First   Aid   for   Bearded   Dragons

 

****THIS INFORMATION IS NOT MEANT TO REPLACE VETERINARY CARE OR ADVICE. IF IN DOUBT OF ANY ISSUES PLEASE SEE YOUR VET****

DEHYDRATION:  Signs of dehydration are wrinkled skin with loss of elasticity, sunken eyes, loss of appetite, lethargy and dry stool with hard urate. 

-- Dehydration is a symptom of an underlying problem. Investigation to discover and correct the cause is important. Here are some things you can do to help with rehydration. 

-- Pedialyte is an electrolyte solution for human infants. Generic electrolyte solution for infants is fine, 

-- Dilute Pedialyte 1:1 That is one part water to one part Pedialyte. 

-- It can be added to food and given for oral hydration in it's diluted form. 

-- It can be added full strength to bath/soak providing some electrolytes absorption through the cloaca and if the bearded dragon drinks from the bath. 

-- Give a warm water 15 minute bath/soak. 
If severely dehydrated you can provide a warm water soak twice daily. 

***** Always support the head and upper body of the sick, weakened dragon.
***** Never leave any Bearded Dragon unattended in water as it can drown quickly. 


NON FUNGAL WOUND MANAGEMENT:

-- As always, no loose substrate for multiple reasons, one being wound infection prevention. 

-- Keep the wound clean. Remove waste and disinfect area immediately. 

-- Either soak the affected part in diluted Betadine solution for 3-5 minutes or gently drip the diluted Betadine solution on the wound site and surrounding area using a Q-tip saturated in the solution.

-- Allow the solution to dry. Then apply triple antibiotic ointment to wound site to help prevent infection. The ointment will be a bit messy but will stay on the wound where the cream will wipe away.

***** Betadine is a topical broad-spectrum bactericide, it is also effective against yeasts, molds, fungi, protozoans and some viruses. For use on Bearded Dragons the Betadine MUST be diluted to appear as weak tea. Full strength is caustic to their scales. 

*****DO NOT USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. It is a toxicant and can destroy healthy tissue. 

-- Watch site for signs of infection. If any of these indicators of infection are present, a vet visit is needed immediately. 
*Swelling 
*Redness 
*Any Drainage 
*Indications of Increased Pain 


CONSTIPATION: 

-- First check basking surface temperature to assure 
recommended temps. 

*****Commonly Recommended Temperature Guidelines for Bearded Dragons
- Hatch-lings and Juveniles -- 105*F to 110*F
- Sub-Adults -- 100*F to 105*F
- Adults -- 95*F to 100*F

--Warm water soaks 2 to 4 times a day with very GENTLE abdominal massage can help pass a constipated stool. 

*****Bearded Dragons absorb water thru their cloaca {waste vent} where some is absorbed into their system for hydration but some remains in the bowel and acts as an enema resulting in many beardies defecating in their bath. 

In addition you can give baby food applesauce with a few drops of mineral or vegetable oil whipped well into it. 
Or you can try plain unspiced pumpkin, with or without the oil. You can also try baby food prunes. 



*****NO STOOL RESULTS CAN INDICATE A LIFE THREATENING IMPACTION AND NEEDS VET INTERVENTION*****