What is wrong with my beardie?

[aprilkeahey]

We rescued a bearded dragon from another person and he (unsure of gender at this point, but will just say he) has some kinda issue going on. He kinda army crawls and when he tries to move his back legs, it looks like he is doing the breast stroke. It is really sad. When we got him and put him in the terrarium, I could literally feel his bones. When he "flattens out" he doesn't really flatten. Instead of appearing wider, everything about him shrinks. And his front legs turn upside down. Could this be MBD? We are going to the vet as soon as we can get an appointment, but we got him late Friday night. Just want some input before then. My other two beardies are GREAT. We also got a leopard geckos with the beardie and he seems to be fine.

 

[AHBD]

Hi April, how sad for the poor beardie in this condition. It is MBD so now all you can do is give him the best possible care. Proper lighting , possibly time in the sun [ not in a glass tank, too hot ] calcium supplements and good nutrition are all key. Then you'll just have to wait + see how much he can recover, whether he regains any mobility or just becomes stronger and better over all condition.


Can you post pics of him + his set up ? Here's how :

https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ Then use the XMG to upload

 

[aprilkeahey]

I will post pics of him and his set up just as soon as we get everything we bought today in there. We got him late last night and just used the tank that was given to us. We went this afternoon and got the proper stuff for him. I have been waiting on my husband to finish working on his vehicle to help me out, but we are about to start tank set up now! Give me an hour or so.

 

[AHBD]

O.K., I'll check back later.

 

[aprilkeahey]

 

[aprilkeahey]

I know the light is MUCH longer than the tank. We already had the light for a 40 gal tank. We were given a 20 gal tank for the beardie, but are using the light for the 40 gal. It produces enough light for him and the temp in his tank is perfect. He was on tile and because his legs don't work he was not able to get traction. We traded the tile out for a thin layer of walnut (we have about 4 inches in the tanks with the other dragons but their legs work fine) to try to help with traction but not so deep that he cant get to his dinner. We are feeding him by hand to try to make sure he is getting all his bugs and they of course are calcium coated and gut loaded. We added some extra vitamins to his dinner too. He is perfectly fine being handled and the longer we have him, the less fragile he seems. Maybe I am getting used to handling him or maybe he has already beefed up a little bit? He is eating like a mad man! I am just wondering about his legs. He literally looks like he is swimming when he tries to walk or run. His bones don't seem soft and there is no swelling in the back legs. Mostly, his joints look funny and one of his back legs NEVER bends (unless you physically bend it). Sometimes his front arm flips over.

 

[AHBD]

You've done a nice job on the tank for him, he may not be able to climb yet but at least he sees objects that may spur him to try as he gets stronger. Be careful of the crushed walnut though, it can cause nasty impaction.

He looks alert + not in pain so hopefully he can recupe at least to a degree. If not, he can still have a decent life as long as he's alert, enjoys eating [ that's great that he does ! ] and has people who care for him.