Possible Concussion?

[GeorgesHuman]

So today I was taking a few items out of George's tank in preparation for his move into a new tank...as I was taking some of his rocks out one slipped out of my hand and fell on George's head! I think it scared him more than anything else, but I'm so worried about the possibility of a concussion. I have no idea what signs to look for regarding concussions in reptiles. He won't let me examine him because he's very angry, and every time I come near his cage right now he puffs out his beard and hisses and lunges at me (this behavior concerns me quite a bit because he is usually very mellow and never acts like this around people).

Here's some more info, if it helps!
-The rock fell from a very short distance, maybe only 1-3"
-The rock is rather small, fitting comfortable in the center of my palm (I can wrap my entire hand around it)
-George will eat if I offer him food, I don't know if that makes a difference but if he was really hurt he wouldn't be so eager for food, right?
-From what I can tell of his pupils, they look normal
-He doesn't appear to have any trouble walking

I'm hoping he's just scared and angry more than anything, but like I said, I don't know what to look for in cases of reptile head trauma. If anyone has any advice for me, please let me know! I want to be able to take him to the vet ASAP if it turns out to be serious. Thank you so much!

 

[Tonja]

You will want to look for signs of lethargy or sleepiness, wobbling of body parts like the head, wobbling when walking, any bleeding from the nose, mouth or ears. Also one pupil that is different from the other, both dialated or nonreactive to light, eyes not tracking properly. Damage to the eye on top of his head. He is probably upset more than hurt. Just keep an eye on him and if he displays any strange behavior I would get him to a vet.

 

[GeorgesHuman]

Hi, thank you so much for your response.

I have been watching him over the past couple of days, and he seems to be okay. The only thing I've really noticed is that he didn't seem too enthused about going after his crickets today, but he hasn't had those in a while (I usually feed worms) so it could just be that he's not really into those anymore. Other than that, he seems the same as ever, so I'm guessing he's okay.

Thank you again for your reply, it was very helpful.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am sorry that happened!
It sounds like he is going to be fine, but definitely keep an eye on him.
If he isn't having any balance issues or being lethargic then he likely doesn't have any head injuries.
Hopefully he will start eating for you soon also.
Try handling him daily so that he doesn't associate you with the accident. I am sure he will get over that incident before long, he is probably just mentally traumatized a bit.

Tracie

 

[GeorgesHuman]

Hello,

Thank you Tracie! He ate all of his salad today, which I think is a pretty good sign, so I think he's doing pretty well. I let him run around my room a bit yesterday, and he didn't seem to be off balance or having vision trouble or anything of that sort. He's no longer acting aggressively towards me, either. I think he just got a little freaked out for a bit after it happened, but now he's pretty much forgotten about it. It also doesn't look like his head is bruised, either. Thank you so much for your help, I'll keep you guys posted if anything changes!

 

[Tonja]

Its been a few days since this happened, I don't think you have anything more to worry about than an unfortunate bump on the head. If he had a concussion he would be showing signs most likely by now. So relax and enjoy your dragon and watch out for falling stones :wink: !

 

[GeorgesHuman]

Haha, will do! Now that I've changed him over to a front-opening enclosure, rather than a top-opening one, I'm really hoping falling stones (or anything else, for that matter) won't be a problem anymore! Thank you again for all your help!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am glad, it sounds like he is doing just fine! It was all just kind of scary for him initially but at least nothing appears hurt on him & he is eating too!
What a trooper he is. I agree, if he had a head injury or concussion he would be showing signs by now.

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie