The first and most important thing to do is find a good vet before you need one. In many rural areas it can be difficult to find a vet that has any reptile experience. Often times you may find one that is willing to try, but has no training. In these cases, it is helpful to know a bit about possible diagnoses yourself, and then sit down and discuss it with your vet. Here is a list of common ailments and possible treatments.
Calcium Deficiency
Symptoms – tectonic twitching (the shakes)
- soft jaw bone / bone deformation
- neurological problems
Treatment – Additional UV
- Calcium supplements
Symptoms – Weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargic
- Loose runny smelly stool
Diagnosis/Treatment – Have a fecal test run
- antibiotics, Sulfadimethoxine (Albon)
Symptoms – Partial paralysis of hind legs, spasms, seizures, lethargic
Treatment – Warm bath (may take hours) while holding upright to relieve pressure off the spine. You may also give a drop or two of mineral oil and sometimes an enema helps.
Symptoms – Forced breathing, gaping, excess mucus, audible popping or wheezing in breathing
Treatment – Raise temps to appropriate levels. If it’s bad it will need antibiotics.
Symptoms – Lethargic, loss of appetite
Treatment – This is completely normal. It’s kind of like a mini hibernation that beardies go through in the cooler months. Lower the temps, turn off the lights and stop feeding. Leave a water dish in case they wake up and are thirsty. Keep an eye on their weight, they shouldn’t loose very much if any during this process.
