Some of the widespread points with bearded dragon well being is the chance of impaction. Impaction is precipitated when your lizard can’t totally digest their meals, thus inflicting a blockage of the intestines. That is normally attributable to substandard dwelling circumstances and an improper weight-reduction plan. Earlier than you run off to the vet, there are a number of residence treatments which have confirmed to be very efficient in minor instances.
Though poor husbandry is the main explanation for impaction inside beardies, this drawback can come up in even probably the most ideally suited of settings. As an example, when you have rescued a lizard that had a critical digestive situation up to now, their intestines are extra susceptible to changing into impacted afterward down the road, whatever the present circumstances it’s dwelling in.
“But how do I know if my lizard is impacted?”
The very first thing you’ll discover in an impacted dragon is a scarcity of bowel actions. If you happen to spend time each day along with your pet, then you’ll discover when issues turn out to be “irregular”. Youthful beardies ought to move stool nearly each day as a result of great amount of bugs they eat. Adults alternatively, might solely go as soon as each 7-10 days. Once more, this is determined by your particular dragon and what’s “regular” to them. In case your grownup will get to round 2 weeks with no actions, then you will have a problem.
One other good signal of impaction is to really feel the abdomen of your pet. Really feel for any irregular bulges or arduous spots. Once more, if you happen to recurrently deal with your pet, it will likely be simpler so that you can decide how their abdomen ought to really feel when wholesome. You will need to additionally take into account the quantity of meals they’re consuming. A brumating dragon won’t eat a lot in any respect, thus not requiring them to move a stool as typically.
A extra critical case would really hinder your pet’s motion. Hind leg paralysis is a typical symptom of an impacted dragon. If you happen to discover your beardie’s again legs aren’t shifting, or working, get them straight to the vet.
“I think my bearded dragon is impacted. What should I do?”
Right here is the method I’ve used to assist move a number of impacted lizards through the years:
Cease feeding them bugs
Give the lizard a number of drops of vegetable or olive oil by means of a watch dropper. If you cannot get them to swallow the oil by itself, attempt mixing it with unsweetened applesauce.
Run a lukewarm bathtub and permit them to soak for round 30 minutes.
Whereas soaking, gently rub the abdomen from snout to vent repeatedly.
Take away them from the bathtub and put them below the basking gentle.
Repeat a number of instances each day till the impaction passes.
This technique has labored nice for me up to now. Nevertheless, in case your beardies nonetheless hasn’t handed the impaction inside a pair days of this remedy, then get them to a vet ASAP. What this process does is assist hydrate your pet whereas loosening the impaction through the stomach therapeutic massage and oil. You might need to steer clear of strong veggies throughout this time as properly. Supply child meals instead of the traditional salad, and ensure they’re getting loads of fluids. Pedialyte and Gatorade works nice for this function.
Bearded dragon well being is a reasonably simple factor to maintain in examine if you understand what to look out for. However even probably the most skilled keepers run into the occasional situation on occasion. It’s then that having a number of methods up your sleeve will come in useful. The following pointers will not simply forestall one other vet invoice, however hold your pet wholesome and pleased by enabling you to take motion instantly. The easiest factor you are able to do is to spend time along with your pet each day, this manner you’ll instantly discover when one thing is not fairly proper along with your lizard.