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Bearded dragons are glorious family pets and are actually discovered in additional than 4 million properties throughout the US. They’re straightforward to maintain in small homes and residences, they don’t require train like another species of pets, and they are often very nicely socialized to get pleasure from spending time with their house owners. Although past the scope of this text, we can’t emphasize sufficient the significance of “husbandry” in bearded dragons. This refers to their all-around care: vitamin, hygiene, weight loss program, and surroundings.
Bearded dragons, like all reptile, are prone to creating illnesses. The seven most typical ones, which can be explored in additional element under, embody metabolic bone illness, infectious stomatitis, parasites, yellow fungus illness, respiratory infections, dystocia, and impaction.
The 7 Frequent Bearded Dragon Well being Issues
1. Metabolic Bone Illness
Metabolic bone illness (MBD) causes softening of the bones. Additionally it is known as “dietary secondary hyperparathyroidism”, and is the equal of Rickets illness in individuals. The explanation for MBD creating in bearded dragons is comparatively complicated. It often happens because of diets which might be excessive in phosphorus and low in calcium, or low in vitamin D3. Nonetheless, bearded dragons additionally require UV-B gentle to synthesize vitamin D3, so if they don’t obtain sufficient of this from a particular UV-B lamp, MBD can develop. MBD is extra widespread in juvenile bearded dragons.
Indicators of MBD are associated to weak point of the bones: swelling below the jaw, swelling of the again legs, issue strolling, and trembling. Generally, bones are so weak that they fracture.
MBD will be recognized by an intensive examination, typically mixed with X-rays and blood exams. X-rays present decreased bone density, fractures, and widening of joint areas. Blood exams present an imbalance in calcium and phosphorus. Remedy will be tried and is usually profitable, however it may be very difficult to restore broken bones.
2. Infectious Stomatitis
Infectious stomatitis is also called “mouth rot”. This can be a bacterial an infection of the gums and jaw that’s widespread in a variety of reptile species. Food plan and husbandry elements contribute to the event of this illness. Indicators of mouth rot embody crimson spots within the mouth and swelling of the gums. After time, bearded dragons develop a thick yellow “tacky” discharge from the mouth and nostril, and present much less curiosity in meals as a result of discomfort brought on by consuming.
Thankfully, mouth rot typically carries an excellent prognosis with applicable therapy. This contains a course of antibiotics, and sometimes a particular reptile mouthwash, each prescribed by a veterinarian.
3. Parasites
Plenty of completely different intestinal parasites may cause illness in bearded dragons. This can be a pretty widespread drawback in younger reptiles, in addition to reptiles just lately introduced into a brand new surroundings. Two widespread parasites are pinworms and coccidia. In reality, it’s thought that pinworms could exist within the gastrointestinal tracts of most bearded dragons; in a wholesome lizard with an excellent weight loss program and hygiene, they exist in such low numbers that they don’t trigger any points. In a sick reptile, or one with poor husbandry, the worms can proliferate to unhealthy numbers, inflicting sickness.
Indicators of intestinal parasite an infection embody unfastened, malodorous stools and lethargy. Different parasites, resembling mites and ticks, are generally discovered on the pores and skin and scales after being transmitted from one other bearded dragon. A number of oral and injectable anti-parasitic medicines can be utilized in bearded dragons to repair this drawback. Mites and ticks could also be handled with a topical treatment (one that’s utilized straight onto the pores and skin). As all the time, husbandry is important, so cleansing and disinfection of the bearded dragon’s surroundings is essential.
4. Yellow Fungus
Yellow fungus illness is also called CANV (Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vreisii). This can be a very aggressive and contagious fungus that may have an effect on bearded dragons of any age. Indicators of this illness embody yellow or yellow-brown raised plaques which might seem everywhere in the physique. With out therapy, these plaques change into cracked and ulcerated.
This ulceration permits micro organism to enter, inflicting extra an infection, and bearded dragons can change into very sick. Early therapy is definitely warranted; veterinarians generally prescribe anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medicines.
5. Respiratory Infections
Pneumonia (an infection of the lungs) is the commonest respiratory an infection seen in bearded dragons, although generally the an infection doesn’t attain the lungs, and is confined to the “higher respiratory tract”. Micro organism, viruses, and fungi are all able to inflicting respiratory infections in bearded dragons. Reptiles with poor husbandry are extra vulnerable to creating pneumonia. Improper weight loss program, stress, chilly surroundings, and poor hygiene are all contributing elements, as they weaken the immune system.
The most typical indicators of respiratory sickness are sneezing, discharge from the nostril and eyes, shallow or labored respiratory, or blowing bubbles from the mouth. Severely affected dragons will even be torpid and anorexic (not consuming). Pressing veterinary consideration is necessary—prognosis could require blood exams and X-rays, and therapy typically contains antibiotics, heat, feeding, and supportive medicines.
6. Dystocia
Dystocia refers to issue laying eggs. Additionally it is known as “egg-binding” or “follicular stasis.” This can be a widespread and doubtlessly life-threatening drawback in feminine bearded dragons. Plenty of elements contribute to dystocia: improper weight loss program, poor nesting surroundings, insufficient UV lighting, and inappropriate temperature management. Underlying infections, abscesses or overly giant eggs could make the passage of eggs harder.
Once more, immediate intervention is required. Veterinarians could use blood exams, X-rays, and ultrasound to substantiate the presence of dystocia. Medical therapy will be tried, however generally surgical procedure is critical to bodily take away the eggs.
7. Impaction
Impaction refers to a blockage within the intestines. It may be associated to, or exist concurrently, constipation. Constipation refers to rare bowel actions. There are lots of attainable causes of impaction or constipation in bearded dragons, together with dehydration, weak point, viral an infection, spinal damage, and metabolic bone illness (talked about above). Some lizards change into impacted after consuming inappropriate materials, typically termed “substrate”, from their enclosure. Different lizards develop impactions from urate crystals, that are a product of salts current of their urine. In contrast to most mammals, lizards wouldn’t have a separate opening for the passage of urine, however as a substitute have a cloaca.
Regardless of the trigger, bearded dragons with impaction or constipation require rehydration. Often, X-rays can be essential to diagnose the trigger behind the obstruction. Enemas are additionally a easy and helpful therapy if the impaction is within the colon.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are gaining an increasing number of recognition as family pets throughout the globe. Whereas typically regarded as sturdy and easy-to-maintain pets, correct care and husbandry are very important to the well being of this excellent reptile. This contains all the things from temperature and humidity management to weight loss program and hygiene. It may be tough to detect indicators of sickness in bearded dragons, as they’re glorious at masking these indicators.
If you happen to suspect one thing is just not proper, by no means try therapy at residence. Early involvement of a veterinarian is more likely to result in one of the best consequence for you and your bearded dragon.
Featured Picture Credit score: Audrey Snider-Bell, Shutterstock
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