Whats going on with my lizard?

Question

OK.. I have a bearded dragon. He is 2 1/2 years old.. I have had him since a hatchling. Lately he wont eat... And He just lays under his "home" in his terrarium. I know in the winter they go into a kinda state of "hibernation" (similar) but I have never seen him like this. Before he would atleast come out to eat... now he dont. Also.. what are the signs of calcium deficiency?? I am starting to worry about that because he wont eat... HELP! Thanks

Answer 1

It's actually called "brumation" in ALL reptiles, but even experts use the term "hibernation" because of ease of communication.

And don't try to treat something like this on your own without significant knowledge. The symptoms you describe are general symptoms that are a "sign" OF MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF ILLNESS, not just calcium deficiency ( hypocalcemia ). It could also be a sign of hypercalcemia which is too much calcium. If you give too much calcium it has toxic effects. Besides, when vets and people who know what they are doing treat a calcium deficiency or Metabolic Bone Disorder, they use a calcium injection that is better absorbed by the body than powders. If you don't know what you are doing though you could kill him.

You should also not have any need for a calcium supplement that contains vitamin D3 if you are doing the right thing and using UVB lighting like you are supposed to. Vitamin D3 is also used as a rat poison, and improper use can have harmful or fatal consequences. For that reason, many experienced herp keepers, herpetologists, or zoologists don't use powdered D3 much, and many do not recommend that the average reptile owner even have it at all. The less informed tend to overuse it irresponsibly as a lazy substitute for UVB lighting ( which it is not ).

This problem could just as well be a bacterial gastroenteritis, or it could be from an adenovirus infection which is common in beardies. It could be an intestinal impaction, or it could be as simple as improper temps. causing an aestivation state, or diet change in some subtle way that has upset him. BOTTOM LINE...IGNORE ADVICE THAT DIAGNOSES WHAT YOUR LIZARDS' PROBLEM IS AND URGES YOU TO JUST GO BUY SOMETHING. TAKE YOUR ANIMAL TO THE VET BECAUSE THESE SYMPTOMS CAN MEAN MANY THINGS. Vet medicine takes a while to learn and there is a reason people go to school for it. I know enough that I don't have to see a vet often except for when I buy supplies...but I have been doing this a while.

see www.anapsid.org for plenty of care info related to Iguanas and Beardies.

Answer 2

The hibernation is called brumation for beardies :D

If your worried about calcium deficency I'd go out and get some repcal calcium with D3 and repcal herpivite. Adult dragons dont need as much supplementation, dust with calcium about 3 times a week, vitamins once a week. Usually unusual twitching is a sign of calcium deficency or MBD.

IF you've been supplementing properly throughout his life I wouldnt be to concerned about CD. Try to get a fresh fecal sample and take it in to a vet to have a test done. Parasites (pinworms, hookworms, roundworms, coccidia) are common in Beardies. All of those can lead to lethargy and lack of appetite. Most fecals will be $20-$25 with a $5 O.S.H.A. biohazard waste handling fee. Of course if parasites are the cause a vet appointment will be needed to determine the best course of medication.

Answer 3

fireside is right on the money do not wait get the big guy in to the vet and for some reason you are doubting the diet and calcium intake take some time go back through bearded dragon care sheets kingsnake.com has and so does 100 other websites if you are doing anything wrong correct it now. poor diet, incorrect lighting wrong temps all eventually lead to an untimely death. don't wait get him to a vet. usual vet visit $35 write down everyhthing you can on your care, take a picture of your setup and show the vet (if you can) he can look at the pic and ask some very important questions. good luck.

Answer 4

lethargy is a sure sign of calcium deficiency. also weight loss. you will eventually start seeing his/her "hip" bones. you can prevent calcium deficiency and metabolic b one disease(the more severe form of c.d.) by jut dusting their food with a combination of calcium dust and multivitamin dust. the dust i use and have used for years is made by rep-cal. it is a little more expensive (about $25 for both where i live) but is well worth it. i wont use anything else. you can buy both of the dusts at any PetSmart in the reptile section.

Answer 5

that is one of the signs
did u put a heat rock in the terrarium
if u got a heat rock in it take it out heat rock will burn their intersides up over peroids of time

Answer 6

You should take him tosee a vet