My bearded dragon's pores are red and puffy. Can I wait for vet?

Unless there is infection, antibiotics should not be used. If Fireball needs medication, have your herp veterinarian examine him and dispense meds if indicated. Routine soaking and having a rough branch or two to rub on is typically enough to keep the femoral pores from becoming impacted.

Hemipenal plugs are common findings in male lizards (and some snakes). Often it is associated with husbandry concerns. Check the thermometer to assure Russell is housed in his POTZ (Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone) of 95-105 in the warm area during the day. Don't let the environmental temperature drop too low during the night. Continue to provide warm water soaks 2-3 times daily, for 5-10 minutes. Don't let the bath water get too cold. The femoral pores and hemipenal glands product an oil-like product than when becomes cold, turns to more of a wax, thereby clogging up the pores and hemipenes. There is a little concern about the color being brown and white. That is usually not a reflection of pore excretions but of feces and urates, possibly indicating constipation or an intestinal blockage. At this age, the diet should consist mostly of vegetables and minimal insects. Eating too much insects at one sitting or ingesting foreign bodies (substrate, etc.) can lead to constipation also. If Russell continues to strain and the warm water soaks don't rectify the problem, seek a veterinarian to assist. Good luck.

Give him some time to settle down. If the heavy breathing persists or if you hear wheezing, popping or see discharge from his nose or mouth then have him examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. If possible, contact your friend and ask if Draco has ever exhibited this behavior in the past. He could be stressed to begin with at the absence of his owner.

Thanks for reaching out about Lucas and including photos. A lesion is not noted on the pictures but try providing a warm water soak for 5-10 minutes to possibly dislodge any ocular foreign bodies. If the problem persists, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess for possible corneal trauma, ocular foreign body, indications of infections and others. Good luck.

He should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian. The symptoms described may indicate a respiratory infection. The vet can confirm or rule out this possibility then dispense antibiotics if necessary. In the meantime, increase ambient temperature by about 5-10 degrees F to aid in recovery. Make sure he stays hydrated and continues to eat normally.

Your suspicions are likely correct for Red - the mass could be related to stomatitis, or mouth rot. This disease often has a husbandry related component, so I would recommend taking a close look at Red's enclosure and its components to ensure that all parameters are perfect. Often temperatures and/or lighting are the culprit - please ensure your UVB bulb has been changed within the last 4-6 months and that it is appropriate for bearded dragons (i.e. it is for desert species). Please also ensure that it is appropriate for the height of Red's enclosure - if it is too close or too far away, Red may experience problems related to it. Temperatures should be measured using digital thermometers located at Red's level, and not elevated in the enclosure. You can find parameters online using a bearded dragon care sheet, such as one found on Reptiles Magazine. Please ensure that Red continues to have an appetite, and that his diet is appropriate. The majority should be made up of a salad of dark leafy greens, with protein supplemented two to three times per week and fruit once per week. Diet can also be involved in cases of stomatitis. It would also be advisable to weigh him every other day to ensure he is not losing weight. This can be done using a digital gram scale (found in the kitchen section of most department stores). If you appreciate a decrease in appetite or weight, I would recommend having Red visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. Until your veterinary visit, I would evaluate the husbandry as outlined above, and make adjustments as needed, and monitor him as outlined above. Your veterinarian will closely evaluate Red and his mouth, and may take a sample of the mass to confirm that it is an infection and not another process. They will also ensure that the jaw is stable, and they may recommend radiographs (x-rays). Treatments may include antibiotics and pain medications, depending on the findings. Please do not give Red any human medications, as they can be harmful for our scaled friends. I hope this gives you a place to start, and good luck!

Confirm correct cage temps and humidity levels. Ideally, a thermometer and hygrometer should be placed at each end of the encosure. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or discharge from the eyes or nose. These can all indicate respiratory infection. Have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose infection or injury. More information regarding environmental parameters can be found here: http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html