My bearded dragon has a prolapse. Does he need to see a vet now?

A prolapse in a bearded dragon should be considered an emergency. Max needs to be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet. Severe prolapses may require surgical correction. The underlying cause (impaction, parasites, etc.) must also be diagnosed and treated to prevent recurrence. In the meantime, keep him on moist, clean paper towels. Make a paste with table sugar and water. apply it to the vent for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with sterile saline and apply a sterile lubricant until you can get Max to your vet.

Thanks for reaching out about Gypsy. This probably required the attention of a veterinarian, the sooner the better. Prolapses from the cloaca are often intestinal or reproductive (hemipenes in males). Either prolapse needs to be kept moist until a veterinary visit can be made, in an attempt to keep the tissue viable. Straining to defecate is usually the reason for either, but intestinal infections, parasites, foreign bodies are a few of the more common causes. Good luck.

Hello, its difficult to see from the picture which part is hanging out. It seems though, that the cloaca is prolapsed and needs to be replaced. This procedure typically requires sedation, lubricant and gentle digital reduction of the cloaca. In the interim, keep the tissue clean and moistened and have Pepper evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Did you use a vet that is used to treating reptiles? If not, you need to. Regular vets that only treat dogs and cats do no know the ins/outs of treating these guys. This looks to me like Raiphy has the start of a vent prolapse. He needs treatment by a vet. This is not something you can fix at home. I found this vet only 30 minutes drive from you. He even does house calls. ( http://www.scottmedlin.com/services ) Please contact this vet. I doubt a $500 scan is needed to help Raiphy.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Jax. A veterinary visit is highly recommended as soon as possible to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Concerns are that more firm stool is present, fluids might be needed, pain medications and antibiotics required. There has to be a cause for the constipation and without a treatment, could likely re-occur. Continue to provide warm water soaks, so stimulate defecation and hydration, but try to schedule a veterinary visit today. Good luck.

It does look like it could be improper shed in that area. I really think it is best to get him to a reptile vet for an exam. After they look at him in person they can probably give you better advice.