What is this LUMP?

[AprilMayJune]

I rescued Beaker on November 11, 2009 from a couple who did not have the time or energy to take care of him. They told me he was 2 1/2 years old. I took him in to care for him, clean him up as he was on orange sand and stained badly from it and to fatten him up. It was my intention to give him away once he was all cleaned up and plump. I don't think I'm going to have that option anymore. I ask you all for your opinion as I cannot afford a vet bill. I have been out of work for over a year and there are no promises of one anytime soon.

This is a picture of him after his first bath here. He weighed in at 350grams.

I noticed this weird lump starting to grow shortly after adopting Beaker. It has grown quite significantly in 2 months. At first I thought it was his fat pads getting plumper but now I don't think that is what it is. Your thoughts and even a possible diagnosis would help set my mind at ease. When I first noticed his lump it didn't seem to bother Beaker. I don't think that's the case now. I have noticed some days he is not himself. He is a very active beardie who is constantly basking and climbing all over his tank. When he isn't active is when I get concerned for him. His bad days consist of laying under his hide on the cool side with his head and eyes hidden from the light. I've seen him lay there for 2 days straight. When he is having a bad day, we normally just leave him alone. I've tested him with the lump on his bad days and his good days. His bad days he typically won't let you touch his lump and if you do then he will twitch until you stop. On his good days it doesn't seem to bother him when you touch his lump. Here are a few pictures at different angles so you can get a good idea of what I am talking about. He now weighs in at 430 grams.

Thank you in advance.
April

 

[fresnowitte]

April I'm not going to be much help but wanted to bump this to the top so it would get seen.

Poor baby it looks like it might be some sort of cyst.

 

[remi1]

If I had to take my bestest guess, I would say it's an abscess of some sort. Unfortunately with reptiles, abscesses often need to be debrided, as opposed to just being drained. Unfortunately I don't think there's much that can be done w/o a vet. Maybe someone else will have a suggestion??

It looks like you did a great job of cleaning him up!! Out of curiosity, why don't you think you have the option of adopting him out?

 

[Jasper's Mom]

Is the lump hard or soft?

I'm also curious - why couldn't you adopt him out? There are likely lots of people, especially on this forum, who would be glad to take him in and see what can be done.

 

[AprilMayJune]

Thanks

I have been thinking it is some kind of cyst or tumor or abscess as well. It is hard, yet soft. It will sink in when pushed lightly but not much so it's kind of both.

I don't want to adopt him out because of his lump but if the right person understood then I would adopt him out. It would be hard because in the 2+ months we have had him I've become attached but would understand that he would be going to a home where he could get some serious vet attention. Also, there's not many members that would take him in up here in Canada. I know there are a few members from Canada here but not to the extent as there are Americans.

He never had human contact from his previous owners and he has come to love being handled. He loves the baths and is a swimmer. He isn't trained to go poo in the bath (like my other 3 are) but we are working on it. :shock: KIDS :shock: He is a joy to have around and has flourished in the last 2 months.

The lump is the only concern I have had with Beaker. He had no relocation stress at all and everyone and everything knew gets a friendly lick. He loves the attention.

 

[Drache613]

Hello April,

It is most definitely an abscess of some sort. He has gotten some type of infection in that area, probably before you got him, it was going on.
I highly recommend getting the area aspirated to determine what type of infection is going on. It will most likely continue to get worse until it is removed & that area is treated.
Other than that, he looks good! I am glad that you are bonding with him, they can be so sweet.

Tracie

 

[BaskingBaby]

Poor little guy..that doesn't look good. I think it's a little selfish to not take him to the vet, and not let someone who CAN afford a vet bill and possibly help him, adopt him. I understand you're attached...he sounds like a nice dragon....but if someone else can afford to get him treated, that might be a better home for him.

Oops, I just re-read your post and you said you WOULD adopt him out to someone. My bad!

 

[AprilMayJune]

If anyone in Canada would be willing to help Beaker out I would like you to contact me. I would consider shipping but would need extensive help/advice in doing it properly and safely.

Beaker is one of my other babies and since I would do anything for the best interest of my human children than I would do what is best for my dragon babies.

 

[Emeraldcoast]

First of all, that looks like an infection, similar to my Miss Precious. It needs to be seen by a reptile vet, ASAP.

2nd of all: I would consider adopting him. However, I am in Arizona. If you are willing to get him started with the vet treatment/diagnosis, I would be willing to continue it on this end.

Are you willing to ship him? I know nothing about shipping beardies. Come to think of it, I do have a page saved in my computer on shipping dragons. Here it is:

This is from http://www.reptileuv.com

Shipping Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps)
Author: Jayr Robinson

This article will describe the steps needed for Shipping Bearded Dragons from one place to another. Overnight shipping though UPS, FedEx, or DHL are the best options. This article mainly pertains to the safe shipping of hatchling Bearded Dragons, as adults require a little more work and time due to their size.


Make sure the Bearded Dragon to be shipped is well fed and hydrated prior to shipping.
Supplies:
5 x 5 x 5 cardboard box (minimum size)
5 inch diameter or square plastic (Tupperware, Rubbermaid, etc.) container (minimum size)
Drill and 1/8" drill bit (or some other object to make air holes)
Paper Towel (for bottom of plastic container)
Peanuts, shredded paper, or some other forum of packing material
Box tape
Heat/Cold packs (Weather dictated)


Optional:
Account with UPS, FedEx, or DHL (makes shipping rates cheaper) Care and/or History documents for the Bearded Dragon Hot or cold pack (sometimes needed depending on temperature of origin and destination) Styrofoam insulated box (instead of the normal cardboard shipping box)


Procedure:
Lets start by drilling at least 6 to 8 (1/8) holes in the lid of the plastic container, then continue to drill holes on all sides of the container as well at about a 1-2 inch spacing around the container. Cut or fold the paper towel to fit and place it in the bottom of the container so your little one does not slip around too much. Make sure the paper towel does not cover the air holes. Your Bearded Dragon is now ready to be put in the container and lid safely secured on top. Tape can be used on the lid as long as it does not cover the air holes.

We can now start to prepare the shipping box (minimum 5 x 5 x 5 box, insulation may be needed based on temperatures). I like to start by poking/drilling a few holes in the top and sides of the box itself to help with ventilation. Next, place a small amount of peanuts, shredded paper or whatever packing material you choose to use in the bottom of the box. If a hot or cold pack is required, I would put it in place of the bottom layer of packing material. We can now place the container with the Bearded Dragon safely secured away inside on top of the first layer of packing material. Fill in around the sides of the container with the same packing material. Once you have made sure the container is secured in the box itself you can top off the box with the packing material, close up the box and tape it shut.

You are now ready to schedule a pickup with UPS, FedEx, or DHL. Preferred shipping would be at least Next Day by 12:00pm but Next Day by 10:30am is even better. The later the scheduled pickup, the better, as this minimizes the time that the Bearded Dragon will be in the box.




Let me know. Take care.

Emerald

 

[remi1]

If you are going to ship, one of the best places is http://www.shipyourreptiles.com/

I think you would have to check on regulations with international shipping on live animals, though, even if it's just from Canada.

 

[AprilMayJune]

Good news for Beaker! I found a local gentleman who rescues reptiles and had been in contact with him and he came and took Beaker to be placed in his rescue. He has assured me that he will have a vet take care of his lump. I trust this gentleman and I know Beaker will get the vet attention he needs. I'm also quite certain he will be well cared for. I packed up a big dish full of Dubia with some adults thrown in so he can re-start his colony.

Beaker is gone from our loving home and into another. We will all miss him very much but we know it was for his best intrests. The 3 months we had him was a joy and he will never be forgotten. He's been gone an hour and I miss him already.

 

[beardie parents]

I'm sorry you had to give him up. I hope you can take some time out and see him from time to time.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I am sorry that you had to let Beaker go. At least he will be nearby & I am sure that you will be able to see him from time to time then which is good news! I am happy you found someone local to take him in.


Tracie