Every living creature is vulnerable to different health issues. Bearded dragons are no exception, so it’s important to know about their potential illnesses. Quickly spotting any troubling symptoms is a great way to put your pet’s health first. Let’s look at the signs and causes of some of the most common and serious bearded dragon illnesses.
1. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
MBD is a very common health condition in reptiles. It happens either because a reptile doesn’t get enough calcium or can’t process the calcium in its diet. Certain green leaves like spinach and kale can cause the latter. That’s why it’s better to provide pet reptiles with watercress or rocket leaves instead. Another reason for calcium deficiencies include improper UV lighting.
This bone condition causes a deterioration of the bone structure. They become very brittle and can break easily. Vets can treat reptile metabolic bone disease but it’s crucial to act quickly. If it goes on for too long, your bearded dragon may suffer permanent injuries. The quicker you react, the better for their long-term prospects.
2. Dystocia
This condition afflicts female bearded dragons. In short, it’s when they can’t lay their eggs in a proper time frame. It can be fatal if they don’t receive treatment. Typically, the lizard will become very lethargic and show signs of sickness.
Usually, dystocia occurs because of a lack of proper care, such as inadequate UV lighting or humidity. A poor diet can also be a contributor. This condition urgently requires veterinary treatment. Luckily, it’s one of the most avoidable if you care for your pet properly. It’s always better to prevent illnesses than to try and get rid of them.
3. Adenovirus
Adenovirus is a contagious viral infection with some very visible symptoms. Many people call it “stargazing disease” because the lizard may aimlessly stare upward. It’s a wasting condition that will cause seizures and shaking limbs. Adenovirus affects the lizard’s immune system, and there’s no cure. Vets may be able to contain it and deal with secondary diseases that arise because of their compromised immunity. Sometimes euthanasia is the kindest option if your lizard’s quality of life deteriorates too much.
Meanwhile, some beardies are asymptomatic. That’s why you should always test your lizard before bringing it home. This is very important if you’ve got other reptiles because it’s extremely contagious. Sharing food and encountering another beardie’s fecal matter can spread the virus. You must isolate your affected bearded dragon in a separate vivarium if they test positive for adenovirus.
4. Avascular Necrosis
Necrosis is a dangerous condition that can affect bearded dragons. Iguanas are more susceptible to avascular necrosis than beardies. However, it can still occur in beardies with devastating consequences. Low humidity is one of the most common causes. It can make it too difficult for your beardie to properly shed its skin. This can impact the toe tips as well as the end of the tail. Ultimately, it reduces blood circulation until the entire supply to the affected area stops, and the tissue dies.
This condition can progress along the lizard’s limbs. The affected area darkens before it eventually dies and dries out. Amputation is the only solution because this removes the infection. Don’t worry: your lizard can live a happy life with this treatment. However, it’s vital to act quickly to stop the necrosis from spreading throughout their entire body. Again, this may be avoidable by correctly managing the humidity in the lizard’s vivarium.
5. Abscesses
Some bearded dragons experience abscesses or hard tumor-like swellings across their body. These occur for many reasons. Maybe your beardie suffered a bite wound from another lizard. (New reptile owners should know that it’s inadvisable to house two males together because they will fight.) Parasites and open wounds can also cause abscesses to develop.
The abscess may grow and eventually leak cottage cheese-like pus. It’s disgusting and will need surgical attention. The vet will also analyze the pus to check the source of the abscess if it isn’t obvious.
6. Respiratory Infections
Many bearded dragons experience respiratory infections because of incorrect living conditions. Maybe the humidity is too high, or the temperature setting is wrong. They can also occur if owners don’t clean their reptile vivarium properly.
Respiratory infections have clear symptoms like drooling and choking noises. The beardie may also open their mouth to breathe. Take them to a vet if they display any of this abnormal behavior. They’ll prescribe oral antibiotics and advise against allowing your lizard to bathe.
7. Impaction
Owners may think that they’re doing everything right by giving their lizard the right balance of proteins and greens. However, it’s still possible for things to go wrong. Impaction is a hard lump that develops when a bearded dragon can’t pass its stool. Usually, it’s because their diet is too hard for them to digest. Maybe you’re giving them food with hard shells like mealworms and it’s clogging their system. Their beard will blacken, and they won’t pass a stool, similar to human constipation.
External factors like the substrate and UV lighting can also cause impaction. If the substrate has grainy particles such as sand or loose shells, lizards can accidentally ingest them. Meanwhile, ensure that the UV lighting and humidity are correct.
Impaction is very uncomfortable but treatable. Help your lizard pass the stool by giving them a warm bath. Give them pureed food that’s easier for them to excrete. The most important thing is to uncover the cause.
