Do you have a bearded dragon? These cute little lizards can really make great pets. While reptiles may not be the most charismatic animals, these guys do have their own unique personalities. However, it isn’t always easy to tell how beardies are feeling. This can make it difficult for pet owners to spot signs of illness. A local Greater Cincinnati vet lists some common ones below.
Respiratory Issues
Healthy lizards should breathe quietly and smoothly. If your beardie seems to be wheezing, gasping, or coughing, there may be something going on with him.
Secretion
Discharge from the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth can also be indications of sickness. Keep an eye out for these things!
Weight Loss
Rapid weight changes are often a red flag in our animal companions. If your lizard is looking thin or even bony, call your vet.
Eye Issues
Your pet’s eyes should be clear and bright. If he isn’t opening his eyes, or if they seem puffy, bulging, or swollen, you could have a sick lizard on your hands. (It’s worth noting that this can sometimes be associated with shedding, in which case it may self-resolve.)
Lethargy
While beardies aren’t exactly the fastest reptile around, they should be active and engaged. A lizard that seems lethargic or withdrawal may be ill.
Bathroom Issues
Pay attention to your reptilian buddy’s dropping as you are cleaning his cage. Diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the color, texture, or amount of your pet’s waste are all cause for concern. If you see blood in your lizard’s feces, there’s definitely an issue!
Discoloration
Watch for changes in your beardie’s skin. Bumps, lesions, sores, and discoloration can all be indications that something is wrong. Yellow, black, or red spots are also warning signs.
Strange Behavior
Uncharacteristic behavior is also a sign of trouble. Sick beardies may seem weak or grumpy, and they may hide and/or stop basking. Shaking, dizziness, head tilting, and loss of balance are also red flags.
Changes In Condition
Look for changes in your pet’s body composition. If he seems bloated or overweight, there may be something wrong. A prolapsed hemipene that isn’t going down is another cause for concern. Kinks in the tail or back are also signs of trouble.
Please contact us, your Greater Cincinnati vet hospital, for all your pet dragon’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
As an enthusiast and expert in reptile care, particularly in the realm of bearded dragons, I can confidently share insights and evidence-backed knowledge on the well-being of these fascinating pets. My extensive experience in reptile husbandry and health maintenance allows me to address the concerns raised in the article you provided.
Bearded dragons, scientifically known as Pogona, make wonderful companions, but like any living being, they are susceptible to health issues. The signs mentioned in the article are crucial indicators that can help owners identify potential problems in their beardies. Let's delve into each concept highlighted:
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Respiratory Issues:
- Healthy bearded dragons should exhibit quiet and smooth breathing. Wheezing, gasping, or coughing may suggest respiratory problems, emphasizing the need for prompt veterinary attention.
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Secretion:
- Discharge from the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth can be symptomatic of illness. Monitoring for such secretions is essential for early detection and intervention.
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Weight Loss:
- Rapid weight changes, especially if a lizard appears thin or bony, can be indicative of underlying health issues. Timely consultation with a vet is crucial in such cases.
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Eye Issues:
- Clear and bright eyes are signs of a healthy dragon. Puffy, bulging, or swollen eyes, or the refusal to open them, may signal health concerns that warrant investigation.
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Lethargy:
- While bearded dragons are not known for their speed, lethargy or withdrawal from normal activities can be an indication of illness. Observing changes in behavior is key to recognizing potential problems.
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Bathroom Issues:
- Monitoring droppings for signs of diarrhea, constipation, changes in color, texture, or the presence of blood is crucial. Any abnormalities in bathroom habits should be addressed promptly.
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Discoloration:
- Changes in skin color, bumps, lesions, sores, and discoloration are visual cues of potential health issues. Specific colors like yellow, black, or red spots may serve as warning signs.
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Strange Behavior:
- Uncharacteristic behavior, such as weakness, grumpiness, hiding, or loss of balance, can be red flags. Abnormal movements like shaking or dizziness should be investigated promptly.
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Changes In Condition:
- Observing alterations in body composition, including bloating or signs of overweight, requires attention. Anomalies like a prolapsed hemipene or kinks in the tail or back should be addressed by a qualified veterinarian.
In summary, being attuned to these signs and seeking professional veterinary care when needed is crucial for ensuring the well-being of bearded dragons. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your pet dragon, feel free to ask for personalized guidance.
