Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My lovely bearded dragon suddenly has no interest in food, and anything I try to give him he just spits out. He seems to be alert, a less than usual though, but yesterday I noticed he is suddenly gaping a lot and is making some twisting neck movements. There was nothing unusual in his mouth that I
could see, though. I've seen him make those neck movements before, but only when he's just a had a lot to eat and I've just dismissed it as a case of slight indigestion. But now it's definitely not a good sign, considering he hasn't eaten in a week!

His skin is getting a little saggy and his colour is a lot darker than normal, his eyes are also slighty puffy at times and he hasn't been going to bed, just sitting on his coral rocks all night instead of curling up. Although... he is in the middle of shedding his skin, on his head and stomach, and as I live in Brisbane, I don't have any heat regulators in his tank and it is a little cooler now with the approaching winter season. So,
it may be a slight onset of hibernation, but he never really hibernates. He has NEVER stopped eating all together before. He seems to be drinking more than usual. The last thing he ate by himself was several cat biscuits soaked in water 8 days ago, and the last thing I was able to get him to eat for me was a single dandelion, which was 7 days ago now. I think his poo is a little more runny than usual, and I haven't seen one in his tank for several days... I don't think he could have eaten anything unusual or something he shouldn't have. My gorgeous lizard came to me in 1992 when he was caught by a cat, very injured, and I've been looking after him since. So, he's at least 12 years old. Any suggestions you could offer would be greatly
appreciated!! I'd hate to see my little baby fade away, it's breaking my heart...

take him to the vet. also, 12 years old is REALLY old for a beardie, about as old as they get, so he may be getting near the end of his life. dont be so sad if he dies tho, he'll just be in heaven.

I would take him, or at least a fecal sample to the vet. 12 is old for a beardie, but I think you want to make him as comfortable as possible right now. Good luck, let us know how it goes. I am sorry to hear this news, but he will be in heaven should he pass. I am sorry.

Yes, twelve is a very good age for a beardie, especially one who suffered injury early in his life. You must have done a top notch job taking care of him, lucky little fella. Do take him to the vet in case there might be something they can do to help. If it is just his time to pass, take comfort in the fact that you have given one lizard a very good and loving home, and no one else could have done any better. If only all pet beardies could be so lucky to live to twelve years of age!
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2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)
0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)

I also would take him, if he lived this long, and now needs some help, HE sure deserves it!

You have apparently done an excellent job with him, no matter how it turns out.

Best of Luck in getting him better! Let us know how he makes out!
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Eve

Hi
yep 12 years is very old for a dragon!
what is his temp now on the baskingsite???
round the 105-110?
maybe the temp is to low to digest his food properly??
good luck !!
byeeeeee