Swallowed something sharp...

[Saddlepatch]

I'm sure a lot of people have weird stories of their beardies eating or trying to eat something really odd... Well this one has to top them all off. The other day, I was trying to forcefeed Irwin (he's been refusing to eat lately...) when he suddenly grabbed my thumb and bit the tip of my thumbnail off and swallowed it. It was quite a shocker, and I've been really worried. I hoped that it would pass through okay, but after a few days of not pooping, I've noticed a big lump on his lower left side. I gave him some drops of water and vegetable oil, and I massaged the lump for a while tonight. It broke down a bit, but then I started to feel something kind of hard (it was very very subtle, I could barely feel it at all). I think it's the nail. Now I'm really worried, because I want it to pass, but I'm worried that his intestines are damaged, and that my rubbing the lump possibly caused the nail to scrape the lining even more. And I'm completely broke right now. I can't take him to the vet, and my parents definitely won't take him for me (they'd rather watch him die). The idea of this crazy phenomenon of my manicurist beardie aside, what do you recommend I should do? Just keep giving him vegetable oil and warm baths, and hope it passes through safely?

(Btw, I'm extremely tired of worrying about my beardie. Irwin gets sick so often, it's ridiculous. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. When I first got him, he was already sick, and no matter how many times I take him to the vet, and no matter how much money I spend on him, he keeps getting sick again and again!!! Is he just a runt that's prone to getting ill a lot, or am I overlooking something crucial? I've started wayyy too many boards on this site, asking for help. I thought I was doing everything right, but it's not working. I feel like a terrible pet owner, and to think, I want to get more reptiles in the future. I should just save those poor herps the misery and stop owning pets altogether...)

- My baby <333

 

[Jiffy]

Hi.
I am sorry little Irwin isnt feeling well.
How long has it been since he has pooped? And how old is he?

Dont feel like a bad pet owner. It is difficult to get the hang of things for a beardie when you bring home one that is not sick. If you bring home a sick one, I am sure it is even worse. Hopefully all the quirks with his health and setup will be cleared up soon, and he will be feeling all better.

(and I just woke up, so forgive me if what I just typed doesnt make sense, I am in a bit of a benadryl induced haze )

 

[Saddlepatch]

Hi.
I am sorry little Irwin isnt feeling well.
How long has it been since he has pooped? And how old is he?

Dont feel like a bad pet owner. It is difficult to get the hang of things for a beardie when you bring home one that is not sick. If you bring home a sick one, I am sure it is even worse. Hopefully all the quirks with his health and setup will be cleared up soon, and he will be feeling all better.

(and I just woke up, so forgive me if what I just typed doesnt make sense, I am in a bit of a benadryl induced haze )

Well, I got him to poop last night in the tub, but it took a really long time to coax it out of him. The last time he pooped on his own (in his tank, without help) was probably about two weeks ago. He's about 21-22 months old. He's also pretty tiny for a beardie his age (16" from head to tail).
Thanks so much for your concern.

 

[MALIBUSMOM]

He may be getting ready to brumate.

 

[beardie parents]

I wouldn't worry about his length. Some beardies have a short length. Redrock was just under 17 inches just before she died.