Swelling at the joints.

[carverbain]

Well, it seems that the swelling has reduced a bit since yesterday as it seems that it maybe linked to some dehydration issues. I'm hoping that I caught it early enough that it will not become permanent, and that it goes away entirely. I actually should have mentioned that he actually said it was Pseudo-gout and not fullfledged gout.

 

[MissT]

Usually by the time swelling occurs, it has reached quite a high level... How did the vet determine it was gout?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

OH geez, how old is your dragon? Did the vet do a blood test, x-rays or aspirate any fluids from the swollen areas around the joints to determine gout?
Pseudo gout can be caused by nutritional deficiencies that have thrown the levels out of balance. They completed ruled out calcium issues though?
If you have a copy of blood test results, I would love to see them.
Did he prescribe allopurinol yet for the gout?
You mentioend his swelling has come down some now?
I hate to hear this, him being so small.

Tracie

 

[carverbain]

Usually by the time swelling occurs, it has reached quite a high level... How did the vet determine it was gout?

He did an x-ray, and he said he could tell that it was pseudogout and not gout as the swelling was inside the joints and not around the joints.

Hello,

OH geez, how old is your dragon? Did the vet do a blood test, x-rays or aspirate any fluids from the swollen areas around the joints to determine gout?
Pseudo gout can be caused by nutritional deficiencies that have thrown the levels out of balance. They completed ruled out calcium issues though?
If you have a copy of blood test results, I would love to see them.
Did he prescribe allopurinol yet for the gout?
You mentioend his swelling has come down some now?
I hate to hear this, him being so small.

Tracie

I would say that he looks to be 2 and half months old. The vet did do an x-ray, but he said that he would not recommend doing a bloodtest or aspirate due to his small size and that the blood loss from the aspiration alone would may kill him. I asked about any medications, and he stated that there was pretty much nothing I could do other than to try to keep him on a correct diet, and hope for the best. He did have a little less swelling in the morning, and I think that frequent soaks appear to be helping.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Yes, he is too small for a blood test. I was hoping that he at least did an x-ray. So he must have seen some tophi then.
He has full blown gout, correct? If that is right, then he will need some medication most likely if he has already sustained some kidney damage. If he has pseudo gout then he may be able to recover from it without any medication.
Keep oral fluids increased with him daily, to help him out. I hope he is feeling better soon.
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[carverbain]

Hello,

Yes, he is too small for a blood test. I was hoping that he at least did an x-ray. So he must have seen some tophi then.
He has full blown gout, correct? If that is right, then he will need some medication most likely if he has already sustained some kidney damage. If he has pseudo gout then he may be able to recover from it without any medication.
Keep oral fluids increased with him daily, to help him out. I hope he is feeling better soon.
Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

The vet said it was pseudogout, so I was hopeful that he would be able to recover from it. Unfortunately, he will not eat any of the greens I have offered to him including: strawberries, blueberries, kale, and collard greens. He will only eat Phoenix worms and some dubia roaches I have; which too much insect protein may have caused the issue he is having now.

 

[carverbain]

I have some bad news all. My little baby beardie died while I was work today. I came home, and saw that he was in one of the corners of the cool side of his tank. I picked him up, and unfortunately he would not open his eyes or breath. I am so sad right now. Thank you all for the advise that you have given me. I really wish that he would have hung on, but I guess it just wasn't meant to be. I don't know if I will get another beardie, but I really loved Obi-wan during my short time with him.

 

[MissT]

I am so sorry he didnt make it

 

[Beardednoob]

Ohh man, I am so sorry for his passing.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am so sorry you lost your baby! That is devastating for you.
Maybe in time, you will take in another one who needs a good home.


Tracie

 

[beardie parents]

I'm sorry. I know how much you hurt. Only those who love beardies and loose them know how much it can hurt. I really don't think any of this was your fault. Sometimes baby beardies are born with health issues that can't be seen until it's too late. The swelling on his joints is something I've never seen at that age that I can remember. Don't feel bad about not being able to help him. You will still miss him, a lot, but eventually you will be able to remember the good times.