GraphicTortoise
Member
Hi all, my 3yo beardie Smaug has been through a lot... He has fought off 3 different parasites and an infection in his bones, but was left with bad arthritis in his knee joint. I don't know for sure, but my guess is the parasites from the pet store caused the bone infection, which led to permanent damage and arthritis.
My vet put him on meloxidyl for now to help with pain management, but recomended that he should have surgery to fuse the joint together as a longterm solution. Has anyone ever experienced something like this? I'm willing to fuse the joint if it'll stop the pain since he already isn't moving it. I just want to make sure there aren't any other long term options to help.
Smaug is only 3 and in otherwise good health now. His overall bone density is back to normal, he's parasite free, has gained weight back (up to 1.10 lb!) and eating really well. Other than his left leg, he's the healthiest he's ever been. I'd like to help him live a long pain free life.
* I have an xray image, but having trouble uploading on mobile. I'll add it when I get home if I can.
My vet put him on meloxidyl for now to help with pain management, but recomended that he should have surgery to fuse the joint together as a longterm solution. Has anyone ever experienced something like this? I'm willing to fuse the joint if it'll stop the pain since he already isn't moving it. I just want to make sure there aren't any other long term options to help.
Smaug is only 3 and in otherwise good health now. His overall bone density is back to normal, he's parasite free, has gained weight back (up to 1.10 lb!) and eating really well. Other than his left leg, he's the healthiest he's ever been. I'd like to help him live a long pain free life.
* I have an xray image, but having trouble uploading on mobile. I'll add it when I get home if I can.