I have some Aussie water dragons that are going on 2 years old. They have grown fast and appear to be very healthy; active, well fed, well watered, bright eyed etc. Well last week I noticed that one of the females appeared lethargic and did not come to the food bowl. I pulled her from the cage and checked her over; she was responsive and alert but did not move to get away like normal (I don't handle them much to maintain wild behavior). I administered a few drops of an appetite stimulant and put her in back in the cage. The next day she hadn't moved much so I pulled her out and put her in an empty cage with clean water, food and temps at 75-82F with hotspot of 100F. She appeared to eat and I felt a few days away from the dominant female would do her good. Next morning she is dead.
Now the male is acting lethargic. Normally he sprints away from me when I reach for him but this time he just sat in the water bowl. He also did not eat yesterday (I do watch). I have had no luck finding information on what this could be. Again, I have had these guys for two years (since they were hatchlings) and they have done great. They have a nice enclosure with several hiding spots, climbing spaces, clean water, live plants etc. Ambient temp is about 82F with 3 hiding spaces to coold down and 2 hot spots to warm up (95-100F). They are fed 2-3 times a week with superworms, earthworms, cockroaches, crickets, waxworms or field plankton depending on availability. They are watered at the same time (bowl and spray). Any thoughts? I really appreciate it.
Neil
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Lethargy in Aussie water dragons - please help
Replies (2)
I would initially suspect the "field plankton"--but this depends on where the the "plankton" insects are gathered, type of insect(s) & whether they've been exposed to pesticides or other pollution.
It would be best to take your female waterdragon to a vet ASAP & do a test: oral/fecal/blood. In the worst case scenario, you should have the vet do a necropsy to help determine what the cause may be.
Goodluck.
Sorry, I meant take the male waterdragon to a vet ASAP.
