Why is my Chinese water dragon gasping with a swollen vent?

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

Hello, sorry to hear about Grey. He will need to have that reduced before it becomes infected and the tissue becomes compromised. Some of the darker spots may already be compromised. Have Grey seen by a veterinarian immediately to have this treated and reduced. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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.

It is highly suspicious for an abscess or mouth rot. Ideally, she should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian for confirmation. Treatment may include draining or debridement. Antibiotics will almost certainly be required. In the meantime, increase tank temps by 5-10 degrees F to aid in healing. Make sure she continues to eat and soak her in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent mild dehydration until she sees the doctor.

Thanks for reaching out about Princess and including photos. These swellings appear to be infected scent glands. Try some warm water soaks to soften, remove substrate such as bark or dirt. Provide a soft clean towel as a substrate, to prevent further contamination. A veterinary visit is highly recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan, as this will most likely need systemic antibiotics to treat. Check and correct husbandry as sub-standard environmental temperatures can possible play a part of this disease process. Good luck.

Chong needs to be seen by an experienced herp veterinarian as soon as possible. By your description, he may have a respiratory infection. The clicking and gasping may indicate advanced infection which can be stressful causing the posturing. It may also be neurological in nature. For this reason, an exam is strongly recommended.

The swollen leg may be due to injury, infection or nutritional deficiency. Ideally, Rainn should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. This may require x-rays and lab work. Review his diet and environment with your veterinarian. The basics required include a 10 gallon tank (at minimum), UVB lighting, a heat lamp focused on a basking spot, 2 hides (one on the coolside, one on the warm side and a shallow water bowl. The heat lamp should provide a temperature gradient across the enclosure. Substrate can be reptile carpet, slate, paper towels or wood chips. A balanced diet of appropriately sized prey (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, Phoenix worms, etc) and fresh greens and vegetables should be offered daily. Vitamin supplements and calcium supplementation should also be provided. You can review dragon care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html