Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It's been a while since I have been able to visit with y'all, I've been busy working and taking care of my family and critters.
I've missed being here and reading your posts.

Here is what is going on.... I have a 2 1/2 year old female dragon who is housed with my two other females. The temps are good. She has been having difficulty breathing...every couple of minutes she forces out a breath when she breathes out. It has been increasing in frequency. When it happens it looks like she is puffing out her throat/beard, and then there is an audible puff as the air escapes and she opens her mouth slightly. She is still as active as she has been. I am not sure if her appetite has decreased as my kids have been feeding her lately while I'm at work. She DOES have a vet appointment this afternoon. I have brought her to work with me today to keep an eye on her, and we are going to take a couple of X-rays of her later.

Has anyone else had this problem with any of there dragons?
I would appreciate any info.
Thank you in advance for your responses.

she may have a respiretory problem

Sounds like she may have a RI. The vet will be able to confirm this, but I'd start by looking at humidity levels, are they too high? Also might want to kick the basking temp up a bit, sometimes this helps.

Sean
Heart Mountain Herps

I was thinking that it was a possible respiratory infection, but she doesn't have any mucus around her nostrils or mouth. I think she does have extra saliva, which could be an RI. Sometimes it sounds like a squeak or a hiccup.

One of my females does this also and has since we aquired her a year ago. Her age is unknown and she doesn't have the best history (refugee breeder from a dragon mill)but she has been pronounced as healthy as she can be under her circumstances by our vet. He has observed her doing it and says that in her case she might have reduced lung capacity from earlier untreated infections and just needs the occasional really deep breath, or it might just be an idiocyncracy. She too is normally active and has a good appetite.

I don't hear any wheeze or pop though, just the exhalation. The only other thing odd about Dru is that she does not drink as regularly or as eagerly as our others. I really have to work with her to make sure she stays hydrated.

Hopefully this turns out to be nothing serious!

Best,
michele
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3.2 Bearded Dragons (Rescues)
1.0 Corn snake (Rescue)
0.1 California King
4.5 Royal (Ball) Pythons (3 rescues)
1.1 Dogs (Rescues)
2.0 Cats (Rescues)
2.2 Humans
No, it's NOT a big house

one other possability is hookworms. Not common in BDs but it does happen and it is possible that the worms entered the bloodstream and went to the lungs. from there they work there way up to the mouth and then down to the digestive system. they tear up everything along the way.

I would also guess URI but get a fecal anyway.
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Bennett

Home Of The Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com