I gave my bearded dragon a toad?

Question

I have a 5year old Bearded Dragon. I took him from my brother a few days ago because he never played with him or turned the lights on for him. My mom found a toad outside that was really dark, sort of blackish, and I fed it to my lizard. He has been acting strange lately. He never opens his eyes, never eats, and when I hold him he just goes limp and looks like he's dead. I notice that his throat moves and it looks like he's swallowing. Every now and then (like every hour) he will move an inch forward. But he still doesn't open his eyes. My dad told me that toads are poisonous and I'm afraid he will die soon. Could someone please explain to me what is going on?

And my grandmother suggested that he may have eaten too much and is trying to digest it.

Oh yes, and he never uses his back legs. Can someone tell me why?

Thanks so much,

Emma

Answer 1

not only could it be sick from the toad, but if it's not moving it's back legs, it may have some sort of impaction. You may want to research dragon care before you take it from your brother. You need to take it to a vet immediately b/c it does not sound as if you may have the knowledge to nurse it. Go to www.beardeddragon.org and do extensive reasearch. Never take a animal into your care unless you know the full extent of their care.  

Answer 2

if he die and when you get a nother one dont give hin a toad but he is gone die soon.good luck taiyonna.

Answer 3

Are you serious? Many toads are toxic and can potentially kill your beardie. From the sounds of it, you fed it a toxic one. If it was a cane toad (which can be found in the U.S. and Australia), kiss your beardie goodbye because they are highly toxic and can kill larger animals like dogs. You need to find a vet ASAP if you care about your beardie. There is a very high chance it won't survive. This is why you don't feed your pets stuff you find outside.

I read the previous answers and they were all pretty good, but I don't think impaction or metabolic bone disease has anything to do with this. I strongly feel all of the symptoms are exclusively from the toad. The toxins the toad carries can cause muscle and coordination problems, just like you're describing. I have studied venomous snakes for years and when a live rat is bitten by one, often the back legs are the first thing to stop working, just like in the case of your beardie as a result of the toxins contained within the toad. Their are some similarities between snake venom and toad toxins.

Answer 4

This is so sad to read.  It sounds like you not only poisoned him with the toad, he might have MDB issues (metabolic bone disease), and not be able to walk.

He needs a reptile vet immediately.

If you don’t already know of a qualified exotics/reptile vet in your area, google: “Herpetological Society” -or-

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/  for the one closest to you.

IF he lives, and you don't decide to give him to a rehabber to treat and place out - they you need to learn about his care.

Good luck, and call the vet ASAP.

Answer 5

never ever ever ever ever ever ever feed a toad to a bearded dragons. Not only are they full of parasites (let alone a wild one!) but they are poisonous and can easily kill your pet... good luck.

All the best.  

Answer 6

your dad is right.  toads and frogs can be very poisonous.  i wouldn't have done that if i were you.  i just feed my bearded dragon meal worms and crickets and he seems to be perfectly happy. it is not good to get something from outside in the "wild", because it can carry infections and diseases.  i would take the dragon to the vet ASAP

Answer 7

omg that is the dumbest thing a reptile owner can do u never give a reptile another reptile from  outdoors ya he will most likeley die soon in  about a week post or email me something on how he is doing i am not critisizing u i am just saying if he does live its going to be from a vet TAKE HIM TO A VET ASAP he will die soon if u dont do that and  he might be better i dont know it will be about 200 dollars so plz do urself and the reptile community a favor and take it to a vet and then let me know how its doing ok good luck and i hope he is ok

Answer 8

No no no no!!!! This could kill him! Never feed him any outside animals! Take him to the vet immediately! They can carry viruses... And he wont use his back legs if he is ill!

Answer 9

sound like it may have got impacted. what substrate are u using? the toad probably poisoned it. take it to the vet ASAP. maybe a reptile specialist too. hope the best of ur beardy  

Answer 10

sounds like a combination of poor care and poor diet

look clearly neither u or your brother know how to care for this animal get it to a vet asap (a specialist herp vet would be best and take it 2day) then look into getting him into a reptile rescue or sanctuary so it can be care for correctly

if u really must keep it (which i hope u dont) check UV levels (ther bulbs in date(just cause there's visible light doesnt mean there's UV) check the UV light is close enough (it should be with in 6" of the basking spot)) check Temps humidity and get it on the correct diet. also get some book and find out how to care for it correct since u clearly havent been doing it correctly