Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi - I come in search of help! I have 2 beardies - one developed an infection on one side of his face and on his side and turned yellow. I've treated it with iodine per the pet store guy's direction, and it seems better. But now he's not growing, he looks saggy and dehydrated, and he's turned dark green - almost black! I'm bringing him to work and giving him natural sun, and soaking him in warm water, which seems to help, but he's not eating - WHAT SHOULD I DO??

& I wouldn't take any medical advice from the pet store!
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ToniaD

I wouldn't normally take his advice, but this guy is actually an old high school boyfriend, and he knows more about reptiles than most vets! I don't have a reptile vet around me - I've called 17 different vets as far as 50 miles away, and no one has any experience with Beardies. That's why I need advice!

He does not know more about reptiles than anyone, or he would not have advised you what he did.

try the link below to locate a Vet near you that can help or there are several other reptile specialist list on the search engines
Herp Vets

Did he give a name as to what kind of infection he believes it to be? I have no experience with infections, but I do belong to a yahoo group called Pogona_Diseases. I've added a link below so that you may check it out & hopefully find some useful info for your situation. Good luck & keep us posted!
Pogona_Diseases

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ToniaD

Infections needs to be treated with antibiotics.....any general vet would even know this and a good vet will call a herp vet and get advice is he is treating your pet.....don't wait....see a vet now.

Tracey is right, this dragon needs medical attention, most likely antibiotics and possibly drainage. But only a professional can access him at this point and treat him. Even if not a herp expert, they would be able to take the quickly needed steps and consult with a expert later.

Thanks for the advice - looks like I'm heading to the vet! But isn't it possible that a vet who doesn't know what he's doing could do more damage than me treating him myself?

As Tracey/CheriS said, the vet should be able to network with vets that do know what to do.. Good Luck

and from what you describe sounds like a general vet could handle the immediate trama and consult if needed more specialized care.

One sign of a good vet is one that is willing to contact others that are specialized in the field, but from what you describe any vet should be able to treat this.

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and help, and to let you know the bad news. With a heavy heart I have to say that my poor little beardie passed on yesterday, before I could even take him to the vet. I was exposing him to sunlight for the UV-B rays, soaking him, and using a topical anti-infection cream, but to no avail. He did seem to perk up a little over the weekend, but I guess it was just the calm before the storm. But I take comfort in knowing that his last couple of days were spent sunning in the warm grass in the backyard....

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and help, and to let you know the bad news. With a heavy heart I have to say that my poor little beardie passed on yesterday, before I could even take him to the vet. I was exposing him to sunlight for the UV-B rays, soaking him, and using a topical anti-infection cream, but to no avail. He did seem to perk up a little over the weekend, but I guess it was just the calm before the storm. But I take comfort in knowing that his last couple of days were spent sunning in the warm grass in the backyard....

Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and help, and to let you know the bad news. With a heavy heart I have to say that my poor little beardie passed on yesterday, before I could even take him to the vet. I was exposing him to sunlight for the UV-B rays, soaking him, and using a topical anti-infection cream, but to no avail. He did seem to perk up a little over the weekend, but I guess it was just the calm before the storm. But I take comfort in knowing that his last couple of days were spent sunning in the warm grass in the backyard....