Swollen/broken foot??

[Cubsfan44]

Hi everyone,

My 3.5 month old bearded dragon has a swollen foot. I’m not sure if he got it caught on his new hammock or if he injured it in some way. I’m taking him to the vet next week and wondering if anyone has any advice in the mean time. It seems like he can move it but doesn’t put any weight on it and drags on.

Thanks!!

 

[Shadowablaze]

His foot does appear to be a bit swollen. If the hammock is of the green small holed varieties that could well be the culprit. Bearded dragon often get their toes caught in those and while trying to jump or move they sprain their foot. Or it’s possible he jumped off something and landed the wrong way. If he’s not putting any pressure on it and it’s clearly bothering him I would help him out by removing anything in his tank that requires much climbing. You want to keep him from needing to use the foot much until you can get to the vet. It’s unlikely he has gout at this young of an age, but the vet can help determine that as well.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

The ankle/foot area is swollen, but hopefully nothing is broken! The x-rays should help to
determine whether or not there is anything broken. For now, try to get the basking area
lowered to where he doesn't have to move very much or climb in case he is injured.
Which UVB lighting are you currently using? Is it a long tube bulb, or a compact/coil type
of light?

Tracie

 

[Cubsfan44]

His foot does appear to be a bit swollen. If the hammock is of the green small holed varieties that could well be the culprit. Bearded dragon often get their toes caught in those and while trying to jump or move they sprain their foot. Or it’s possible he jumped off something and landed the wrong way. If he’s not putting any pressure on it and it’s clearly bothering him I would help him out by removing anything in his tank that requires much climbing. You want to keep him from needing to use the foot much until you can get to the vet. It’s unlikely he has gout at this young of an age, but the vet can help determine that as well.

Thank you! I hope it isn’t broken and just sprained. Any suggestions how to care for him until we see the vet later this week?

 

[Cubsfan44]

Hello,

The ankle/foot area is swollen, but hopefully nothing is broken! The x-rays should help to
determine whether or not there is anything broken. For now, try to get the basking area
lowered to where he doesn't have to move very much or climb in case he is injured.
Which UVB lighting are you currently using? Is it a long tube bulb, or a compact/coil type
of light?

Tracie

Hi Tracie,

Thanks for your advice! I’m using the T8 tube UVB inside the tank, temps are great and he’s eating well. I just hope it’s a sprain but I’ll find out later this week at the vet. So many things go through your mind when you see something like this especially when his mobility is limited I just feel so bad for him. Any other suggestions would be appreciated!!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Ok, that sounds good. Is the tube bulb directly overhead also?
How is the ankle looking today?
Hopefully he just sprained it somehow, that does happen. You could soak his foot in a warm
epsom salt water bath, to see if that helps to reduce any of the swelling.

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie