Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A friend of mine is having an issue with her female beardies back right leg. I am well aware that it could be an issue induced from lack of calcium in the animals diet, but i am suspicious that it may be broken. The hip area is noticeably swollen and the animal is trying to use the leg, not dragging it. In the hip area it is swollen and very firm, almost like there is a fluid build up or scare tissue around the hip joint. The leg also does not move freely and is very limited in movements in all directions. If you have any advice please reply. thanks for reading.

I think a vet visit and x-rays are the best plan. Without an examination any advise would be inappropriate.

I agree, a vet visit is the only away to know for sure what is wrong with the leg. From your description it doesn't sound like something related to impaction, but could be related to a break or dislocation of the leg/hip joint.

Without a full background on the dragon, I can't even guess what could be the problem. If this started very suddenly, then definitely a break/dislocate is likely, especially if the dragon fell or had something fall on it recently, or was rough handled. Or became trapped under cage furniture and fought its way out and injured itself in the process.

Definitely tell your friend he needs to take his dragon to a vet for examination and treatment. If he refuses, then he's being neglectful and breaking the law (animal cruelty laws may not be severe, but its the responsibility of all owners to ensure proper medical treatment is sought for injured or sick pets, irregardless of what species. If your friend can't afford to take the animal to a vet, then he should surrender it to a rescue or shelter, or to somebody willing to pay for any necessary treatment. Or at the very least, have the animal humanely euthanize.)
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PHLdyPayne

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