Bearded dragons are cute and nice pets that can keep you company for a long time. These pets are low maintenance and also do not bother you much when it comes to the daily taking care schedule. You can have them as a companion that will be fulfilling your wish of keeping a pet.
However, any enjoyment comes with certain kinds of responsibility. If you see certain kinds of ailments in the bearded dragon-like dragging the back leg while moving, or weakness and unwillingness to eat, then you should be worried and keep a good watch on the daily activities. If necessary, you have to take it t the herp vet for a good check-up.
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Why does the dragon drag legs?
The problem of dragging the back legs can be a symptom of MBD. This bone decaying problem is pretty common among reptiles and when the bearded dragon is kept as a pet, they often suffer from this disease.
Other than that, it can be an issue with the impaction. When the bearded dragon eats something like the substrate of the cage, then it gets impacted. The impaction decreases hunger and digestion so the bearded dragon gradually becomes weak. That is why after some days of the impaction you will see the bearded dragon dragging the back legs.
There can be issues of infection in some parts of the bearded dragon. if you are not properly watchful, then it can be the mites that have caused some infection in the hind legs of the bearded dragon. Such infections are often pretty painful and can cause a hindrance in the movement.
How can you take care of the bearded dragon when it becomes paralyzed?
If your bearded dragon seems to face the issue of paralysis then you need to be extra cautious about taking care of that pet. As per the suggestions of the vets, you need to keep all the articles in the cage on a flat surface.
A bruised bearded dragon will not be able to climb up on something and that is why it needs to reach anything that is laid on the surface of the tank. Also, the basking stone is not required for the injured or paralyzed bearded dragon. It can lie on the floor of the tank to get the basking heat.
Rather you can hang the basking light much down so the dragon gets the heat without taking the support of the elevated basking spot. The UVB ray source works better when the creature is near the source.
What is MBD or metabolic bone disease of bearded dragons?
If you see that the bearded dragon has a swollen limb and it is moving rather slowly when it is alone, or even when you are offering food or entering your hand or finger inside the tank. This can be the case of MBD or metabolic bone disease. This is a traumatic experience for the bearded dragon as well as the owner. But do not worry too much as the problem can be solved with some medication and proper treatment.
What are the signs of MBD in the bearded dragon?
This is one of the most common diseases of the pet bearded dragons. If you keep an eye on the diet of the bearded dragon and offer it good housing then this disease can be prevented easily. There are certain symptoms that will help you to understand that the dragon is suffering from MBD.
The primary symptom of MBD is difficulty in movement. You can see the dragon getting slower in its daily activity and also become duller in look. The skin may seem lackluster and the eyes may look sunken.
There will be a lack of appetite seen in the dragon. You will see the dragon not finishing its food and getting weaker day by day. Due to the weakness, you can see it moving slowly or not moving at all inside the tank.
Constipation is another symptom that can be seen in the bearded dragon when it is suffering from MBD.
What causes MBD in bearded dragons?
There are various reasons that can cause MBD in bearded dragons. It can be a high amount of oxalate or phosphorus in the diet of the dragon, or the lack of UVB rays in its shelter. This ailment can also be caused by the calcium of vitamin D3 deficiency.
Can the MBD have a terminal effect on bearded dragons?
Though MBD is an easily preventable disease and can be checked at an earlier stage, by following the difficulty in the movement of the bearded dragon, it can be cured by proper diet and medication. Also, you can add some supplements and fix the UVB lighting to make everything proper in the shelter.
How can you diagnose if the bearded dragon has MBD or not?
If the bearded dragon is only facing difficulty in moving but its legs have not got deformed, then it may not be the case with MBD. Rather it can be caused by the impaction-related weakness. So treat the issue with care and follow the diet of the bearded dragon.
Make sure that it is having a healthy meal, and if necessary consult a vet regarding including the supplement in the meal of the dragon.
How can the bearded dragon be cured of paralysis?
Paralysis is mostly caused by the MBD or impaction, though it can also be a result of a lack of UVB rays in the shelter of the UVB rays. If the cause of the paralysis is diagnosed then caring for the dragon becomes easy. Just follow the procedure prescribed by the vet. If you see the no UVB symptoms, then get few UVB Bulb For Bearded Dragon.
How can you ensure that the bearded dragon stays healthy?
If you see the bearded dragon being alert and moving comfortably, riding the basking platform or any other high place, eating its food when provided, and pooping regularly, then you can be assured that the dragon is in good health.
The absence or irregularity of any of these activities may indicate the problem. So if you want to avoid any dire situation then be alert. The weakening of back legs should not be treated leniently.
