I am not sure if my beardie has a URI, he seems normal, eats and wanders around his tank. I haven't notice a mood change but for a little while only when he eats for a few seconds I hear a very low small wheezing and then it stops and hes back to normal, I'm not sure if he is eating to fast or if it's the starting of a URI. Today I gave him some hornworms and when he went to eat the first one a small puddle of mucus came out, i didn't hear any wheezing. I am not sure what to do the temperature under his lamp is about 110 sp I know the temperature is not low and he likes to bask there most of the day. Should I be concerned?
Can you tell if it was mucous or saliva (in anticipation of a "tasty" ( :bleick: ) treat?
When he "wheezes", is his mouth open or closed? I'm thinking mouth open could be air going past a piece of food, whereas mouth closed might suggest something respiratory.
If definitely mucous vs saliva and/or wheezing with mouth closed, I'd be inclined to watch him closely for repeat or additional symptoms. If things stay the same or worsen within a week, I think I'd take him to a good herp vet.
It looks more like saliva than mucus since it didn't look thick like mucus would. When he wheezes his mouth is usually closed not open and it's right after he finishes chewing his bugs.
I tend to be a bit conservative with these issues as well, but since it isn't happening a lot and especially since it's happening around meal time I imagine it is more related to the food and digestion rather than an infection. Since he is behaving normally, I also advise a wait and see approach. If he was suffering from an infection (Especially one that couldn't be managed by his immune system) you would likely see more severe symptoms and lethargic behavior. If you intervene with meds at this point they may wind up doing more harm than good.