How often should my bearded dragon see a vet and what's checked?

As with most pets, you will see a gradual decrease in activity as they get older. This may be accompanied by weight gain or loss. Unfortunately, there is nothing to be done to stop the passage of time. What you can do is provide the proper environment and diet for Lizzie to keep her in top health. A yearly exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet would also be recommended. It is always easier to prevent disease or illness than it is to treat it. Below are links for information regarding care and keeping of beardies and a link to find a vet if necessary. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661

It would be best for Manolo to be seen by a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles. You can find one close to you at the link below. http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 In the meantime, confirm proper environmental parameters. A daily soak in a warm water bath may aid in shedding. You can read about bearded dragon care here: http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

The first thing I would do is take Eragon to a vet and has his feces examined. It can be common for young reptiles to have parasites and he might need to be dewormed. If he does not have parasites the vet can discuss proper husbandry with you. Make sure to dust the crickets with calcium and gut load them before feeding.

Confirm proper temperature and humidity. Incorrect environmental parameters may lead to respiratory infections. Provide adequate UVB lighting or unfiltered sunlight also. UVB light is critical to vitamin D metabolism and general health. Dragons cannot vomit and coughing may indicate an upper respiratory infection. This can be serious if not treated appropriately and promptly. Legally, we are prohibited from providing doses for medications in the absence of a physical exam and VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). Your veterinarian should be able to consult with a reptile specialist via phone or online and can then dispense or administer medication if indicated. You can review dragon care at the link below. www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

Hi Katie. Any abnormalities you are seeing with Zillo should be checked out by your vet. I don't see anything outwardly abnormal based on those photos. Most health issues that we see in reptiles is due to improper husbandry (diet, lighting, housing, etc) so I suggest you check and make sure you are doing everything 100% correct. Here is a good reference for you to read about Beaded Dragon husbandry. I also suggest you get him an exam with a reputable reptile vet - he could have intestinal parasites causing that are causing his problems. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Lizards/Bearded-Dragon/ ) If you don't already have a vet that you use, I found this one in your area that will treat reptiles. ( http://applevalleyanimalhospital.com/wellness/avian-exotic/ ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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.

By your description, Draco may have an eye injury or infection. This would need to be confirmed by your veterinarian after an exam. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. Confirm proper temps, since low temps can affect digestion in reptiles.