Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 15 month old Bearded Dragon that has been in good health until recently. He has been lying around his rock a lot for the last two days and on checking him tonight it appears he cannot move his tail or back legs. (*much*) He very faintly moved his legs. He is shedding right now so I don't think it is related and I cannot see any visable sign of injury. I'm afraid he may have injured his spine in some freak way or may have bruised something and may yet recover?

I will likely take him to a vet in another day or two but am a bit afraid to move or touch him much...any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.

There are a few things that can cause payalysis that I know of. Impaction can cause paralysis. When did he last poo?

The paralysis could also be related to MBD. Do you have a UVB producing bulb and do you supplement his diet with calcium powder that is low in phosphorus? What do you feed him?

You should read this article at Melissa Kaplan's website:

http://www.anapsid.org/iguana/paralysis.html

I found it very useful. If your beardie is really paralyzed and not just being a lazy lounge lizard - you need to get him to the vet immediately.

Veronica
Beautiful Dragons

Thankyou very much for your quick response.

1. He pooped probably a day or so before this appeared...although I'm sorta guessing as I don't know *exactly* when the issue appeared. I really don't know how quickly impaction could cause this etc. but it would have to be a pretty rapid effect (like 1-3 days from impaction to problem)

2. We feed him lettuce, meal worms and crickets and do dust with calcium powder and have a UVB bulb.

I'm really perplexed and a bit upset as he has otherwise been doing great and is the first reptile we've kept (My 6-year olds 5th birthday present).

Oh, one last thing...he can pull himself around a little bit and tends to stay right at the hottest spot in the cage.

try soaking him in warm water for 20-30min at a time 3 times a day. keep the water warm (not hot) and dont make it to high. make sure he can keep his feet on the ground without floating so he doesnt puff up. Gently massage his belly pushing in the direction from head towards the tail. be gentile!

good luck
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Bennett
www.beardiedragon.com

Thanks for your input. I had hopes of buying a mate for the beardie at the Overland park reptile show Aug. 10 but REALLY hope I won't being buying two.

Ok, I did this today at lunch and will repeat tonight. He had more movement in his tail and legs today than last night but still not much.

If he has not improved by tomorrow evening...I will take him to a vet. (Anybody have suggestions for the Kansas City area?

I am still just stunned as he has been EXTREMELY healthy and active throughout and I've been dilligent as it's my first attempt at keeping a reptile and didn't want to screw up.
I'll keep you posted, thanks again for all aid.