Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I breed and rescue reptiles including Bearded dragons. I received some in last week. Two of them are exhibiting behavior I have not seen in mine. They are holding their heads really high and tend to be off balance. Sometimes they will fall back wards. They are eating fine and I have given them vitamin supplements. One of them seemed to improve slightly. When I spray water on them, one of them holds his head so high he falls back wards. When they go after crickets they can catch them, but their accuracy is not as good as the others. Any ideas?

Possibly (most likely): MBD. Make sure that there is alot of 2:0 ca/P calcium going into them. Also, little or no phosporous from other sources. UVB light is essential.

Could also be: An inner ear infection. Treating this would require upping the ambiant temps to around 90*f to simulate a fever. This will make white blood cells repair themselves more quickly;. Then, i suggest a vet visit for antibiotics.

OR: Parasites. Vet treatment is required for medications.

OR: all of the above.

I would monitor and keep the temps and calcium up....

good luck

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"raised by a cup of coffee"

1.0 ball python- Azazel
1.0 columbian boa- Brooklyn
1.0 red blood python-Hiss
1.0 peach phase thayeri-Sancho
0.1 creamsicle corn- Pandora
0.1 partial stripe ghost corn- Raven
1.0 Sunglow motley corn-Ernie
1.1 hognose- Pricilla and Odd
0.1 russian tortoise- Manja
0.1 collared lizard-O-ren
0.1.1 leos- Boji and Kodama
0.1 beardie- Indie
1.0 BTS- Griffon
0.1 Iggy- Sunny
0.0.2 Red american toadlets with 0.0.7 legs total (er, i have one w/3....)
0.0.1 gray tree frog toadlet
0.0.6 land snails
0.0.2 millipedes of unknown species from TN
0.0.1 spotted slug
5.3 bettas
0.1 pacific parrolet- Mishka
1.1 cats- Cairo and Oberon
2.3 ratties Rizzo, Bounce, Bree, Blitzkreig, and Zelda

It also could be poisoning or a virus or bacteria affecting the nervous system.
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Eryx - All the fun of a boa in a convenient pocket size!

Because of the impared strike accuracy and lack of balance that you described, I would say that it sounds like a neurological problem, however first examine the eyes and ears to check for blockages which may impar their senses. Unfortunatly, there can be many different causes for such conditions. Ultimatly the best choice would be to visit a veterinarian ASAP. I can say that most of the causes I have seen have been either from parasite migration into the central nervous system or from toxicity. Keep in mind that vitamin suppliments are great to use, but Vitamine K, A, D and E can accumulate very quickly in the animals system and that they can quickly lead to overdose. Exposure To cigarett smoke and select cleaners can also result in the same symptoms. I would reccomend seeing a veterinarian, but meanwhile I would reduce the frequency of suppliment given and be sure to avoid contact with cleaners and cigarett smoke to see if their condition improves any. If not, there is most likely and even more serious infection in the making!

Hope this helps and good luck