Yet another "black beard and tail" post

[namrufmot]

I've had Ramses over three years. His temps are always 101 in basking, 10.0 UVB, and everything. He was fine when I gave him some green beans for breakfast this morning.

I just looked at him and his beard is BLACK which his never is. The last few inches of his tail also have dark stripes which his never is.

Nothing changed in his tank at all so I don't know why he'd be stressed - he is the most laid back lizard youll ever meet.

Should I bring him to the ER? What will they be able to tell me?

 

[namrufmot]

 

[daner923]

Maybe something was just bugging him. Is he still active? How long did it last/is it still ongoing?

 

[namrufmot]

He's never been "active"...he's a big slug.

He is still very black (4 hours later) and his eyes are closed (which is not uncommon for him...

 

[Esther19]

I would try giving him a bath and see if that perks him up. They would probably runs tests at the vet, unless your vet knows your beardie well. Could he be in need of a new UVB? Could it be the green beans somehow?

 

[AHBD]

Hi there....is he doing anything at all differently ? If he's a male, then he's bound to flash his black beard from time to time. A dark tail is very common, not necessarily anything to worry about. You might just give it some time + see how he does.

 

[namrufmot]

He mucous membranes were very pale for they ran blood work for anemia - it was normal. Then they did an x-ray and ultrasound. He had fluid around his heart and/or lungs. They said it could be caused from a tumor (likely since the ultrasound showed nothing), a bacterial infection (unlikely they said), or just plain ol' heart disease. They said they could stick a needle in his chest to drain the fluid, but it would probably just come back. I could go to a specialist they said but even then there might not be much they could do.

He was put to sleep.

 

[AHBD]

Oh no, I'm so sorry ! Poor Ramsey, and poor you. What a shock this must be for you! I'm truly sorry,...my heart really goes out to you. All my deepest and sincere sympathy to you.

 

[Esther19]

I am so very sorry for your loss. They do hide their illnesses so well. Sending big hugs your way.

 

[namrufmot]

I posted a thread in the memorial section if you'd like to know more about his life - he had a rather interesting one.