My bearded dragon has a swollen, red toe. Is it MBD? What to do?

Continue to medicate Lenny as directed by your veterinarian. You can clean the affected area daily using diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Consider a recheck if the toe is swollen after the course of antibiotics is finished.

It could be a fracture complicated by MBD but an exam and xrays is what Reptar needs to get a definitive diagnosis. It shouldn't cost "thousands". With proper care and some environmental and diet changes, he can recover from MBD. Left untreated, he may suffer permanent damage or even loss of the limb. An experienced herp vet will have the knowledge and experience to give Reptar the best chance at a full recovery. Follow the links to search for a local herp vet. http://www.herpvetconnection.com/calif.shtml http://www.anapsid.org/vets/findingvet.html

If she will allow, remove it. Use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently clean the area daily. A dab of triple antibiotic ointment may be applied. Monitor fornredness, swelling, discharge, bleeding, lethargy or loss of appetite. Remove any loose substrate until the toe heals. If she won't allow you to remove it, you will need to have her seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles for treatment.

MBD can be treated, but Dobbie may never be "normal". Ideally, he should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If he has MBD, he likely has other issues related to poor husbandry and nutrition. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites. He may need antibiotics to help with the wound on his face. There maybe nothing to be done with the tail other than partial amputation if it is causing discomfort. Your vet can determine this after an exam. With the proper care and support, he can lead a close to normal life. You can review water dragon care at the link below. Kudos to you for rescuing the little guy! http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/dragoncr.htm

MBD is possible but infections could be possible as well (causing arthritis). A check up would be ideal as the two differentials need to discriminated by a physical examination first before giving appropriate treatment. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

If it is Yellow Skin Disease, you may have caught it early. Your veterinarian should be able to confirm or rule it out after an exam. Treatment typically includes oral and topical medications. If you have other dragons or hero's, keep Lenny away from them and wash your hands thoroughly between handling. The toe tip may have been strangulated by a bit of retained skin from a recent shed. This is common and, if kept clean, typically heals on its own. Since you're going to see your veterinarian, have the toe examined as well.

A big concern regarding the swelling and lameness would be metabolic bone disease (MBD). Ideally, Beans should be examined by your herp veterinarian to diagnose injury or illness. In the meantime, review the diet, vitamin/mineral supplementation and UVB lighting. Confirm the bulb is not obstructed by glass or plexiglass and replace if older than 6 months old. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize3 nutritional value. Use quality supplements such as Rep-Cal HerptiVite and Calcium w/Vit D3.