, he's definitely worse now. If I don't have a syringe is there another recommendation? Thank you!