Dragon shows symptoms of impaction but poops every day??

[Dewitt Fortenberry]

About 3 weeks ago we noticed that burnster had problems moving his back legs. They almost seem partially paralyzed. Sometimes his back legs twitch up in the air and twitch while he tries to slither on his belly, really freaky. So I googled his symptoms and we decided that he wasn't getting enough D3 with his calcium. Every day since then, I've been giving him a new vitamin powder that has calcium and D3 (before we were just using a calcium powder). Despite this cumbersome routine of dipping all of his worms in the stuff, he still hasn't gotten better and the problem seems to be getting worse. I re-googled his symptoms and found that this could also be a symptom of impaction. I ruled that out at first because he poops every day, but then I noticed that he skips some days and has funky looking poop on other days. So then I tried treating for impaction by bathing him every day and giving him laxatives. I also removed all of the sand from his cage since that can cause impaction (even though the sand said it was perfect for dragons...) This still hasn't helped... any suggestions? Please help I can't find any vets in my area that see Bearded Dragons...

 

[mxw0rld]

Have you looked up MBD? The leg twitch sounds like that especially if it's not the other things.

 

[mxw0rld]

I personally know a beardie that started with the leg twitch for about 2 weeks maybe 3 weeks and then started having seizures and it is MBD! The only way to know for sure is a vet visit.

 

[Dewitt Fortenberry]

Have you looked up MBD? The leg twitch sounds like that especially if it's not the other things.

That was the first thing we suspected, so we started giving him more D3 and calcium, but he still hasn't improved. Do you know of any other ways to fight MBD?

 

[mxw0rld]

That was the first thing we suspected, so we started giving him more D3 and calcium, but he still hasn't improved. Do you know of any other ways to fight MBD?

Yes. BSFL's are the only way to reverse or stop MBD. It looks and sounds like MBD to me.

 

[Dewitt Fortenberry]

Yes. BSFL's are the only way to reverse or stop MBD. It looks and sounds like MBD to me.

Thanks, what's BSFL short for? Also do you know how long it should take for him to return to normal?

 

[mxw0rld]

Thanks, what's BSFL short for? Also do you know how long it should take for him to return to normal?

BSFL - black soldier fly larvae and they are amazing.

Look them up and read about them and his they can reverse and stop MBD.

 

[mxw0rld]

Thanks, what's BSFL short for? Also do you know how long it should take for him to return to normal?

As far as going back to normal. That depends on how bad he is and how soon you get him help.

Right now I would be getting him the BSFL's and putting calcium on his feeders.

I personally would be reading as much as I can on mbd. I haven't had to deal with that personally.

 

[Hdrydr31]

It all depends on the level of MBD most can be stopped/slowed but if damage is done it is done. You just manage from there out how he does with food and supplements.

 

[Eavlynn]

Also, taking your beardie outside for natural light helps them to better utilize the calcium they take in. Artificial D3 and UVB bulbs are okay when you can't get them outside, but natural sun trumps everything man made.

 

[PatsyB]

Yes what Hdrydr31 said. You can stop the progression of MBD but you can't reverse the damage it's already done. I would try to find a vet nearby that can treat exotics. Google, exotic vets in your area and you should come up with something. The vet can give you oral calcium that you give a few times a day or they can give a calcium injection. In the meantime make sure that your UVB bulb is current. Reptisun 10.0 T8 bulbs need to be switched every 4-6 months. BSLF are good for calcium but so are silk worms. Also make sure you are using a multivitamin a few times a week along with your calcium.

Also make sure the temperature in his basking spot correct by measuring it with either a digital probe thermometer or a temp gun.

 

[Dewitt Fortenberry]

Wow thanks, but there's no way he'll be able to use his back legs normally again? Also how did this happen? I took him outside every other day, kept his light on, and gave him the calcium dust four times a week before we switched to the calcium with D3 after he got sick.

Yes what Hdrydr31 said. You can stop the progression of MBD but you can't reverse the damage it's already done. I would try to find a vet nearby that can treat exotics. Google, exotic vets in your area and you should come up with something. The vet can give you oral calcium that you give a few times a day or they can give a calcium injection. In the meantime make sure that your UVB bulb is current. Reptisun 10.0 T8 bulbs need to be switched every 4-6 months. BSLF are good for calcium but so are silk worms. Also make sure you are using a multivitamin a few times a week along with your calcium.

Also make sure the temperature in his basking spot correct by measuring it with either a digital probe thermometer or a temp gun.

It all depends on the level of MBD most can be stopped/slowed but if damage is done it is done. You just manage from there out how he does with food and supplements.

 

[mxw0rld]

Did you change the bulb? The bulb will still be working but after 6 months stop producing UVB.

There's really no way to know how this happened. A vet might be able to tell you and help you.

I would call herp vets in your area and get prices of a visit and fecal test. The doctor can help you with medicine that could make this better or at least help.

Some vets will even let you make payments, as long as you have some money to put towards the bill. Just a thought.

 

[Eavlynn]

If he already has reduced motor funtion in his back legs, it's unlikely that he'll regain itcompletely. Once the progression of MBD is stopped he'll get a bit stronger and be able to get around just fine, but his movement may remain a bit loosey goosey, so to speak, and climbing becomes rather hazardous. My girl came to me with extremely poor function of her hind legs, and while she has gotten strong enough to lift herself up and is able to get around, they will never function properly. She's still quick when she wants to be, but a bit awkward.

Find a good vet that can see your boy, make sure your bulbs are well within their UVB life span, double check temps, and keep up the supplementation and outdoor time. Also, you may want to consider a calcium supplement without D3 while it's nice enough to take him outside. Initially I used the D3 version and noticed that my babies would bask less and stay farther away from the UVB light. I plan to only use it over the winter when artificial UVB is the only option.