Possible Broken Leg? :(

[jdishon95]

Hey guys.. A few weeks ago I posted about how my beardie was stepped on, and it was possible that his leg was broken in the incident. This was about 3 weeks ago.
It seemed as if he was okay, and over the two weeks I've noticed a couple things, not sure if its just me being a paranoid parent or what. If it was obviously swollen and causing him pain believe be I would go get it X-ray'd in a heart beat. But after giving him 24 hours of observance and rest after the incident it didn't seem as if spending 250$ just for a possibility was an option. (I am a broke college student.)
tldr; these are the symptoms:
I have a custom 4 tank enclosure out of melamine made, on the front there is a screen 8" x 16" on either side of each tank. When he stands/ climbs on the screen it seems that the leg on the side that was stepped on kind of indents at the knee, and his lower leg is kind of wiggly, but his other leg isnt that way. However its not swollen, and he doesnt react when touching it.

Is a vet visit in line?

 

[AHBD]

There's no swelling and he walks on it like normal ? If so, it should be fine.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

OH poor thing, it does sound like something is either broken or badly sprained. Does he use the leg at all or it is limited mobility? An x-ray would definitely show whether or not it is broken or not.
I know it's expensive but if he is in pain it would be best to try & find out what is going on.
You could try to immobilize the leg using a toothpick or small popsicle stick & gauge to allow it not to move around much to see if it would heal up. They do take awhile to heal sometimes though with injuries.
Is he eating very much?

Tracie

 

[jdishon95]

ADHB - Yes, he does walk on it, but it seems like he tries not to put weight on the leg for long if possible. But it isn't swollen and he does use it.

Drache613 - His appetite over the last month has definitely slowed down, but so have my other 3 dragons, They all have started to act ready to brumate as they sit on their unheated sides more, and spend more time in their hides here recently. Do you know how much x-ray's run? I know to get a fecal done at my local vet they cost 60$, and they aren't the most competent. :/ As a college student this is a difficult thing to experience. It doesn't seem to be causing him pain, but at the same time I feel like something may be wrong. I may wait a little longer just to make sure I'm not being overly cautious. I know an Xray can't be cheap.

 

[Vinicius21]

My beardie has the same situation, but she wasn't stepped on. The lighting and heating is all correct. When I woke up in the morning I see her limping but it wasn't swollen, when I looked at it she didn't react to nothing no pain or fit.. but I'm worried about her leg and I'm in college as well.. and I can't afford any x rays. What should I do? Since you have the same problem.

 

[jdishon95]

In all honesty, I decided that I would just take it day by day and pray that nothing is actually wrong and i'm just crazy. I treat him much gentler, I don't let him climb in his tank, I bathe him more frequently, and give him a little more love. It has been a month since I originally posted, and his condition hasn't worsened at all. He puts all of his weight on all fours, but his back left leg still seems like he doesn't hold it quite right. I was looking back at younger pictures of him, and can't tell if it is there or not. But it his leg was broken or hurt from the incident, after a month and a half he would surely be declining or getting worse. (or so I assume) Dont let your beardie climb and keep him isolated, just keep close watch and see if the condition worsens, improves, or if he is in desperate need of a vet asap.
If he/she is limping badly and is showing signs of pain/discomfort (heavy breathing when you gently touch the area, twitching, wiggling around in agonony) then I recommend a vet ASAP. I only decided against it right away because he was still walking on all 4, eating normal, and not showing signs of extreme pain.