My beardie is about 10yrs. he was the runt of liter (a pigmy of sorts) and ended up becoming the only survivor. Lately, he has been loosing the use of his hinds. He is very healthy other than that. I have him on a diet of pinkies and greens. Other hubandry is good. Is this just old age or am I missing something?
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Help aging dragon
reptileranger
Apr 22, 2009 10:45 AM
Replies (4)
faygo19
Apr 22, 2009 04:40 PM
your getting to the max life span of your beardie. There may be many things you can do I do not know them. Im sure someone else would be happy to help you but they will ask all theses questions. What are the temps? Hot side cool side and basking area. What size is he? What is his weight. A picture of his cage and himself will help too.
beardiepal
May 22, 2009 05:46 PM
I agree with the vet visit and I have to say if you have a dragon thats 10 years old and has survived, u are doing something right. I have an aging dragon-not 10-almost 8 and I notice things about him like his eyesite. Let us know. Take care Beth
BDlvr
Apr 23, 2009 05:18 PM
I don't know the ages of my older dragons. They were all nameless rescues. I do have one that cannot use his back legs. He has a build up of fibrous material around his spine that has fused it in a curved position. I have no idea what his age is but he has been here since 9/1/07. He can move his back legs and can almost walk in the bath, but, otherwise he drags himself in his tile enclosure.
Reduced use of hind legs is also a sign of advanced MBD. It can also be the result of impaction or a tumor putting pressure on the spine. My suggestion is to have him x-rayed. You will be able to tell if it is MBD or a condition similar to the one mine hasd or at least you will be able to narrow out some of the possibilities.
PHLdyPayne
Apr 23, 2009 11:15 PM
I would stop feeding him pinkies... these should only be a rare treat not his primary source of animal protein. Stick with the salad with insects a few times a week.
As for the problems with his legs, could be many things. A vet inspection be your best bet. It can be impaction, arthritis, a growth pressing against the spine, just old age... no way to know without examining him.
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PHLdyPayne
