My Chinese water dragon has a sticky, dry mouth. Is it mouth rot?

Have Anubis examined by an experienced herp veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis. Mouth rot, or infectious stomatitis, typically requires antibiotics. Minor cases can be managed with topical cleaning, usually with diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine solutions, after the area is debrided (cleaned). Serious cases definitely require veterinary attention, antibiotics and supportive care. Increase enclosure temperatures to the upper limit of the normal range for beardies during treatment. A slurry of baby food, vitamins and minerals can be fed. This is easier for the beardie to eat and digest. Fluids can be administered via misting, soaking or subcutaneously​ administered by your vet. Clean and sanitize the enclosure, change bedding frequently and monitor humidity levels. If the infection does not resolve, a sample of tissue should be submitted for pathology, culture and sensitivity.

Look for redness, swelling, decreased appetite or excess salivation. The "crust" may be food crumbs, shed skin or substrate. A physical exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet would be needed to definitively diagnose rot. In the meantime, make sure the enclosure is clean as poor husbandry can predispose a beardie to infection. High humidity can also promote bacterial or fungal overgrowth.

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!

This looks like a rub wound like he is rubbing his face on the cage screen. From what I can tell from the photos it does not look like mouth rot. You can make a solution of dilute betadine and water (1:10 dilution - like weak iced tea color), dip a Q-tip into the solution and dab it on the wound. Do this twice daily until healed. Be sure you have all his husbandry 100% correct so that he likes his environment and he will stop doing this. Something must be off - temperature, humidity, etc. ( https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-First-Aid-Antiseptic-Topical-Solution-8-Fl-Oz/10324543 ) ( https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/caresheets/water-dragon.html ) ( http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/snout.htm ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Consider a recheck with a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles. You can find one here: http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 In the meantime, maintain proper environmental conditions. You can even increase tank temps by 5-10 degrees F to aid in recovery. Soak Falcor daily in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 15-20 minutes. This will provide hydration. You can supplement him with Fluker's Repta-Boost. Find it in the local Petco or online. Keep his eyes clean by rinsing with sterile saline and a soft cloth. He may need different antibiotics and to have the affected area cleaned and flushed. It is never recommended to allow an ill dragon to brumate. Increasing the photo-period along with the increase in temp may bring him out of brumation, but his lethargy is more likely due to illness.

Thanks for reaching out about Ozzy and including a photo. By the photo, the lesion does not appear serious. Cleaning with a cotton tipped applicator and a mouth cleaning agent like chlorhexidene solution. If the lesion progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

This may be an indication of infection (namely mouth rot) or a symptom of trauma. Mojo should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to make the diagnosis. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis. In the meantime, keep him warm, hydrated and as stress free as possible. Make sure he continues to eat regularly. Have him seen as soon as you can get an appointment.