Worried about Zeus

[o0SpaceAce0o]

For the past three weeks or so, Zeus has been REALLY sluggish. He barely eats anything at all, and his last poo (which was a tad runny) was about two weeks ago. He stays in the same spot all day unless I put him under his heat lamp. He's eleven months old and his basking temp is around 99-ish. Anyone know what could be going on?

 

[DragonMomSandy]

How old is the uvb your using, they are only good for about 1 year max. Also, what type of uvb, the best ones are 10.0 repti sun tubes. The basking spot probably needs to be a few degrees warmer-do you have a good thermometer with a probe? If not then you need one. Also, remember that beardies brumate starting in the late fall, however, I think his behavior is a little early for it to be brumation. Have you taken a poo sample to the vet to have him checked out for parasites? A large load of parasites can also cause this behavior. What are his staple foods? Also, are you dusting with calcium?

 

[o0SpaceAce0o]

I replaced the uvb 2 months ago. I do have a probe thermometer. I make sure he gets his calcuim and d3.
It definitely sounds like parasites, I didn't even think about that! :| The only problem is that he hasn't pooped in a while, so I couldn't get it checked. I will take him to the vet on Monday though! Thanks for your help.

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Sorry to hear Zeus isn't doing too well. If you take him to a vet... they can manually take a fecal sample from the beardie... so don't worry about that.

What UVB did you get? How close can Zeus get to the uvb?

 

[o0SpaceAce0o]

I can't remember what brand of uvb I got (7% I believe). He can get about 4 inches from it.

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Is your uvb the ESU Desert 7% UVB?
If so, that is not a bad bulb... but it does not give off adequate amounts of uvb for a bearded dragon. I know this from experience... I used that bulb for years when my beardie was younger and she has had to have a major boost in calcium, due to the results of that bulb.

If you take the bulb out of the fixture, the brand is usually stamped right on the bulb.

With the runny poo was there a smelly odor?

The only other thing I can come up with is the fact that Zeus is approaching a year old and could possibly be getting ready to brumate. Here is an article on the subject that you might want to look over just in case.
http://www.beardeddragon.org/articles/brumation/

 

[o0SpaceAce0o]

He IS eleven months! Also yes, that is the bulb I use, I'll replace it ASAP. Thanks
Edit: forgot to add, yes, his poo smelled horrible.

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

It's probably just as well you are taking him to the vet tomorrow.

Let us know what the vet has to say.

Good Luck Zeus!

 

[o0SpaceAce0o]

I called the vet today and they were all booked but I have an official appointment tomorrow at 11am.

 

[o0SpaceAce0o]

ZEUS IS TOTALLY FINE. For three weeks he has me worried that there's something wrong, then when I finally get him to the vet he decides to be all better. He pooped this morning before the vet, a non stinky, normal poo. At the vet's he was running all over the place. Now he's sitting near his heat lamp, gaping :roll: The vet said that he was fine and to check my UVB. It's so weird that he acted like he was sick, whatever, I'm just glad that he's healthy!

 

[crickest]

I had the ESU Desert Reptile 7% bulb and it caused all kinds of havioc with two different beardies- lethargy, loss of appetite, etc. JFYI

 

[SARBEAR]

Glad to hear Zeus is a happy, healthy boy!

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

That is great news that Zeus is fine Those beardies sure know how to make us worry.

Yes... I would definitely look into replacing the ESU 7% uvb. The best fluorescent tube uvb is the ReptiSun 10.0
If you are unable to find it locally, it can be purchased online here http://www.petmountain.com/product/fluorescent/504983/zoo-med-reptisun-10.0-uvb-bulb.html

 

[o0SpaceAce0o]

I've seen that exact bulb at my local pet store (I'm going tonight to buy a few things) I'll be sure to pick it up!