📁 last Posts

Guide to Common Diseases and Treatments for Bearded Dragons

Guide to Common Diseases and Treatments for Bearded Dragons



1. Introduction

Bearded dragons are increasingly popular pets. This popularity is due to the bearded dragon’s demeanor. They are sociable animals that enjoy interaction with their human owners. They are also quite intelligent. Bearded dragons, like all animals, are subject to disease. There are a number of diseases that bearded dragons are prone to. As such, it is critical that you are able to recognize the signs of disease or an injury and know how to react to a bearded dragon health issue. Correctly recognizing and then reacting to what ails a bearded dragon can mean the difference between life and death or full recovery and a lifelong disability.

Complete and accurate advice on recognizing bearded dragon health issues is important for any bearded dragon owner or any person considering ownership of a bearded dragon. Thus, it is also useful for those aspiring to become a part of the medical profession or those that are already in it. Many of the diseases and treatments prescribed directly correlate to those that occur in other animals, including humans. The most common bearded dragon health issues include metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, impaction, tail rot, and prolapse. These conditions can be treated. However, the key to preventing the associated conditions from occurring is maintaining good basic husbandry and being aware of the signs of disease.

1.1. Overview of Bearded Dragons as Pets

Bearded dragons are becoming increasingly popular pets in today's reptile market. They are very exotic animals and require a minimal amount of maintenance. Understanding their physiology and basic requirements can help a potential owner decide if a bearded dragon is the right pet for them. It is important to remember that a bearded dragon is a lifelong commitment. A well-cared-for bearded dragon can live for 8 to 12 years. Bearded dragons are a subspecies of lizards. There are eight species of bearded dragons, and they are all exotic animals. They are most commonly found in deserts, arid, and rocky land. Central Australia is the natural home for the inland bearded dragon. A bearded dragon's disposition is usually fairly mild, and they are prey animals in the wild. With enough handling, a bearded dragon can bond and enjoy spending time with their owner. Some bearded dragons have been known to scratch, have bad attitudes, and bite.

Bearded dragons are unique in a way. They are very different from most lizards and are very interesting to learn about. They have legs that stick out with membranes that look like wings, and they very much resemble a little dinosaur. Bearded dragons are naturally diurnal, and this means that they are never kept in direct sunlight. In their natural habitat, bearded dragons would sleep at night and spend a lot of time in the sun. When they bask in the sun, they will assume what we often call a sun worship position. This position consists of their back legs and their tails on the sand while their stomachs are flat and faced toward the sun, with their two front legs reaching towards the sun. During the sun's heat, their colors become brighter, and the yellow, brown, tan, blue, and green hues come out more. Their habitat also includes living in trees, grassy forests, open woodlands, deserts, and sandy areas.

1.2. Importance of Understanding Common Diseases

There are many common diseases that commonly affect bearded dragons. However, these are simple enough that knowing what they are and what to do is enough to provide effective treatment. When it comes to taking care of your bearded dragon, you should work proactively to create the best environment you can. This will demonstrate the very best of health overall as you’re looking to seriously reduce the possibility of developing illnesses before they have a chance to create an impact. Any long-lasting illness is a trait that can really compromise how healthy a pet is. Even though you keep your bearded dragon as healthy as possible, you still want to be aware of information concerning common diseases, what their treatments are, what the most prominent causes are, and so on. The earlier these illnesses are detected and treated, the more likely they will stay around the vet until they become chronic.

Of course, getting your bearded dragon regular checkups from an exotic veterinarian is something that is essential for caring for your bearded dragon. However, being able to reduce the concerns of any pet can help with an excellent level of care. By being able to appreciate these concerns, you may be able to look out for them early and have the confidence to treat them before they become a problem. There is no magic moment that will make you able to make these claims. Instead, you will be relying on being attentive and knowing its behavior and body. This guide will contain treatment options for some typical bearded dragon problems. However, it cannot substitute for sound opinions from your veterinarian. Don’t forget to consult with a doctor, as diagnosis will depend on the level of illness as well as other possible health problems that are not present in this guide.

2. Anatomy and Physiology of Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons have special adaptive features that allow them to tolerate a variety of environmental conditions while still maintaining their overall calmness and regulating their body temperature and metabolic rate effectively. Such adaptations are seen to be highly useful, allowing these creatures to inhabit the hot deserts and tropical woodlands of Eastern Australia effectively, and for some, to inhabit other hot tropical and moist habitats that allow them to monitor and tolerate both low and high seasonal temperatures. What little has been recognized about the anatomy and physiology of these creatures is highly based on the main and flowing texts. While some detailed anatomical studies have been conducted on inland bearded dragons, research into the sexual anatomy and ultrastructure of ovaries in Lawson's bearded dragons has not been done.

2.1. Key Body Systems and Functions

The bearded dragon’s body is complex in structure and function. Understanding basic anatomy and function will help you identify problems or conditions that may suggest serious medical disorders, necessitating veterinary care. Although looking in the mouth of a bearded dragon will be uncomfortable for both of you, a once-a-month oral examination is still important. Infection, strong odor, a large amount of yellow, tan, black, or light pink plaque, white, creamy, yellow, or green-colored nodules, and unusual or erratic tongue movements signaling that the tongue is not functioning properly should all be watched for. The throat may have swelling seen externally, such as enlargement of the throat, swollen lumps, or obvious masses. Look under the beard for swelling, which might include a ballooning out of the beard over the chest, with or without signs of distress. The eyes may have different problems, including swollen lids indicating an underlying problem such as impaction of the salivary glands, conjunctivitis, or other diseases, a gritty or cloudy appearance suggesting poor nutrition or a lack of dietary supplements, lack of ability to close the eyelid completely, swollen or irregular cornea, abnormal pupil position and shape, swelling directly in the eye, multiple rapid blinks, or lack of blink function, head shaking, rubbing, or closing the eyes tightly, which may indicate pain or other problems. The respiratory tract may have a number of problems you can watch for visually, including slow or fast rate and depth of breathing, open mouth respiration, spasms, coughing, inflammation at the corners of or upper part of the mouth, drooling, uneven jaw or tongue movement during respiration and after pain, etc. In some cases, you can detect an abnormality by gently putting your ear directly on the skin over a particular body system with concern, including the heart, blood vessels, digestive system, reproductive system, respiratory system, liver, kidney, and urinary systems, thymus, thyroid, various skin growths, or the lungs.

3. Common Diseases in Bearded Dragons

3.1: Introduction Bearded dragons are generally healthy reptiles. That being said, they can become ill or injured. Many problems with bearded dragons are preventable. By understanding basic husbandry and the most common health problems, you can be better prepared to address or, better yet, prevent these diseases in the future. By observing your bearded dragon closely every day, you can help in preventing small issues from escalating into serious problems. If you suspect your bearded dragon is ill, it is best to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in the care of reptiles to determine the underlying issue.

3.2: Diseases Associated with Bones Many owners of bearded dragons don't realize the importance of calcium metabolism and vitamin D3 in terms of overall health. Remember that it is important to dust all feed, including feeder insects, with calcium powder daily and a multivitamin once or twice a week. Providing a proper diet that is well-balanced and exposing your bearded dragon to the proper ultraviolet light is the key to preventing these conditions. This can include providing a combination of both natural sunlight as well as specific types of artificial ultraviolet light to replicate the sun. These conditions, which are associated with calcium metabolism and disease, include metabolic bone disease, hind limb paresis, hind limb plegia, soft shell, and so forth.

3.1. Metabolic Bone Disease

The most common syndrome of calcium deficiency in bearded dragons is metabolic bone disease (MBD). This syndrome was common in pet lizards decades ago, before it became better known; a great deal of them suffered from it. Even now, many reptile veterinarians say that MBD is still very common. MBD also has many other causes, but nutritional deficiency is the most common.

When juvenile lizards are growing rapidly, they need a great deal of calcium in their diet to build a strong skeleton. Even when lizards have attained full size, calcium is rapidly depleted from their bodies whenever they are producing eggs. All the calcium in a female's body is rapidly transferred to the eggs almost at the time the eggs are laid. If an ovulating female bearded dragon has no source of calcium to replace all of that transfer, she can easily become deficient in calcium. That is why a gravid female must have a constantly available high calcium/protein diet that also has low vitamin D3 to stimulate her body's ability to produce vitamin D3 on its own.

As if these factors were not enough to worry about, calcium is also taken from the lizard's bones as it is being stressed! Drug treatment is possible and involved, but not expensive. Calcitonin and corticosteroids can block calcium being transferred out of the bones as they are used faster and can also push more calcium into the bones. Bearded dragons can be started on meals that also include a drug called estradiol, which can stop their sex hormone cycles for a time and slow the natural bone weakening. Many of the females are then able to make a comeback and can be bred.

3.2. Parasitic Infections

- Coccidia: Coccidia are protozoa that damage the intestine, causing diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and a decreased appetite. In bearded dragons, coccidiosis is caused by an Isospora species, different from the species that cause coccidiosis in mammals. Diarrhea in bearded dragons can be caused simply by overfeeding of moist food, but if diarrhea is severe and ongoing, characterized by mucus or blood in the feces, dehydration, or weight loss, coccidiosis should be considered and a veterinarian consulted. Coccidiosis commonly occurs in young animals experiencing stress such as overcrowding, overfeeding, and poor hygiene. Disinfecting is needed to reduce the subsequent risk. Infected animals should be separated from the rest of the group, and infected animals should be treated with drugs such as sulfadimethoxine and trimethoprim. Note, guinea pigs and birds eat coccidia, but insects, such as crickets, do not eat oocysts.
- Flagellates: Flagellates are protozoa that live in the intestines of reptiles. They are a normal part of the intestinal flora and do not cause diseases under normal circumstances.
- Hookworms: Hookworms are small, thin worms that belong to the family Protanthelmint. Bearded dragons may be infected by a nematode resulting in damage to the stomach. Symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, anemia, and rapid abdominal contents. Treatment with worming agents is effective. The intermediate host is the wood beetle that lays eggs in the intestine. To prevent infection, avoid contact between bearded dragons and wood beetles. In severe cases, dewormer can be injected into the body at the veterinarian's recommendation, and insects, such as crickets, that are infected with worms should not be fed to bearded dragons.

Bearded dragons, like all animals, are susceptible to a wide array of diseases. Most health problems can be avoided by ensuring that their environment and living conditions are adequately designed and maintained. The following section discusses the most common diseases of bearded dragons and their treatment.

Parasitic Infections

- Spindle shell worm: The mesothoracic hookworm is a nematode residing in the stomach. It is not a common worm for bearded dragons but has been reported to cause gastric bleeding, vomiting, and decreased appetite. The intermediate host is the beetle. Preventing the eating of beetles can prevent worm infection.

3.3. Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections are also very common in bearded dragons and appear suddenly. They mostly result from insufficient environmental conditions, not enough room for movement, and/or an imbalance between cold and hot. Infections can be caused by damp, dirty, inadequately maintained, or improperly heated habitats. Clinical signs include difficulty in breathing, lack of appetite, and weakness. It is important to control the temperature and humidity of the terrarium and to keep the animal away from other factors that might cause infection. If the infection persists, it is important to move the bearded dragon to the veterinary clinic. Although more common in young animals, adults are also not immune to these diseases at any stage of their lives. It is very important that an infected animal be isolated from other bearded dragons, snakes, birds, and mammals present in the surrounding area, while also minimizing contact with humans to prevent the spread. Preferably, any sick animal should be kept apart from other animals in a separate terrarium until it improves, and the breeder should consult their veterinarian to monitor the situation closely for the first few days of treatment.

3.4. Digestive Issues

Digestive issues are not uncommon among bearded dragons and can range from fairly minor symptoms to being a sign of a deadly disease. It should also be noted that all digestive issues require immediate attention from a veterinarian. Your bearded dragon can suffer the consequences of a digestive ailment, even from just temporary blockages. A veterinarian will be able to rule out more serious conditions like tumors and important life-threatening diseases such as kidney disease, then provide prescriptive measures to treat less critical issues. Common causes of digestive ailments are largely due to nutritional mistakes made by their owners. For one, feeding live insects that are too big for them can lead to impactions. In addition, feeding crickets that are raised on a diet of easily digestible material can build up inside a bearded dragon’s stomach. Never leave space litter for insects to further harm your bearded dragon. Dehydration is an aspect to consider since a bearded dragon can consume the substrate when feeding. Always offer clean water and mist the terrarium to ensure a bearded dragon stays hydrated. If you notice a drastic change in bowel movements, the digestive problems could be the cause.

4. Symptoms and Diagnostic Procedures



Hiding, lack of appetite, and listlessness make diagnosis difficult, and you should always consult a veterinarian who has experience with bearded dragons. When diagnosing a bearded dragon, it is better to diagnose and treat early before the condition causes the bearded dragon to die. Most diseases in bearded dragons can be resolved if you get a proper diagnosis and treat it early.

4.1. Recognizing Signs of Illness

Blood tests and X-rays are common diagnostic methods. A fecal float is usually how parasites are diagnosed and treated with antibiotics or antiparasitic medications. Bacteria are common in reptiles, including bearded dragons. X-rays can examine metabolism, such as urates and intestines, but ultrasound is best when it comes to these internal organs. Symptoms and Diagnostic Procedures

Common diseases and how to diagnose them. Once you have bearded dragons, it is important to keep them healthy by selecting appropriate foods, avoiding stress, and choosing the right environment. However, there are some diseases that bearded dragons can still suffer from, even with the best care. Symptoms of illness are often missed as bearded dragons are good at hiding. Look out for symptoms such as weight loss, lack of appetite, swelling, and breathing difficulties. Dull eyes, swollen eyes, paralysis, and slow reaction time. Bulging eyes and diarrhea. Symptoms that can help make a diagnosis if the condition is known, but there are usually many diseases with the same symptoms.

Even a beginner to bearded dragons can tell what a healthy dragon looks like. Vibrant coloration, clear and bright eyes, and a generally alert and aware appearance are all indications of a healthy bearded dragon. However, numerous indicators can tell you if your dragon is not doing well. It should be emphasized that while these are general indicators that can tell you if something might be wrong, quite often, more serious symptoms may develop. Visually inspecting your bearded dragons from a distance is important. When you are close, listen, smell, and visually inspect them.

One of the most important human traits that help us recognize that we are sick or not feeling well is discomfort. Your bearded dragon cannot tell you if it hurts, but it can make it obvious to you if you look for its body language. It may puff in and out while laying in basking positions for warmth or touch itself with its feet if it hurts. Also, resting with one foot raised may indicate a limp or injury. Gaping for a long time or gazing into an empty corner when it is young will also be a giveaway that something is wrong. Unlike that of a dog or a cat, if your bearded dragon appears ill or acts abnormally, the chances are it is.

4.2. Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

Appropriate testing is the key to a proper diagnosis. Radiographs, blood tests, fecal examinations, and parasites are frequently used to determine dragon problems. Avoid doing any invasive tests that could cause undue stress on the dragon during casual examinations. It is also important to keep in mind that bearded dragon diseases, especially if allowed to progress, may become complex. However, a basic understanding of the most common diseases occurring in dragons and the various ways they are identified and handled can help avoid becoming scary or overwhelming. Physical examination - During their annual check-up, healthy bearded dragons can be examined. The vet will perform a full physical examination, which includes an examination of the entire skin, eyes, ears, mouth, and the rest of the body. The oral cavity and the feet are particularly important. A prospective buyer should examine a new dragon's eyes, see if it has a deep gaze and a responsive attitude, examine its skin for soreness, and check for red areas or discharge around the eyes and nose. If signs are found that look abnormal, you should find the right vet before you can buy it.

5. Treatment Options

Safe over-the-counter eye drops can be used to reduce swelling and promote healing of infected eye and oral glands. Start by using them for one week and have your veterinarian check your pet after the treatment period to determine if additional treatment is required. If your bearded dragon does not improve, additional antibiotic treatment may be necessary. Most beardies appear to enjoy the extra attention and handling during this time period and are quite cooperative. It will encourage your pet to drink as they will often lick it off the end of their nose.

Pet oral gel for reptiles is a safe, high-calorie vitamin supplement that should be given to ill animals every 12 hours. Offering water three times a day is beneficial to prevent dehydration and death in sick bearded dragons. Severely dehydrated bearded dragons should be given supplementary fluids under their skin or injected into the body cavity every 24 hours. These fluids can contain vitamin B and dextrose for an added boost. If you would like to learn how to do this at home, your vet would be happy to teach you. This method of treatment can be very helpful in severely ill reptiles.

5.1. Medication and Therapies

Liquid: The dose is based on body weight; you may want to weigh your pet before administering each dosage to ensure accuracy. Always dose twice daily. Warm the medication to at least 75 degrees before dosing to ensure better assimilation and metabolism. Also, be sure to adjust for other flavors associated with suspensions or oral solutions. Some say to mix with food to avoid a bitter taste. For some medications, keep it cool or warm it up in your palm before dosing to ensure you shake the medication bottle vigorously before administering each dose. Injections: Many medications come in injectable form. Keep the medication cool until you are ready to administer it. A warm needle should be used if you have it in refrigerated form. It helps alleviate pain and inflammation when giving the pet the injection and improves absorption and assimilation. Insulin needles are not that sharp; they should last for 2 or 3 injections. There are a couple of options for mixing certain medications. Flour, baby food, live pollen balls, or fruit-flavored liquid mixed in the food helps in a more convenient and fun way to dose the correct dosage. Some say to mix a few drops of water with the oral powder, oral solution, or suspension before dipping the food in it. This is an easy way so that the powder, solution, or suspension sticks to insects, worms, or baby food. Honey is also indicated because it masks the flavor and doesn’t let the reptile spit out the medication, which can be tricky. Antimicrobial and anti-parasitic medications usually mix well with honey.

5.2. Surgical Interventions

Surgical treatments are required for disease conditions such as severe organ failure, progressive or persistent infections, obstruction of the digestive system, tumors, fractures, and excessive population control. Due to the low metabolism and delicate water-electrolyte balance, the use of anesthesia should be selective and short. Clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and imaging should be used to ensure correct treatment. The use of aseptic techniques and appropriate antibiotics, the prevention of hypothermia and dehydration, and the monitoring of physiological parameters should be constant during the intervention. Fluid therapy should be used before and after surgery.

Treatment for metabolic bone disease is mainly medical; however, in cases of severe fractures or tumor activity, surgical interventions may be used. Severe injuries prevent the animal's movements and the hydrothermal regulation. This disease has many causes, such as calcium and vitamin D-related nutritional deficiencies, improper light exposure, and genetic and hormonal diseases. Bearded dragons are ectothermic animals and require radiant heat sources during recovery. After surgery, nutritional support is required for the rapid regeneration of the bone. The wounded site and the surrounding skin should be kept clean to avoid wound infections. Injury prevention methods should be used to prevent trauma in paired or grouped treatment processes. Injuries that will not heal by conservative methods can be treated by various veterinary surgical techniques.

6. Preventive Care and Husbandry Practices

Preventive care is important to help ward off potential health problems and to recognize symptoms of disease early before the disease becomes too advanced. Routine veterinary services are essential for early recognition and treatment of disease, for health evaluation, for disease screening, and to keep your veterinarian familiar with subtle changes in your pet over time. A fecal test during an annual exam can help detect parasites and allow your veterinarian to keep abreast of which parasites are causing problems in your area. Preventive care also includes employing optimal husbandry practices.

Good husbandry is essential to keep your bearded dragon healthy. A stressful environment or suboptimal diet results in weakened defenses against disease because of extra metabolic demands placed on the body. Compromised animals are less able to fight off disease from any source, including distressing climatic conditions, bacterial or viral loads from other animals or from environmental sources, and/or physical or nutritional stress. Abnormal behaviors to be aware of include decreased appetite, excessive drinking, changes in color, swelling or discharge around the eyes and nose, diarrhea or blood in the droppings, motor incoordination, and listing or circling. Keep in mind that severe clinical signs or behavior changes may be indicative of a late stage of disease and warrant immediate veterinary attention. Prompt attention to early onset of symptoms may help prevent the disease process from reaching a stage that would require extensive treatment or result in loss of your pet.

6.1. Optimal Enclosure Setup

When a bearded dragon is stressed due to the conditions of their enclosure and sudden changes to their lifestyle, it can lead to illnesses. Irregular levels of ultraviolet light and incorrect moisture content in their food can be the cause of problems such as metabolic bone disease. One common reason for a bearded dragon to become stressed is their enclosure. Yielding all the right temperature and humidity controls, good ventilation, and proper size, as well as the right kind of accessories and decor, offers them an environment that will ensure comfort and stimulation. In turn, this leads to improved mental well-being, all of which are essential for the health of a bearded dragon.

Attributes of an optimal enclosure are good ventilation to keep the cage clean, reduce smell, and maintain the health of the occupant and enough room to prevent the occupant from becoming bored and anxious. There are some basic requirements for accessories and decor to be placed in a suitable cage. Those include hideaways with a tight fit, climbing furniture, horizontal furniture, and bedding. Keeping a bearded dragon's enclosure in a state of good care has many important effects on a bearded dragon, which improve their health. Since regulating the body temperature of a bearded dragon is a key factor, a high-quality enclosure will allow maintaining a good temperature. These factors and methods to help bearded dragons' necessities be met to the highest quality possible are discussed to help educate and guide their owners.

6.2. Nutritional Requirements

Without proper nutrition, bearded dragons can develop illnesses related to deficiencies. It's important to feed them the nutrients they need by providing nutritious, health-building foods. Bearded dragons differ from mammalian pets, such as dogs and cats, which eat omnivorous diets that humans also consume. Mammalian pets need a balanced diet, much like what humans eat, or else they can suffer nutritional deficiencies. Bearded dragons are different; although they still require a balanced mixture of protein, vegetables, and fruits, they are more herbivorous in nature. This is due to the structure of their jaws and a higher need for ingesting plant fiber. Not getting enough fiber from their diet can make it hard for them to defecate and increase the likelihood of stool impactions. Stool impactions are common conditions in bearded dragons resulting from the indigestibility of the foods they consume.

Bearded dragons have beneficial bacteria and cellulose-digesting fungi in their digestive tracts that help in the breakdown of vegetables and fruits that we cannot metabolize. Vegetables provide these needed microbiota with fibers; hence, they not only promote good digestion but also healthy colonization of thyroid-producing bacteria. Fruits serve as important sources of vitamins but contain less fiber and should therefore be fed less frequently compared to the amount of vegetables. Additionally, providing well-structured vegetables is useful as bearded dragons will also need help sharpening and filing down their teeth, which continuously grow. The skin and scales of vegetables assist with wearing down their teeth, as they do not have the same type of constantly erupting enamel found in mammals.

6.3. Hygiene and Sanitation

Warm, relatively humid conditions in the bearded dragon's terrarium are perfect for bacterial and mold growth. Hence, several diseases bearded dragons suffer from are preventable, such as body infections caused by injuries and rotting food, and skin infections such as stomatitis and gangrene. However, you need to be extremely careful when treating these diseases. Not only is it difficult to apply the antibacterial solution, but also, most bearded dragons will resist. This process is also not very effective if there is rot or a deep hole, so surgery is most common. To sum up, hygiene and sanitation are necessary preventative measures. Regarding oral infections, your bearded dragon will need to receive medical care. If left untreated, the microbes develop resistance to the antibacterial solution, making the infection even worse. In severe cases, the scales over the observed infected area can fall out, making surgery very difficult. Moreover, a rotting tongue, inside the mouth, and dry gangrene can spread beyond the corner of the mouth and throat into the jaw. The only treatment method for these illnesses is surgery.

7. Emergency Care and First Aid

While you should always seek help from a qualified reptile veterinarian when your bearded dragon falls ill, there are some things that you can do at home that may save your pet’s life before you are able to get them to the vet. In all cases, time is of the essence, and you should not waste any time getting veterinary care if your bearded dragon needs attention. First Aid When giving first aid to an ill bearded dragon, it is important to keep in mind that your pet is most likely going to be very scared, stressed, and in a great deal of pain. Be alert and make sure that you do not sustain any injuries by being quick to help your pet. Remove the bearded dragon from any dangerous situations and immobilize the affected area. Always use fresh adhesive tape; if you mold already used adhesive tape, it sometimes is not sticky enough. Never use your teeth to cut tape; always use a pair of scissors instead. Burns This can happen from a hot rock, direct contact with a hot light, or from very hot substrate. If your bearded dragon has a severe burn, place the reptile in a dry recovery area and seek immediate medical assistance. Use cool water to clean the area and apply a solution. If an animal is burned with a dry chemical, first completely brush or shake off as much of the substance as possible. An ointment of baking soda and water may be useful for neutralizing acidic or caustic chemicals. Do not apply anything to the skin unless you know what caused the burn. After administering first aid to your bearded dragon, transport it to the veterinarian immediately and collect a sample of the substance if possible or applicable. If the burn is a minor burn, clean it with mild soap, rinse thoroughly, and apply a non-stinging ointment. Shock Reptiles can go into shock when subjected to a sudden, critical condition, such as a bacterial infection. Symptoms include lethargy, rapid, labored breathing, and discoloration in the mouth; the skin can become very pale or blue. Place the bearded dragon in an insulated container lined with a towel or paper towels that are nestled in. Always seek immediate veterinary treatment. Blood Loss This will only happen with serious injuries and should be left to a veterinarian for treatment. Choking If your bearded dragon is choking, care should be taken to remove any obstructions in the airway. Bearded dragons are not known for their ability to chew properly, or if a piece breaks off of food and is accidentally swallowed, expect choking. To help with choking, support the head and upper body and keep the bearded dragon facing downwards in the palm of your hand. Thump the bearded dragon on the back several times. If food or an inanimate object is lodged, you might be able to remove it with tweezers. Place the bearded dragon in a resting position and keep a close watch on it since shock and difficulty breathing can develop later on. Dehydration If your bearded dragon becomes dehydrated from illness or other causes, help rehydrate the reptile by placing it in a bowl of water. This will allow the bearded dragon to soak through its vent. In severe cases, soak your bearded dragon every few hours. Always seek immediate veterinary attention.

7.1. Common Emergencies and How to Handle Them

There are numerous emergencies that can happen to bearded dragons both in captivity and in the wild. Multiple trips to the vet for treatments will be needed for some of these emergencies. It's best to be prepared for an emergency by locating a reptile vet beforehand. Consider asking a vet for details on after-hours emergencies, even if the vet is not able to provide after-hours help. A good reptile vet will know and understand how to tend to reptiles in an after-hours emergency. Also have available a small sharp knife, tweezers, an under-tank heater or heated rock, a heat source, and a hand-feeding syringe. By becoming knowledgeable about your bearded dragon's daily routine or habits, you will quickly recognize when a problem happens with its health status. This includes knowledge of your bearded dragon's scheduled feeding times and types, as well as its scheduled lighting and temperature cycle. It's important that your bearded dragon regularly uses the bathroom, as no bowel movement for seven days indicates the possibility of obstipation, an impaction, or parasites. A change in the bearded dragon's eating habits should also be investigated. Dosage and brand instructions can easily vary. It is also recommended and important to dilute medication with equal amounts of water so the bearded dragon's esophagus is not burnt. Needed antibiotics are regularly compounded with flavoring. Also, if you live near a bakery, they may give you an empty juice jug for free, which can be used for hospitalization care and feeding for your bearded dragon. Further recommendations can be found on forums regarding others' blood work and the importance of testing for urates.

8. Veterinary Care for Bearded Dragons

Regular vet visits are important for your bearded dragon. This will help ensure that your pet is healthy and living a better life. It’s recommended to bring your pet to the vet seven days after purchase and once a year every year after that. Firstly, the importance of having a vet: If you’ve seen any signs of your bearded dragon being ill, it’s really important to book a vet appointment. Your pet’s behavior can change dramatically if they’re poorly, and you should never risk their lives by not seeing a vet. Some of the most common signs are: they’re sleeping more or not coming out to bask, they’re eating less or not eating at all, they’re losing a significant amount of weight, they’ve got diarrhea, or their bowel movement has changed dramatically. Be mindful of the necessary actions you must take if they show any of these signs. Their skin color and texture have changed. Common illnesses: There are a few common illnesses. Here are some of them: kidney or liver disease, metabolic bone disease, which can be avoided by giving your bearded dragon proper vitamins and lighting. Symptoms of metabolic bone disease include deformation of the legs, tremors, or a visible loss of bone density. Skin infections will show visible signs on your beardie’s skin of a red sore, unusual coloration, or texture. For parasites, you should look for changes in bowel movements and other behaviors. The parasites are particularly difficult to detect before they have really affected your beardie. Some of these will most definitely require you to visit a vet, but many can be treated at home with the proper care routine and nutrition. In summary: It’s recommended to bring your beardy to the vet within seven days of their arrival. Bring your beardy to the vet once a year for a checkup. Bring your beardy to the vet if you see any signs of ill health.

8.1. Finding a Reptile Veterinarian

Reptiles are different from humans and other animals. Any vet may not have enough knowledge of reptiles; that’s why we should go to reptile vets. There are many reasons that we should find a reptile vet. Just feeding and caring properly does not guarantee that your pet is free from illness. That’s why we need regular checkups and vaccinations. So we need a professional vet for that. Another thing is that a reptile doctor is an emergency. Delay in taking a doctor is not good, and we also get tense about the choice of doctor. So it is good to find one before we need it. The majority of reptile owners only look for the vet's number in an emergency. So, it is good to do some homework before the reptiles get sick. We can also talk to the vet and clarify our doubts. We can tell our concerns and inquire about our issues without any hesitation.

It is a good idea to have an appointment with the vet before buying a bearded dragon. This is because if we have an appointment with the doctor, then there are no problems once we buy the pet. Discuss it with others to find a good vet available in your locality. Some vet visits are necessary for your bearded dragon, including one soon after you purchase him. This way, your bearded dragon is familiar with his vet, and you can have any issues of concern checked out and corrected before they become critical. It is important to find out about a vet and evaluate them the best you can before you are in need of their services. Before considering a new bearded dragon, it is important to choose your vet carefully. Look for a vet who specializes in reptiles and has experience working with reptiles, particularly bearded dragons. The vet should have a state-of-the-art facility that includes X-ray, endoscope, ultrasound, and blood testing, including an in-house blood sample analyzer, for quick results to guide the vet in treatment when necessary. They should have an experienced staff that includes licensed veterinary technicians.

8.2. Regular Check-ups and Monitoring

At least yearly check-ups are necessary. We are able to determine if a dragon has internal parasites or liver conditions if blood tests are performed. This will be especially true once the dragon is 3 to 4 years old. The owner and responsible veterinarian will have developed a plan for keeping the animal as healthy as possible over its lifespan. A regular reptile or exotic clinic will be the place to go for these examinations. A hospital that treats all kinds of sick animals has a better chance of keeping the staff well-versed in the care of each type of patient they see. Monitor both fresh and waste water intake, eliminations, and exercise. A lack of energy, a change in attitude, a decreased appetite, diarrhea, or other abnormal waste should direct you to take some action. This may include a trip to the vet or it may require additional study on the owner’s part as to the cause of each symptom. Bedding and hide boxes should be changed and cleaned at least weekly, more often if necessary. The warm soak is a good time to clean reptiles. Some dragons may enjoy a mist bath.

9. Research and Advancements in Bearded Dragon Health

Bearded dragons are still a relatively new pet in the world of veterinary medicine, and research about them is ongoing. Many veterinary offices in the United States now treat bearded dragons, but finding an experienced and knowledgeable vet can be a challenge if not in a large population area. Be prepared to find a good vet with bearded dragon experience when you first get your pet. Also, be prepared to pay out of pocket for the cost of a vet, as these pets are not covered under regular pet insurance policies, and many times owners will have to drive quite a distance to get their pet the help they need. The biggest known research advancements are really just the development of vast knowledge of the bearded dragon itself.

A bearded dragon only lives in a small section of Australia, an island that is separate from the mainland, and this has given researchers an advantage. Also, their popularity as a pet is recent, so this has helped in the studies of these amazing and unique lizards. Many diseases have exhausted cures or effective treatments in other reptiles, and advancements have been made by building on these to establish new studies, better knowledge, and new findings for the bearded dragon. Do not be too discouraged if your local vet is not up to date on all the latest techniques and studies. They are increasing their knowledge in these areas as well. You can also ask your vet to contact other colleagues in these areas that they know are working on these advancements, and maybe network different sources to give your vet the information he or she may need. Different colleges with vet programs will also create a networking system with the best of the best in their fields.

9.1. Current Studies and Findings

Genetic information through genome sequencing has provided us furthers within understanding the domestication of common amniote reptile pets. Several reptile geneticists are actively sequencing reptile genomes to know evolutionary biology. It allows us to explore common traits that make some reptile species amenable pets that currently include bearded dragons, corn snakes, leopard geckos, green anole lizards, ball pythons, and even red-eared sliders and Mississippi Map turtles. Such a large genome collected presents challenges. However, as a scaly animal representative of a much larger saurian lineage, it allows both prospective studies of genes linked to our pets’ conditions and possibly our own health conditions.

Blood tests are financial a la carte screening choices for general internal and reproductive medicine use with pet reptiles. Tests are often employed to screen for general signs of wellness as well as baseline data for significant condition concerns that possibly include chronic renal, liver, and metabolic issues. These tests present a quick view of medical conditions that can provide essential information across numerous body systems. If applicable, tests are available for painful spinal diseases and adequate reproductive session cycling communications. In clinical practice, a paired pellet swab can be taken to examine for additional internal, dermatologic, or stomatitis-related concerns. And paired analytic fecals are considered during patient evaluations. If both urine specific gravity and uric acid have value to the clinician when evaluating treatment for water balance or intermittent gout treatment.

References:

Kiebler, C.A., Bottichio, L., Simmons, L., Basler, C., Klos, R., Gurfield, N., Roberts, E., Kimura, A., Lewis, L.S., Bird, K. and Stiles, F., 2020. Outbreak of human infections with uncommon Salmonella serotypes linked to pet bearded dragons, 2012–2014. Zoonoses and public health, 67(4), pp.425-434. academia.edu

Barboza, T., Susta, L., Reavill, D. and Beaufrère, H., 2023. Prevalence and risk factors of hepatic lipid changes in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). Veterinary Pathology, 60(1), pp.133-138. sagepub.com

Barboza, T., 2021. Hepatic Lipidosis in the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps): Diagnostic and Therapeutic Investigations. uoguelph.ca

Chitty, J., 2023. Dermatological diseases of snakes and lizards and how to investigate them. Companion Animal. [HTML]

Schilliger, L., Paillusseau, C., François, C., & Bonwitt, J., 2023. Major emerging fungal diseases of reptiles and amphibians. Pathogens. mdpi.com

Ebani, V. V., 2024. Staphylococci, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Humans: What Are Their Relations?. Pathogens. nih.gov

Comments