Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Our 3yr old bearded dragon has recently started dragging her rear leg. This is the first time we noticed this. She was fine 2 days ago.

We do not know if she may have been in a fall outside on our porch. There is not much high to climb on, but it is a possibility. Her leg bones are intact, and she doesnt seem like she is in any pain.

She has laid a clutch of 24 eggs about a month ago. Her calcium intake has been good. Pinky mice, kingworms and dusted greens is her diet. She has been getting natural sunlight for several hours a day. I really don't think it could be MBD.

She also has a sort of cough. She will blow her beard out and cough every so often. This has been happening before the leg incident.

Everything else is fine. She is eating good, pooping regularly, and her color is normal. She doesnt seem stressed.

I really am not sure what to do, other than take her to the vet.

Please help!!

dragging a single rear leg doesn't sound like MBD or pressure applied to the spine by too large prey items (something that often can happen with babies, if their crickets are too large for them). Typically if its a blockage, it affects both rear legs, not just one.

My guess would be an injury to the leg, either bones, muscle or nerves/tendons. Unfortunately, only way to know for sure, (unless there is visible swelling etc), is to get him to a vet.

Make sure your dragon is well hydrated as well.
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PHLdyPayne

Wow, thanks. That is reassuring. You do have a good point. I really think the injury is muscular/tissue. The leg bones seem intact, and she doesnt seem to mind me feeling her leg/foot.

I'm just going to keep an eye on her, and if it progresses, take her to the vet.

note: She is back in her indoor cage now, and although demonstrating the same behavior with her rear leg, she is climbing to bask, and moving around a lot.