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Funky Fungi?

AleshaRae Dec 17, 2008 10:06 AM

So we were at the reptile store picking up some feeders and the girl behind the counter whips out a little beardie asking if we wanted to take it home.
Someone brought it in the store a couple months back and left it there for any takers. She says he eats like a champ and from what I saw was very active, but his appearance hinders a sale.
His face seems to be covered with a fungus especially around his mouth. They have been dabbing Neosporin on the areas from time to time, but it hasn't really cleared up.
I would love to take him home, but I fear I may pass the bacteria (or whatever it is) onto my lil guy at home. Anyone out there hear or see anything similar to this and what type of care do you recommend?

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1.0 BRB "Henrold"
0.1 JCP "Snatch"
0.1 BCI "Big Mama"
1.0 Beardie "G-Money"

Replies (7)

PHLdyPayne Dec 17, 2008 12:22 PM

Only fungi I know that can attack bearded dragons is yellow fungi but it normally appears around the vent area first then onto the body.

From what you describe on that bearded dragon at the petstore, sounds more like mouth rot or infection of wounds around the month. The pet store should take the dragon to a vet to be properly taken care of instead of trying to fostering it off on a customer.

If you do take him be aware you will have to practice strict quarantine measures to ensure no cross contamination with your dragon (it may not be contagious but always good to quarantine new animals anyway). So separate cage in a separate room with his own feeding dishes washed separately from the other dragon's dishes etc. No feeding crickets or other insects the sick dragon didn't eat to your healthy dragon or putting those insects back in with your other insects (maybe overkill but why risk it?)

Then make sure you have the funds to pay for a vet checkup and treatment (if its fungal or bacteria infection, Vet may have to do a culture to identify which fungus/bacteria it is and give the proper treatment) blood tests etc may also be needed. This may cost a few hundred dollars to a thousand or more...depending on what is the underlying cause of the mouth problem. Right now without even a picture, it can be several things. Mouth Rot, nose rub that has become infected (sores caused by rubbing his nose against the walls of its cage till the skin is worn off and becomes infected or scabs over), unshed skin, bite injuries, even burns could be what you describe. Heck, could just be caked on dirt/food. The fact he eats well could rule out mouth rot which often starts inside the mouth and is painful, but it could still be infection...and if the pet store is just saying he eats well, doesn't mean he really does, unless you have seen it gobble up insects and greens.
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PHLdyPayne

MimC85 Dec 17, 2008 12:54 PM

I 2nd the above!

This guy definately needs to see a vet. If you are willing to pay for that and to treat him accordingly, and do the proper quarentine measures then i would take him home and give it a try.
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog

AleshaRae Dec 17, 2008 03:34 PM

Thank you so so much for the info. I figured a vet visit would be the best place to start (besides here in this forum) but my wallet is weeping and I dont have the moolah to justify a vet bill.
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1.0 BRB "Henrold"
0.1 JCP "Snatch"
0.1 BCI "Big Mama"
1.0 Beardie "G-Money"

BDlvr Dec 17, 2008 02:26 PM

Where is the dragon located?

AleshaRae Dec 17, 2008 03:23 PM

>>Where is the dragon located?

West Palm Beach, FL (Wild Cargo)
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1.0 BRB "Henrold"
0.1 JCP "Snatch"
0.1 BCI "Big Mama"
1.0 Beardie "G-Money"

BDlvr Dec 17, 2008 05:44 PM

Well he/she is too far away for me to take. So my suggestion if you want to help him/her is to research local rescues that may be able to take him in and help him.

AleshaRae Dec 18, 2008 06:42 AM

I most certainly will. Thanks again for all the support.
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1.0 BRB "Henrold"
0.1 JCP "Snatch"
0.1 BCI "Big Mama"
1.0 Beardie "G-Money"

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