Rectal Prolapse? :/

[ExMachina]

So, I've read on and on about this topic tonight but none of the situations seem to be exactly like mine, so I'll go ahead and ask because I'm so worried..

I've had a bearded dragon for 4+ years, and nothing like this has ever happened. We recently adopted a new one, who is probably around a year and a half old.. He was originally on sand substrate when we got him but have since then changed it to an indoor/outdoor carpet type mat (so he doesn't accidentally ingest anything he shouldn't).
I walked in an hour or so ago and noticed a blueberry hanging out of his mouth, and this pink mucus-like mass hanging from his rectum.. He was also black and angry, very fussy (which isn't normally like him). After a few minutes, it went back in, the area was slightly puffy but since then has gone back to normal. He is fed spinach and crickets mostly, but I gave him blueberries today for the first time..
I know I should take him to a vet, though herp vets are very expensive (and I'm not familiar with any in the area as of yet)..
As far as I know, from research online, it's rectal prolapse.. My question, though, is that, since it has gone back in (and back to normal for the most part) what should I do? Is it fatal?
I'm so worried and scared. Any help would be appreciated.

Sara

Bearded Dragon
Age: Less than 2 years
:|

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is a serious condition, indeed.
You mentioned that the prolapse has gone back in? How often has this been happening?
Are you using a UVB light on a regular basis?
How often do you use calcium supplementation?
I would bathe in a cool sugar water bath if the prolapse does come out again to help reduce swelling.
I would cut out the spinach though as it is high in oxalates which can bind the calcium absorption. Better choices are mustard or collard greens, or dandelion greens are good also.

Let us know how he is doing.
Tracie

 

[ExMachina]

Thanks for your help. As for your questions..

This is the first time I've ever seen it happen, I didn't know what was going on, I was stressed out of my mind and so scared so I ran to the internet for answers and that's when I found out that the closest thing I could find to it was this "rectal prolapse" which is really scary! And yes, it went back in after a few minutes, and today there is no swelling, his vent looks normal. I do use a UVB during the daytime, but haven't really used calcium in a while -- I'm definitely going to start doing it on a regular basis though. And cut down on spinach!
Is ther anything a vet can do in general for it, or do you just have to deal with it when it happens? I've read so many different things, I don't know what to think, and it's not all that clear to me exactly what is going on.. But I'm going to do my best to help my poor little guy get better.

thanks

 

[CaptainVimes]

I googled and found this thread for you (on reptile forum)

http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/forums/lizards/312501-urgent-help-advice-bearded-dragon.html

 

[ExMachina]

Thanks. The situation in the link you posted is a little different, though. Mine's went back in and haven't had any trouble since. The main thing I am wondering now is if everything will be ok now with proper care (vitamin D, mustard greens/kale/etc instead of spinach, etc) or if there is anything else I need to do.

 

[CaptainVimes]

Thanks. The situation in the link you posted is a little different, though. Mine's went back in and haven't had any trouble since. The main thing I am wondering now is if everything will be ok now with proper care (vitamin D, mustard greens/kale/etc instead of spinach, etc) or if there is anything else I need to do.

I know it is a different situation, I just thought the photo would help you assess whether it was the rectum or the hemi-penis that had temporarily prolapsed.

Either way you have it sorted now.

Best wishes,

CV x

 

[ExMachina]

Thanks. The situation in the link you posted is a little different, though. Mine's went back in and haven't had any trouble since. The main thing I am wondering now is if everything will be ok now with proper care (vitamin D, mustard greens/kale/etc instead of spinach, etc) or if there is anything else I need to do.

I know it is a different situation, I just thought the photo would help you assess whether it was the rectum or the hemi-penis that had temporarily prolapsed.

Either way you have it sorted now.

Best wishes,

CV x

Oh, I see what you mean. Thank you! I wish I had taken a photo of it so I could compare, but I was too freaked out to think straight! Haha. Next time I'll know though, but hopefully there won't be a next time.
Thanks again

S

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Personally I think it may have something to do with his muscles not having enough strength for retraction. The calcium intake should take care of that for him.
Definitely cut back on the spinach & replace with better choices for him, will help also. How is he doing today?

Tracie

 

[ExMachina]

Hello,

Personally I think it may have something to do with his muscles not having enough strength for retraction. The calcium intake should take care of that for him.
Definitely cut back on the spinach & replace with better choices for him, will help also. How is he doing today?

Tracie

Thanks so much! I will definitely do that. He seems to be doing fine right now. I may end up taking him to a vet anyways just to get him checked up.

S