Impaction is a serious issue for both bearded dragons and their owners. It’s very similar to constipation, but it’s more severe and can be deadly. That’s why it’s crucial to be familiar with the symptoms of impaction, its causes, and how to prevent it. This is a very uncomfortable health problem for bearded dragons, so it’s essential to deal with it quickly.
In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know.
1. Impaction Is Not the Same as Constipation
To promote your bearded dragon’s health, it’s crucial to understand impaction. As previously stated, it may appear similar to constipation. However, there are differences between the two. Usually, beardies suffer constipation because they’re overfed and understimulated. It’s generally not a serious problem, and you can relieve constipation by giving them a warm bath. Oppositely, impaction can be a very severe condition and is a leading cause of pet bearded dragon mortality.
Impaction is when the beardie has a blocked digestive tract. When this happens, the bearded dragon can’t poop normally. Most of the time, it results from accidentally having swallowed substrate. Using the correct substrate drastically reduces the risk of your bearded dragon suffering from impaction. First-time lizard owners are more likely to experience impaction in their beardies because they’re more prone to mistakes. Always do your research before getting a new pet reptile to prevent common health problems.
2. Symptoms Include Lack of Appetite and Movement
The symptoms of impaction aren’t always apparent. To prevent impaction and other related health problems in bearded dragons, you should know the symptoms of this troubling condition, which include:
Being Unresponsive to Stimuli
Many reptiles generally remain in a stationary alert state, even if they’re still. If a bearded dragon doesn’t react quickly to sudden movements or is generally inactive, this could be a sign of something serious. Lethargy is also a symptom of several other health conditions, but it can also mean your beardie is about to shed its skin, so don’t panic.
Demonstrating a Loss of Mobility
A loss of mobility is more of a problem because the beardie can’t move. The lump created by impacted waste could place pressure on their spine, inducing partial paralysis in their back legs and preventing them from moving properly. If they’re not engaging in their regular activity levels, it may be because they physically can’t. The impaction could also impact their front legs if it’s higher in the digestive tract.
A Lump in the Abdominal Area or Back
Owners may be able to physically feel a lump or swelling inside their bearded dragon’s body. This could be on their back or their stomach. Bring your lizard to the vet if you have any concerns about their health.
Lack of Appetite and/or Bowel Movements
A bearded dragon with impaction may not want to eat because they can’t excrete waste. It could be too uncomfortable for them to try and digest food because they can’t pass it.
3. Treatment Depends on the Impaction’s Severity
If you suspect that your bearded dragon is suffering from impaction, it’s important to go to a vet immediately. This condition can be life-threatening if owners don’t manage it properly. A vet who specializes in reptiles will perform an x-ray and identify if there is a blockage inside your beardie’s body. The remedy will depend on the seriousness of the case.
Sometimes, laxatives or even just a very warm bath will be enough to soften the impaction. The vet may also gently massage the area around the blockage. Then, the beardie should be able to pass it themselves or the vet will use a catheter to flush it out. However, in more serious cases, the vet must perform surgery to remove the blockage and save your pet’s life.
4. Good Substrate Prevents Reptile Impaction
Preventing impaction in bearded dragons is much easier than trying to treat it. A good substrate is the best way to reduce the risk of your beardie suffering impaction. Most importantly, avoid lining your lizard’s enclosure with loose substrate they can swallow, such as sand, walnut shells, and wood shavings. Instead, it’s better to use something like paper towels, reptile carpets, and tiles. Some people even use newspapers, but it’s important to change them regularly, so they don’t get too soggy.
5. Adequate Diet Prevents Bearded Dragon Impaction
You can prevent impaction in your pet bearded dragon by ensuring their food is easily digestible. Don’t give them something that’s too big or hard for them to eat properly. For example, crickets make great treats, but they’re not the easiest food to break down. Only give them to your lizard occasionally. Younger beardies will eat many insects, but you should give them fewer as they grow older. Ninety percent of an adult bearded dragon’s diet should be fruit and vegetables.
6. Exercise Prevents Impaction and Other Health Problems
Exercise is another key factor that many new reptile owners underestimate. Proper physical stimulation helps boost your bearded dragon’s metabolism and lowers the chance of constipation or impaction. There are many ways to enrich your bearded dragon. For example, you can put a collar and leash on your bearded dragon and walk them outdoors in a safe area. Live food, such as crickets, will also stimulate their predatory instincts. Also, add plenty of foliage that encourages your bearded dragon to explore. This will help them feel like they are in their natural habitat.
