Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm wondering if someone can help me , the bearded dragon my son has has developed puffy legs, one back and one front/upper part of the leg closest to the body.

Is this diet related or lighting?

Can you post a picture?

Does he have a UVB light? The light from it shouldn't pass through glass or plastic.

What supplements do you give it and how often? (Please be specific.)
What do you give it in the way of greens, etc.?
What do you gutload/feed the insects with? (Please be specific).

puffy legs can be caused by a few things, which can be diet related and husbandry related. MBD from either not enough calcium in the diet, too many 'bad' greens that cause calcium to be bound or otherwise unusable, insufficient exposure to UVB rays, insufficient temperatures, etc.

Many nutrient imbalances can cause puffy legs too. Dehydration can cause it as well. Too much of some nutrients can cause problems. Injuries, imcomplete sheds, infections etc can also show limb puffiness.

The best way to properly diagnose the problem your dragon is having is to take him to a vet experienced with reptile and bearded dragon care.

A detailed description of what you feed your dragon, how often it eats and how much, cage size, temp of basking area, ambient temperatures, age of your dragon...pretty much a complete history of your dragon while it was in your care. About all we can do here, is correct the errors in your husbandry...this may only prevent things from getting worse, it may not reverse damage/issues already existing with your dragon but a vet visit may be able to do this, again depending on what is causing the problem.

Remember, not all causes of puffy limbs is caused by diet/husbandry issues, some can be caused by injuries, disease or infections. These last three won't go away without proper treatment.
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PHLdyPayne