Possibly impacted?

[Abbipetty]

Hey- so my beardie didn’t poop for a week until today, but was eating a bit more, and was not basking, even if I put her in her basking spot. (I think she’s going through a brumation like phase so that may be why?) so today I decided to give her a soak to see if she’d go, as she was blackening a little on her beard. She was closing her eyes while in the water, and then when she actually tried to go, she was straining a lot. She did go, but not a lot, definitely think she could go more. She was straining pretty hard after, like shaking her whole body was shaking straying to push and her cloaca? (I think that’s what it’s called) was bulging quite a bit. Now that she’s went a little, she’s lightened up a tinyyy bit. And she’s basking right now, so hopefully that helps her a little. She won’t drink any water, and she didn’t eat yesterday, although that’s not super abnormal for her. Do I need to take her to the vet asap or is this something I can monitor and help at home? I’m not sure how to best help her and make sure she’s safe.

 

[AHBD]

Hey, sorry I got this mixed up with your other thread. I didn't realize how hard she strained to poo that you described, I was responding as if I was on your other thread. If she's straining, shaking and very little coming out then just offer the syringe fed food if she'll take any [ the " natural laxatives " ] but don't put her in any water for right now. I mentioned on your other thread that she may be trying to brumate so don't feed her any insects. She has become very overweight so I don't know if it was your vet saying she needs more protein but it's the opposite. All obese dragons will have health problems, it's just a fact. So for now let her rest if she wants. Wishing all the best to her and you !

 

[Abbipetty]

Hey, sorry I got this mixed up with your other thread. I didn't realize how hard she strained to poo that you described, I was responding as if I was on your other thread. If she's straining, shaking and very little coming out then just offer the syringe fed food if she'll take any [ the " natural laxatives " ] but don't put her in any water for right now. I mentioned on your other thread that she may be trying to brumate so don't feed her any insects. She has become very overweight so I don't know if it was your vet saying she needs more protein but it's the opposite. All obese dragons will have health problems, it's just a fact. So for now let her rest if she wants. Wishing all the best to her and you !

thank you, I was wondering about when to take her to the vet? I could get her in Monday if I need, but if she needs a vet sooner I’m obviously willing to have an emergency visit, but I don’t know when I should take her in. Should I take her in tonight? I believe it was Karrie who said not to take her in as they will give her an enema, but she’s starting to make me incredibly nervous. I would tell them not to give her an enema but at least we could hopefully figure out what’s wrong?

 

[AHBD]

It's up to you but if this is a vet that told you she needs nore protein them I would never go back there. Other than that they could do blood tests and xrays or ultrasounds but I can't advise you either way, you'll have to decide.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How is your dragon doing?
If she seems to be that critical, you can consider
going to the vet but definitely go to another vet if
you can find one.
Do you know what may have caused this type of
impaction?
For now, keep her a little warmer overnight right
now to help boost her system.
Let us know how she is doing.

Tracie

 

[Abbipetty]

Hello,

How is your dragon doing?
If she seems to be that critical, you can consider
going to the vet but definitely go to another vet if
you can find one.
Do you know what may have caused this type of
impaction?
For now, keep her a little warmer overnight right
now to help boost her system.
Let us know how she is doing.

Tracie

Hey! I was gonna post a separate update and a picture of her- she’s doing much better.
I tried the home remedies, a little pumpkin. I didn’t give her a bath, I was about to give in and give her one when I looked over to where she was napping and she finally pooped! I do think that was the problem, she’s brighter now and much less bloated. I think I may have been over-feeding her greens, and I probably should’ve skipped the roaches when she was not basking, I believe that’s what did it. I do think she may be brumating as well. She came out the day after she went to the bathroom, I offered a tiny bit of greens, and she ate em up gladly. Then she went back in her log and has been sleeping. She is bright yellow under her beard though, and seems pretty well besides the hiding and sleeping, which I believe may just be her brumating. I got her blood done a few months back, and vet said she may be carrying eggs due to something in her bloodwork, so I was worried she was gravid or having trouble, but I don’t think she is, she’s not big in the tummy like she was the first time, and she’s not as energetic like the first time. So I think we’re okay. Thank you so much for all of you help by the way, I clearly get caught up and super worried about my pets. Trying to manage that better.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That's wonderful to hear she is doing better now! It sounds like she was a little backed up perhaps.
Her blood work was normal levels a few months ago? She hasn't laid any eggs though, even though
the vet thought she might be?
If she is brumating, some of her levels can be off just simply due to being slown down. It's a good sign
she isn't as bloated, so, hopefully her system will get back to normal soon.
It's hard not to worry about our pets because they are our family.
It does sound like she is a little sleepy & just wanting to brumate right now.

Tracie

 

[Abbipetty]

Hello,

That's wonderful to hear she is doing better now! It sounds like she was a little backed up perhaps.
Her blood work was normal levels a few months ago? She hasn't laid any eggs though, even though
the vet thought she might be?
If she is brumating, some of her levels can be off just simply due to being slown down. It's a good sign
she isn't as bloated, so, hopefully her system will get back to normal soon.
It's hard not to worry about our pets because they are our family.
It does sound like she is a little sleepy & just wanting to brumate right now.

Tracie

Thank you Tracie! Yes, the levels were normal except vet said calcium and phosphorus were elevated, and most often seen with reproductive activity. she said uric acid was slightly elevated but given how mild the elevation was, it was more likely related to a recent meal or hydration level. So, I was worried about her kidneys, but the vet said she was not concerned. Thanks again for all your help!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

You are very welcome.
Yes, the calcium levels are often elevated while they are
developing eggs, & they are being shelled. That can throw off the calcium to phosphorus ratios.
I agree, many times slight dehydration will contribute to
uric acid elevation & should quickly decrease once the
hydration status readjusts. Just give extra oral fluids &
you can be proactive & give black or tart cherry juice
extract to give a few times weekly to help out the kidneys.

Tracie