Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

My name is Andy and I'm new around here. I've vistied a couple times, and enjoy reading/learning about other WD and their owners. I have a small WD named Puff, I've had him for about 3 months now. Lately he's got me kinda worried, he hasn't been active and doesn't open his eyes much anymore. I took him to the vet when this started and they gave me eye drops. I've done that and was getting better but now both eyes seem to be effected. Here are some pics I took, if any body can help me out or give suggestions. if it's easier to help via email, you can email me at Abentley@airadigm.com Thanks for any suggestions you can give me ...

Can someone give me info on symptoms of early MBD? don't know if that may be the problem or not.

Worried,
Andy

another pic closer ...

and one more final ...

Andy,

1st and foremost you should take your dragon to a good vet.
He looks really sick ,skinny and dehydrated. If you had him for 3 months , then even within that time he should be looking stronger. I really hope you do the right thing cuz he looks like hes ready to go.

Please give him some water, calcium and heat

He has all of that - I'm not neglecting him, I'm as worried as you. I did take to vet, they said he was small but was good. What more can I do, there are no "good" reptile vets that I can find by me.

uv lighting and humidity should also be mentioned.

During the day I am using a 100w Zoo Med bulb and temps are around 92F, I have a 18" UVB tube over half of the cage also. Humidity is at 70-85 throughout the day. (he is misted 2x day)
He has a large water bowl that he can fit all the way in. ( he hasn't used it lately. I have given him several baths and allowed him to soak and swim. I don't have that much previous experience to call upon, hence me asking for help. Just need things I can do or give to help him get better. Thanks

How is he eating? and what supplements ? Your setup sounds fine.
Does he still climb ?

He hasn't been eating lately. I dust his gutloaded crickets 3-4 times a week with I think it's call Repetive. (something like that the price tag was right over name)
He is not climbing or really active anymore. He sits in the same spot almost all day. When he does he just walks a little (eyes closed as in pic) and than what appears to be going to sleep or rest again. Just yesterday I noticed him gaping a little, could he have a RI?

He might , but your basking temps are pretty good.
what did your vet say? I would get a second opinion from another vet. i hope all goes well!

Thanks for all your help eternal!

I am trying to get in contact with my local herp club - maybe they can tell me more or refer me to a good vet. Just hope it's soon enough for my Puff ...

He reminds me of my girl that was real skinny and showing wrinkles like puff. She ran away for 9 days and reapeared out of nowhere. shes still has an attitude ,skinny and will not eat much but i try like you to provide as much as possible.
It's been 3 months and she's still hangin . I know sometimes you as much as you can and hope for the best.
Good luck, and... puff does know you are.

To answer your original question regarding MBD. Our dragons suffered from this and one of the early signs was a blueish hue that they took on. Your dragon does not look like ours did. I am no expert and I cannot say whether your guy has it but he does not look like ours did.

Are you sure that there are no herp vets anywhere near your place? If you live in a city with a zoo, chances are the herp vet for the zoo has a private practice. Our vet is the Atlanta Zoo's reptile vet. You could try calling the zoo if you live in a place that has one.

Either way, I would do some research and then go back to your vet. I know that you can have blood and stool tested for parasites and whatnot. Maybe if you did the legwork for the vet?

Good luck!!!

sounds like and RI to me. I rescued a water dragon from a pet store a few years back and she had all the symptoms that puff does. like yourself i didn't have a good vet and the first time i was in there they sent me home with no help and a hefty bill. if you can't find a decent vet i would go back and suggest the vet to look for a respitory infection. if it is in the lungs it easily travels to the eyes and nose.

good luck lissa

I bet that's what he has...

Thank you so much! I will be doing some research and than going to the vet.

Very appreciative for everybody's help!