Bearded Dragon troubles.?

Question

So, if you couldn't tell by my other questions, my bearded dragon, Norbert, is rather "sickly"

So I have some more questions about his overall health. I wish i could just show you a picture because it would explain a lot, but sadly I don't have the technology to do that right now.

Question #1

Norbert, who is still a baby (about 7 inches long) APPEARS to be shedding, although only parts of his skin are actually coming off...some on his back and some on his chest. I thought he could just be having problems shedding because it was most likely his first time, so i put a rough rock in his cage to rub on to help get the scales off and started giving him baths. But, there seems to be roughness around his mouth, and one of his eyes is kind of swollen looking and squinty. I dont know if this is because of the supposed shedding or something wrong, but I cannot take him to the vet because my parents won't let me.

Question #2

Norbert used to eat about 7 or 8 crickets a day, but now he barely eats anything at all, maybe 2 or 3 mealworms a day, if we're lucky. Why is this?

Question #3

I have heard from multiple sources that discharge from the mouth is bad, but i dont really know what it bad about it. I'm not sure IF Norbert has discharge from the mouth, because to me it just looks like spit...

That was it for now, but all answers are appreciated. You can answers all of them, or just one of them, or whatever, but i DO need help.

And, I dont want to hear "you really need to go to the vet," because i KNOW i need to go to the vet, but that doesnt change my parents retarded opinion that it is a waste of money.

thanks =]

Answer 1

It sounds like Norbert is a mess (did you get the name from Haggrat?  lol).

The not eating could just be part of his overall illness, or it could be impaction.  I'm afraid to ask what Norbert lives on.  Hopefully it's not sand (or wood chips, or any loose substrate).  If it is - get him off it immediately.

You need to tell your parents that Norbert is a living animal that they allowed you to have, and that THEY need to be responsible for him.  He really does need to see a vet, though you don't want to read that.  I understand your frustration.

I'll post some sites below.  Load them and click up the illness/ailment sections, and see if you can find suggestions in there.  You'll better be able to recognize the symptoms with the pics in the sites, and figure out what the trouble is, and what you can do about it.

Keep up the warm soaks (2-3 a day at least).  If it's impaction, you need to try to get his bowels moving (you can very gently massage his tummy, too, but BE gentle).  The soaks will also help keep Norbert hydrated, which is very important since he's not feeling well.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help Sweetie, and I sure hope Norbert improves soon.

Answer 2

Does he have a UVB lamp? Does he have a heat lamp?

Bearded dragons NEED UVB lighting and a 100-105 degree (f)  basking area or else they will have problems all over the place. Without heat, Norbert can't digest anything, and without UVB, he will become extremely sluggish and may develop bone disease that can lead to other sicknesses such as foam from the mouth and even death.

From what it sounds like you are tight on money, so if you don't have the lights and heat, and can't afford them, I strongly suggest giving Norbert away. You can get UVB and heat lamps from almost any pet store for about $40 each.

If you do have the necessary lamps and what not, keep giving him warm baths up to his neck, feed him greens such as dandelions, (washed off) clover, rose pedals, hibiscus, etc. All of these are safe and healthy for your beardie, and I notice sometimes my bearded dragon prefers greens more than crickets. Lastly, cry and cry and beg your parents to take him to a vet. = ) Good luck.

Answer 3

  If he refuse to eat, use a med syrange for coff syrup, that is new or clean, and put liqufy dog food in it or his food and squirt into mouth. also give warm bath and rub belly. Then go to a certain reptile site for people I cant list here.  

Answer 4

DO you have a moist hiding spot where he can go? Often if they don't have a humid spot it can lead to other problems like shedding as well as eating.

Are all the temperatures at a good level? The wrong temperatures can also cause lack of appetite.  this is a good site that has lot of information about bearded dragons. http://www.beardeddragonguide.com/bearde...

The safest thing to do would be call a vet and explain what is happening with him. They can talk about what it could be and also talk to your parents about it as well. You can find vets and most phone numbers at this site http://www.herpvetconnection.com/

Good luck and I hope you can convince your parents to take him to a vet.