Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have 2 adult females that make hacking noises, usually at night, quite loud, sounds like a cat coughing up a hair ball. I got both of them 6 months ago, the larger one molly started right away but only 1 or 2 quick one's a week at most, i figured this was because she was old, (said to be 3 when purchased)because her beard sags down like an inch(is this an indication of age?)they smaller one 18" definitly 2 years, only started after she laid eggs 3 weeks ago but it keeps getting worse, last night it went on for 2 hours after lights out 2 min spurts every 15-30 , I have wondered if its egg binding but the small dragon laid 36 eggs.Has anyone ever seen anything like this?

sounds more like a upper respiratory infection. Is there any mucus around the mouth or nostrals? Do they make this sound at all during the day? I think parasites can cause this symtom as well but I am not sure on that. My advice, take the dragons and a poop sample from each to a qualified reptile vet.

ALso, if not they are not already, I would separate all your dragons, especially if they do need to be treated for either of the above possibilities. It is easier to care for dragons when sick, in a simple environment, especialy if they have parasites.
-----
PHLdyPayne

I have seen this before in mostly outdoor raised dragons. Is the throat and tail tip black when it is hacking? When you pick it up, does it gurgle? Are you using playsand? Sometimes, playsand has a good amount of silica in it that could cause infection/pneumonia. Take the dragon out of the cage when you clean it, so that it doesn't inhale all that dust. From what I have seen, it doesn't seem to be contageous, but I would still have them checked for viruses and parasites. You never know, there is some terrible stuff out there. Like people, as you get older you are more at risk for infection. In the meantime, if you use sand, I would take it out and use flat newspaper until the animal gets better. And take these animals to a vet that specialises in exotics. I used to use sand all the time for my dragons, and every year, I got a sinus infection. Good luck, I hope everything goes well. Josh