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constipated...

denise1 Apr 12, 2006 12:44 PM

what is good for treating this?? I know warm baths...but I remember someone saying apple juice or carrot juice, something like that...thanks
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1.0.1 Bearded Dragons - Smaug and Pazuzu
3.1 Bettas - Jason (R.I.P.), Ori, Fishy Fishy Fishy, Faith (R.I.P.)
1.0 3 Legged Bullfrog - Jeremiah Sim Choy
1.0 Leopard Gecko - Spike
0.1 Guinea Pigs- Oreo and Bunny

Replies (2)

PHLdyPayne Apr 12, 2006 04:27 PM

I wouldn't use carrot or apple juice to aid constipation. However, pureed carrots, squash or other high water content vegetables helps alot with constipation. Warm soaks are also good. A bit of minerial oil fed to her via a needleless syrenge (a few drops is all that is needed) can help as well.

If she doesn't poop after a few days of pureed carrots, warm soaks,and the mineral oil, take her to a vet. Severe constipation may actually be an obstruction (ie impaction) from injested substrate, over large prey items that normally are hard to digest (ie too large crickets, roaches etc, or too many mealworms/superworms, especially with younger dragons) or something foreign your dragon may have accidently picked up while out of the cage.

Internal problems could cause it too, swellings, tumors etc, could pinch or block the bowels preventing passage of fecal matter. Hopefully it's nothing like this but if the above suggestions don't move things along in a few days (or by the end of the Easter holidays) take him to a vet right away.

If he starts becoming lathargic, strains to poop alot, or shows signs of a prolapse (pink fleshy material pushed out of the vent, or the hemipenes of a male), bleeding or any other signs of distress, get him to a vet (even if you have to find an emergency vet to take him to). In the case of a prolapse, put the dragon on a small cage with nothing but slightly damp papertowel while you get him to a vet, to prevent the tissues drying out. Sugar water soaks can help reduce swelling and maybe letting the prolapse go back in...though the overall problem (ie constipation/impaction) would not be solved. Just a way to keep things from getting worse.
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PHLdyPayne

denise1 Apr 12, 2006 08:11 PM

thanks...I'll try that...he is showing no other signs just hasn't pooped...he's an adult male hasn't been out of his tank in some months due to the cold...his temps are good, checked by a temp gun...he's large so I doubt the cricket size would be too big...no meal worms, etc.
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1.0.1 Bearded Dragons - Smaug and Pazuzu
3.1 Bettas - Jason (R.I.P.), Ori, Fishy Fishy Fishy, Faith (R.I.P.)
1.0 3 Legged Bullfrog - Jeremiah Sim Choy
1.0 Leopard Gecko - Spike
0.1 Guinea Pigs- Oreo and Bunny

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