Hello, I've been to the exotic Vet with this big guy a number of times and another vet before that. He has been losing weight on the base of his tail for years and has had a couple of antiparasite treatments for Protozoa as the vet found high concentrations in the poop.
About 6 months ago he started getting a swollen beard that slowly grows. We treated with ~24 injections 3 months ago. Antiinflamatory/antibiotic + antiparasite for 14 days daily.
This reduced the right side Gland to normal size.
However the left side gland continues to grow and mostly blocking his throat. He is strong and can eat himself and harrass the ladies, but becoming weaker as time passes, as anyone would. The Right Gland is huge now and has become sensitive. The vet can only proceed with invasive exploration which i have been hesitant to consider being he's been my best friend for so long However, he has discomfort so i'd very much like to know if this can be shrunk.
He is 13.5years old now. My oldest was 14yrs (died 2019) so i am new to caring for aging dragons.
The reason I am here is to show some photos of the condition and ask whether you've experienced this or a similar ailment before.
Be amazing to give him his throat back. I'd love to treat it with natural remedies, however not willing to experiment on him and cause unnecessary pain.
Let me know what you think.
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^his mouth is open from my hand pressing on the gland. It is huge.
I haven't any photos inside but will attempt to get some as he sits with it open at times if it would be useful.