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a fungus among us?

beardiedragon Sep 12, 2003 05:20 PM

Any input on this will be appreciated.

I have 2 Beardies that I noticed with a fungal looking spot on their hind quarters (first 2 pics). After having a Beardie die recently with what appeared to be "yellow fungus" I became very concerned. I took them both to the vet who did a work up on them and found the following:

He siad one of them has a yellow color in the mouth that concerned him and the others mouth was to light (not pink enough)
he was worried about anemia and liver problems. (See pics 3-5)

Does anyone here have a dragon with yellow in their mouth?

the blood work so far shows:
ast=36
ck=335
glu=231
tp=7.9
alb=3.6
glob=4.3
ua=2.8
bun less than 2
phos=5.3
ca++=13.1
k+=4.6
na+=162
bc=30
wbc=176
hets=60
pcm=98
monos=20
plasma=straw
I was told the white count was 1700 and it should be 9000

I dont know what all these numbers mean, the vet said they were inconclusive.

He also did a scraping and a gram stian of the "fungus" area and did not find anything significant.

The vet suggested doing a biopsy. Should I run more tests, if so what do you suggest?

thanks for the help





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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

Replies (5)

LdyPayne Sep 12, 2003 06:56 PM

Well, looks like this is a CheriS post....from the pictures it looks like yellow fungus. A search on this forum will bring up alot of threads relating to this subject. Also, there should be a link to a detailed document about research done in regards to yellow fungus. You should find this and print it out to tell your vet.

I can't really see anything wrong in the mouth of your dragon. Mouth rot is related to yellow fungus if I remember correctly. Antibiotics also can cause yellow fungus to flare up so you shouldn't give any to this dragon for now.

Hope this helps.

Christyj Sep 12, 2003 07:10 PM

I've seen beardies with total yellow mouths on the inside, that was normal for them.
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TheClassyLizard

MattMan Sep 12, 2003 07:17 PM

I'm not down with all those numbers, sorry I know calcium and phosphorus that's about the extent of that, but I do know from experience that those spots look consistent with what is know to me and what I treated for, and beat Yellow Fungus. Looks the same yes, but there are so many other ailments that show themselves through the skin in yellow patches. Mine has had yellow fungus and with lamisil liquid, or cream antifungal medicine and weekly baths in navalson (sp) shampoo has cured it at least visual. This dragon never had what would be any symptoms of fungus internally she always held her weight well over 550 grams and always ate, and ate. I would definitely contact Cheri S at the reptilerooms. With her help and my doctors help my Amber girl is still thriving and always has with the skin abrasions and without now thank God. Just If I was you keep that dragon away from your other stock if it is yellow fungus it is known to be contagious. I was lucky with Amber cause she was a pet and never was around or even in the same room with the other dragons. Another thing to take a look at is your soil? Is she in contact with moist soil? seemed like when I put her on moist potting soil to lay her infertile the fungus indeed came back, not sure if the dirt itself contains this??? All I can say is if you suspect fungus use the lamisil ointment it's a win win and will kill most funguses. It starts by turning it darker then by day 7 of applying it daily it should look like it will shed soon. This is a good sign and means you are getting down to the infected area keep using the lamisil. If you have the navalson this is even better dilute it in a bath and this will debrief the area right away and get right down to the infected area. Don't be afraid if a bunch of scales come off in that spot. They were dead already and the problem lies in the fresh skin under it so continue with the lamisil. this treatment as worked for me. Cheri S also knows a vet that would do a biopsy or culture and find out for you exactly what you are dealing with. Cheri has helped me tons with this, I really suggest talking to her about this.
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Mystical Dragons

CheriS Sep 13, 2003 01:03 PM

through a biopsy. But if you are going to go that route, let me give you the name of a researcher that is the top in his field for fungus and your vet can send the sample to him. Most labs will misidentify or miss it all together. I can;t tell you how many times we know labs have messed up, lost, misplaced or mixed up biopsies!

He has been studing fungal infections in reptiles for 5 years now for a publication and has requested a grant from the ARAV to work up the proper meds for treatment. I will email you his contact information.

Also, did you Vet say anything about the ck level reading?

beardiedragon Sep 13, 2003 02:11 PM

No he didn't mention the ck level, is that significant?

He did call me last night to let me know they did a test for jaundice, which came back negative. He was worried about the yellow color of the inside of the mouth.
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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

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