What are the signs of an aging bearded dragon? How can I help?

It is recommended to take your Beardie to the vet once a year for an examination and fecal test. Beardies don't require any vaccines. If indicated the vet may want to check a blood test too. The exam is mainly for you and vet to talk about husbandry - the diet, the housing, substrate, supplements, lighting, etc - and to make any changes based on the exam. The exam is important because a vet is trained to pick up subtle changes that may indicate an illness is imminent. That way treatment can be started before the illness gets out of hand. The fecal test is to check for any internal parasites and to treat them as needed. The blood test would be to make sure all the internal organs are working correctly. It is a good idea to be established with a good reptile vet anyway in case you have an emergency. I hope this helps. Best wishes!

There are a number of disease processes that can result in the clinical signs that you have described. These include fluid in the belly, masses in the belly, enlarged organs, constipation/impaction, infectious diseases (bacteria, parasites, etc.), stress (they will puff up with air to look bigger), and others. The decrease in activity is, unfortunately, not specific for any problem, but may further indicate that LJ is not feeling well. I would recommend having LJ evaluated by a veterinarian. They will be able to perform an examination and see if anything abnormal is felt in the belly. Depending on what they find, they may recommend diagnostic testing such as radiographs (x-rays) to look at the contents of the belly, or blood work to evaluate systemic health. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that LJ feels better soon!

With that black beard, he does seem stressed. Check temps in the cage. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. Survey the area in and around the enclosure for any negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, strong vibrations, cold drafts or high traffic. reduce or eliminate any if found. You can review dragon care at the links below. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Bearded-Dragon/

Thanks for reaching out about Logi. Poor growth can be related to improper environment (low heat), poor nutrition (lack of protein, minerals, vitamins) and metabolic conditions. Check the husbandry conditions first, environmental temperatures at 80-90 degrees, exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The diet should consist of live, well fed insects that are gut loaded. Offering chopped vegetables is also important. If these are all correct, a visit to a reptile veterinarian is recommended, at least to perform a fecal examination to rule in/rule out intestinal parasites. Additional diagnostics might be needed if this proves non-diagnostic. Good luck.

Thanks for your question about Tarzan. The lack of activity that you are describing may be normal for Tarzan, but when you then combine it with her not shedding and not going to the bathroom very often I begin to suspect that there is something else going on. I would recommend feeding Tarzan a small salad of dark leafy greens on a daily basis, with calcium supplementation 2-3 times per week based on her age. I would also recommend protein 2 times per week based on her age as well. You eluded to having recommended temperatures in the cage, but I didn't see how you were monitoring the temperatures or if there was UVB light provided. I would recommend monitoring using a digital thermometer and changing the UVB light every 4-6 months. I am glad that she seemed to be doing okay at her vet visit in the fall. I didn't see if blood work was performed, but that is something that I recommend for every reptile at regular intervals for wellness examinations, as reptiles are very good at hiding their illnesses from their owners. I would also consider performing radiographs (x-rays) if these haven't been performed previously, as well as a fecal examination. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Tarzan feels better soon.

Mealworms can be a problem for some beardies, especially juveniles, due the chitinous body. If you can, switch her over to appropriately sized crickets or dubia roaches. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering and dust with multivitamin and calcium powders to maximize nutritional value. Maintain adequate temperatures as well. Low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in reptiles. A temp gradient ranging from about 76 F (cool side) to 86 F (warm side) with a basking spot of 90 F to 100 F is recommended. To stimulate defecation, soak Lizzie in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Gently massage her abdomen from front to back during the soak. The soak will also hydrate her and aid in shedding.

Thanks for reaching out about Lizzie. Brumation is triggered by a drop in temperature in the environment and shortening day length. If you have a heating element on your system, the temperature should not be dropping. Being quiet and secretive for two days is concerning, as they usually remain active up to the time they lay, not for several days prior. If she is egg bound, a veterinary visit is recommended. Calcium injections and a drug to induce egg laying (oxytocin) can be given to stimulate egg production. She could be sick for other reasons with kidney disease being common in aging bearded dragons. If she is still eating, you have a little time. If not, she needs to visit a veterinarian. Good luck.