Worried About UVB

[Caitlinp99]

Hi, I’ve been unable to get a replacement UVB lamp due to supplies with Covid, I ordered one that was showing in stock however I was then told early January, now it’s mid February. The lamps are out of stock everywhere, she’s been about 3.5 months without UVB, I still have her old lamp on but unsure if she’s getting anything from it.
The past 2 days, she’s been sitting in the same spot all day, no appetite at all, and she just looks lethargic. She laid infertile eggs about 3 weeks ago with no issues, but now I’m worried that the lack of UVB is causing this.
Can anyone help?

 

[KarrieRee]

What are you using for a UVB? I need to know the brand and bulb and I will see if I can help here
T 5 or a T 8 tube ? Are you needing a hood as well ?

 

[Caitlinp99]

What are you using for a UVB? I need to know the brand and bulb and I will see if I can help here
T 5 or a T 8 tube ? Are you needing a hood as well ?

It’s the Arcadia D3+ 12% UV Flood fitting. I tried putting her in the bath today and she seems to tense up when I touch her stomach, so I’m wondering if it could be impaction but she pooped yesterday in the bath. However, after laying her eggs she didn’t poop for a while until she eventually went in the bath one day. I have just given her some olive oil.

 

[KarrieRee]

So you need the Arcadia bulb 12%?
this one https://www.pangeareptile.com/store/arcadia-12-uvb-t5-reptile-bulb.html

 

[Caitlinp99]

So you need the Arcadia bulb 12%?
this one https://www.pangeareptile.com/store/arcadia-12-uvb-t5-reptile-bulb.html

It’s this one.

 

[KarrieRee]

Ae you in the states? I dont know of anyone that carries that bulb --- I have not seen that one--- I would recommend you changing over to something more common --- a single bulb like the one I posted and get a regular fixture w/ reflector -- like a Zoo Med or something like it --- your gonna have better luck finding that one than the one you have been searching for 3 1/2 months is way to long for a dragon to be w/ out UVB ---

 

[Caitlinp99]

Ae you in the states? I dont know of anyone that carries that bulb --- I have not seen that one--- I would recommend you changing over to something more common --- a single bulb like the one I posted and get a regular fixture w/ reflector -- like a Zoo Med or something like it --- your gonna have better luck finding that one than the one you have been searching for 3 1/2 months is way to long for a dragon to be w/ out UVB ---

I’m in the UK, I bought this one because it’s the one Arcadia recommend I get. I’ve never had an issue getting her bulbs before, they’re having issues getting stock to stores because of the borders. I have emailed Arcadia and they said that they only lose about 20-30% of their energy by the 12 month which is how often you have to replace these ones.

 

[KarrieRee]

That's normal expiration on the T 5-- I recommend you get something here she won't last long w/ out it she's showing signs now of being w/out it---

 

[Caitlinp99]

That's normal expiration on the T 5-- I recommend you get something here she won't last long w/ out it she's showing signs now of being w/out it---

I have just ordered the same lighting unit just to get the bulb with it, it should hopefully be here within the next day or two. Do you think the light is causing this? She has been completely fine, behaviour and appetite wise, until the past 2 days. She seems uncomfortable being touched and is closing her eyes a lot, or doesn’t have them fully open.

 

[KarrieRee]

UVB and basking temps are the 2 most important things in the tank-- being w/ out UVB for long periods will cause a lot of issues-- watch her behavior after getting the UVB back in and see if it doesn't change- if it does not there is another issue going on

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

So sorry you are having trouble with your girl. How many eggs did she lay? Since she has
laid recently, she could be developing more eggs but hopefully her lethargic behavior isn't
due to egg problems. Is her beard black as if she were in distress?
Have you been giving her extra calcium right now to help replace her calcium loss from egg
development?

Tracie

 

[Caitlinp99]

Hello,

So sorry you are having trouble with your girl. How many eggs did she lay? Since she has
laid recently, she could be developing more eggs but hopefully her lethargic behavior isn't
due to egg problems. Is her beard black as if she were in distress?
Have you been giving her extra calcium right now to help replace her calcium loss from egg
development?

Tracie

She laid her eggs about 3 weeks ago, she had 36 in total which is her normal amount. I fed her plenty of bugs with calcium afterwards. No black beard, but I am taking her to the vet today so hopefully I’ll find out what’s causing this.

 

[Caitlinp99]

Hi, just an update. I took her to the vet and she’s been hospitalised for x rays and blood tests.

 

[Caitlinp99]

Hi everyone. Cleo sadly passed away at the vets Tuesday night. I am absolutely heartbroken and shocked that it happened so quickly. The blood tests showed that she had sepsis. Thank you all for your help over the past 3 years that I had her for. She was so loved and very spoilt.
Here are some of my favourite photos of her.

 

[KarrieRee]

How heartbreaking- I am so sorry about Cleo- how did she get sepsis? Is that from the eggs? I understand how you feel it is devastating when it comes out of the blue- again I am thinking of you and her