Sick Beardy

[Arao]

It hurts me to write this. My bearded dragon about 3 months ago caught MBD. My first visit to the vet they told me a calcium shot and just further care for my dragon would be the only option. Regrettably her condition got worse and now all four arms are swollen and her front left arm the bone in her hand is eaten away. The vet told me her arms will never heal the same and she will never be able to move right. He told me my best option is euthanizing her. I got her pain meds for a week so I can sit on the decision for a week. I love her that’s why it is not an easy decision to make. I wanted to come on here to see if there was any other options people knew about where she could be saved or if you guys reading this also think that euthanizing her is the best option. I just need your advice. Thank you.

 

[KarrieRee]

It hurts me to write this. My bearded dragon about 3 months ago caught MBD. My first visit to the vet they told me a calcium shot and just further care for my dragon would be the only option. Regrettably her condition got worse and now all four arms are swollen and her front left arm the bone in her hand is eaten away. The vet told me her arms will never heal the same and she will never be able to move right. He told me my best option is euthanizing her. I got her pain meds for a week so I can sit on the decision for a week. I love her that’s why it is not an easy decision to make. I wanted to come on here to see if there was any other options people knew about where she could be saved or if you guys reading this also think that euthanizing her is the best option. I just need your advice. Thank you.

@Drache613

 

[xp29]

That is a tough pill to swallow
I don't know how to help but my heart goes out to you both.

 

[Arao]

That is a tough pill to swallow
I don't know how to help but my heart goes out to you both.

Even that helps a lot man! It’s always the toughest to let go of a life you love. Thank you!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am sorry your girl is having trouble, it's always hard to see them not feel well.
Did they do a blood test to determine metabolic bone disease? How many calcium shots did they
give her & what pain medication is she on?
Judging by the looks of the swelling, that isn't metabolic bone disease but looks like gout.
Can you review your tank setup & nutrition/supplementation with us?
Is she able to move around on her own very easily?
For now, try to get some black or tart cherry juice extract to start clearing out her system a bit & to
help her kidneys. Are you giving extra oral fluids for her too?

Tracie

 

[Arao]

Hello,

I am sorry your girl is having trouble, it's always hard to see them not feel well.
Did they do a blood test to determine metabolic bone disease? How many calcium shots did they
give her & what pain medication is she on?
Judging by the looks of the swelling, that isn't metabolic bone disease but looks like gout.
Can you review your tank setup & nutrition/supplementation with us?
Is she able to move around on her own very easily?
For now, try to get some black or tart cherry juice extract to start clearing out her system a bit & to
help her kidneys. Are you giving extra oral fluids for her too?

Tracie

They did not take blood work. They took an x- ray today and found that her front left arm, the bone in her hand, it had been eaten away from what they think is MBD. This is her second calcium shot, her first one was last October. My tank is layered with pellets. 94-101 degrees on the hot side, about 74-76 on the cold side. She has a tube UVB light fixture that stays on 10 hours a day. She eats Dubai roaches always coated with calcium powder. Refuses to eat any type of vegetables since the day I got her. She squirms around but she can’t move any of her arms easily. I will look into the black or tart cherry extract right away. I have been but couldn’t find an effective way to keep her mouth open until my vet taught me today. So I will start giving her water with calcium in it by syringe and drop it in her mouth. Thank you for all your help and advice.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I have emailed you, regarding your girl. I would say she definitely has gout. Go ahead & try to find some
black or tart cherry juice extract to help her body start flushing out her system.
What brand of tube UVB are you using? Which liquid calcium are you using?
I would not get anymore calcium injections. Too many will cause renal or heart failure.
Dubias tend to be higher in uric acid naturally, so for now, I would hold off feeding anymore to her. Try
silkworms, hornworms, crickets or calcium worms. You will need to keep her protein somewhat lower
to try & get her kidneys in better condition.


Tracie