You can tell if your beardie is sick by noting any changes in the appearance of its skin. It may not bask, be unwilling to eat, or throw up. If you notice these changes, take your beardie to the vet immediately for proper diagnosis. If your beardie suddenly stops basking, it could be due to various health problems, including Metabolic Bone Disease. A blood test may also show if the beardie has low calcium levels, so a trip to the vet is necessary to rule out any serious ailments.
Upon waking, your beardie may show signs of illness. They may appear to be dead, but in reality, they are just in a semi-brumation state. To confirm this, you should speak to a reptile vet and monitor your pet for the following symptoms. Depending on the type of illness, your beardie may not be eating. Listed below are the signs of common ailments in bearded dragons.
High humidity levels make bearded dragons susceptible to respiratory infections. They struggle to breathe and can often wheeze. This can be distressing for the lizard, but if the problem is left untreated, it can cause death. Listed below are some common symptoms of respiratory disease and how to treat them. Your beardie may also appear to be in pain. Often times, the symptoms of a respiratory infection are not life threatening, but it is still important to get it checked out by a veterinarian.
Lack of heat and warmth will cause your beardie’s metabolism to slow down. This will result in little energy and slow movement. If your beardie’s jaw is slack, you might need to offer him water to avoid dehydration. If your beardie is unable to eat its food, the problem may be related to your beardie’s digestive system. Give him some soft foods and soft food as soon as possible.
Another indicator of potential disease is the appearance of abnormal behaviors. Generally, beardies have a regular schedule for defecating and elimination. If your beardie does not defecate for a few days, there is a chance that it is constipated. If you notice unusual behavior, it is likely your beardie is suffering from dehydration or infection. A trip to the vet may be needed if your beardie doesn’t eat or defecate regularly.
Other signs of disease include a runny stool, soft stools, and yellow urate. Soft or runny stool can be an indication of an internal parasite. Some foods can also cause runny stools, so a trip to the vet is in order. If your beardie is acting lethargic, the problem could be a parasite. If your beardie is lethargic, you should immediately take your pet to the vet.
Paralysis is another common symptom of disease in beardies. Initially, it is an indication of a more serious issue, such as metabolic bone disease, but if your beardie isn’t eating, you should take him to the vet. An examination will determine the exact cause of his discomfort. The first step is to give him a warm water bath. Afterward, he should be able to drink water directly from the tank.
