Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this with their beardie.

The vet and I think he fell off his basking branch and injured his left front leg. He couldn't put any weight on it but it was not broken, we took x-rays, followed up 1 month later with the vet and he still was not using his leg.

Vet can't fiqure out what it is, now 3 months later, I noticed yesterday the leg looks larger than his good leg. So we will be going to the vet again this week.

Has anyone had this problem? What did they say it was? Is there anything you recommend doing?

Is there any way to tell if a beardie is in pain? He tries to walk and his tail is curled up when he does. I hate to think that it may be time to put the little guy down, but if he is hurting there is no choice.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I would get another opinion from another vet, one that has more experience with reptiles, try looking for another vet that specializes in reptiles. I hope everything works out ok for the little guy, I have a beardie myself. Best of luck.

Sounds like your willing to do whatever it takes, which is awesome.

The idea of a referal is always a good one, discuss this with your vet, and do what you think is best.

Signs of pain in reptiles can be vague. The number one sign is anorexia or decreased appetite. Lethargy and unwillingness to move, and increased defensive postures are all signs of pain. There are some good drugs available to help your beardie along with this.

If the leg looks to be painfull, doesn't look like it will regain use, then amputation is an option. Bearded dragons generally recover well from this surgery, and if it works, yours will learn to be a happy tripod

Ian