Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I just picked this little guy up at the pet store, it didn't look like it was in the best health, pretty skinny. Anyways as soon as i got home, it ate 5 crickets right away. I didn't give it anymore cause i didn't wanna over feed it. I'd like to get some opinions on its condition from the photo. Also i did some basic research on these guys on care. I know the day time temp should be between 80 and 85 and at night low 70s and high 60s. Humidity at 70% or so, water dish for soaking... anything i'm forgeting?

heres a follow up picture, from the side.

Get a fecal sample to a vet ASAP! Have it checked for parasites, and it most likely will have them. The vet will be able to give you some medication to treat for parasites though.

I would go out and get some Nightcrawlers, my MHD LOVES them. When I got her home from the petstore, they had been feeding her crix only, and she was really skinny. I fed her a few nightcrawlers and she perked up really quick. The only problem is, she really won't go for anything else other than the worms now.

Keeping the humidity level between 60-70% is very important too. Otherwise, if you read through a lot of my questions on this forum you will answer a lot of your questions(I am a new MHD owner as well, for about 1 month).

Or visit FroggieB's website: HEREhttp://www.froggieb.com/MHDCaresheet.html

Do get a fecal done ASAP. Also, your dragon does look quite thin, more than I would like to see. I would give a good dose of electrolytes to help rehydrate and do offer some nightcrawlers. If you read through some of the past posts you will find several posts about electrolytes.

You need to feed her whatever she will eat. She will need a lot of nutrition to build enough strength to get healthy again.

You may have noticed that I am referring to your MHD as HER. That is because I am betting you have a female from the build and the lack of the tail bulge. In an emaciated animal the bulge is even more noticeable so the lack of one is good indication you have a girl.

With this being a female there is always the possibility of her being gravid. If this is the case it is even that much more vital that you get her into good condition quickly as laying eggs in her present condition could be deadly for her. If she isn't gravid then she will just be that much better off, as she needs to be treated quickly just to stay alive.

Good luck with your new dragon. Keep us posted and if you have more questions be sure to post them here. As you have just found out, they will be answered!
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Marcia - FroggieB Dragons
www.froggieb.com/MHDHome.html

We care

if yuou can get a litle Syringe it will be easiest, but a childrens medication syringe will work too, or even an eyedropper
Just be careful of sharp edges
They can hold about 3cc in their stomach without regurgitating any
maybe 5 or 6 if they have not eaten for a day or more

Since SHE is eating (anything) I would only give her 3cc, maybe twice a day. I have found that if I GENTLY rub her lips along the side of her mouth, I can get an edge of the syringe between her lips, then I will put a tiny drop in,
at this point My erowen usually opens her mouth, and tries to CHEW on the tip of the syringe, and I can slowly drop the rest of the one cc in. Then i do it again, then again.

if she is at all down on the ground, I would just drop one on the ground in front of her, then she can see it wriggle, and she can pounce on it. You will be surprized by how she goes after them

Good Luck

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Elizabeth (ecb)

Make this world a better and more beautiful place that You have been in it
*Edward W Bok*

Heres a picture of my Morgana, after about 2 weeks of treatment and LOTS of care, and time.

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Elizabeth (ecb)

Make this world a better and more beautiful place that You have been in it
*Edward W Bok*

Fecal to a vet, even if they cannot fit you in for an appointment, get the fecal checked (most places will do it, if they are any good)

Nightcrawlers, as big as possible, if all you can get is small, it is better than nothing

Make sure the water is moving, either with a dripper, or with a waterfall

Here is a pic of my dragon after she dropped some eggs, you can see her legs are more plump than your guy, but with good care, it will come through

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Elizabeth (ecb)

Make this world a better and more beautiful place that You have been in it
*Edward W Bok*

Here's one thing that's a little more basic than everything that's been said, but it's important.

They need a tall cage with a good amount of vertical branches to climb on. It's good to also have a branch or two at an angle, but my Igor always seems the most relaxed when she's on a completely vertical branch. They are climbers. Also, live plants are best.
-s

Thanks Skippy
I was so worried about the health, I forgot to mention the comfort advice
and I know that that is at least as important

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Elizabeth (ecb)

Make this world a better and more beautiful place that You have been in it
*Edward W Bok*

Good job, you should have a happy dragon!
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Marcia - FroggieB Dragons
www.froggieb.com/MHDHome.html

That is the old pic, from when the plants were all in pots in the tank
now that they are all planted they look a lot more sparce
I add more, but, not all of them survive, and they do not grow any taller because the top of the tank, is right there
I need to get a top extension thing
like Joe made
Wish I was good at that kinda thing
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Elizabeth (ecb)

Make this world a better and more beautiful place that You have been in it
*Edward W Bok*