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My friend works in a petsore that had a juvi bearded dragon that had some shed that restricted its leg so bad that its leg need to be amputated (they know this is due to neglect and no one needed to tell them but only two staff members were doing what needed to be done and others I guess couldn't be bothered. Anyway, her leg was amputated at the shoulder yesterday and I brought her home today. I am amazed at how well she gets around already! The stitches come out in two weeks and I guess she is just happy to have to lug that dead weight around anymore. I did see here a few weeks ago when they asked me to take her and I mention that I thought the leg looked necrotic. I did agree that if they took care of the leg I would take her.

Has anyone dealt with stitches on a bearded dragon before? They didn't tell me if you could soak her or not and she has stuck shed all over her again. I was thinking about just using some wet paper towels in a closed container. She has no stump mind you as her arm if you will is off at the shoulder joint.

Surprisingly, she is as healthy as can be otherwise. Say what you will about some big pet store chains, I know I have blasted them in the past. This one has changed my thinking as far as this one little store in that BIG chain goes. They went WAY beyond to help a little dragon. Most places would have frozen it.

I had to have a hand and part of a foot amputated on a rescue a month or so ago.

I don't think I'd soak her, I'd just mist her to help with the shed problem for maybe the 1st week conservatively. The biggest thing is to keep it clean and apply triple antibiotic ointment to the wound daily.

Hi,

Stitches need to stay very very dry!

I would not even mist her. A eyedropper with water for a drink ...she will be thirsty after her ordeal.

good for you helping this dragon in need!

Cheers Scott Clark

Neosporin or other triple antibiotic ointment has done wonders on some horrible injuries I've personally seen. As far as your dry shed goes, I'd first try elevating the hot spot to 110-115 degrees, or maybe even a bit higher, for a week. If you see no change or it seems to worsen; once again Neosporin will work wonders on a dry shed also. Apply it to the areas and let it be for a week or 2 then it should be slowly be peeled off while in a warm sink or bathtub. Also, feed the hell out of this trooper of a dragon-the more nutrition it has, the faster its immune system can help the entire issue. This has worked for me.

Hope this helps and if you have any doubts, call a reptile vet.

Lizard Lance