What do you think?? Beardie experts only?

Question

A few months ago, I posted a question to you all saying I'd done everything I could for my male beardie. I had spent over £500 at the vets and it was suggested I seperated him from the female, which I did.

However, he is still very lethargic and not eating himself, so I have to feed him every day using a syringe.

I personally feel he does not have the quality of life he should have, so do you all think I should do the best thing for him and have him put "to sleep"??

This will break my heart, but What do you all think?? Honest answers only please.

Answer 1

I would continue to feed him. maybe try pedialte. something more rich to help him. ask the vets opinion before. best of luck

Answer 2

How old is Spike?  If he was highly active at a younger age then "suddenly" became lethargic, then I would suspect an internal bacterial infection, impacted gut and/or parasite load....

How is he housed? You probably know that adult beardies (especially males) need large enclosures.  I keep my male adult in a 6 foot long glass tank.  Also, make sure he has adequate UV lighting.  UVA stimulates appetite and UVB is crucial for proper calcium absorption.  He needs a basking temp of 95F - 110F (35C - 43C) and the opposite end of his enclosure should be 70F - 80F (21C - 27C).

If I were in your situation, I would immediately replace my basking lamp with a very good quality UVB/UVA/Heat lamp.  I really like Zoo Med's Powersun series.  They're self ballasted mercury vapor UVB lamps that provide UVB, UVA and heat.  There are other brands available, I just prefer Zoo Med's....

What are you feeding?  Adults should be eating more salads/veggie than protein/live food....  

I would also suggest purchasing an electrolyte formula.  T-Rex makes an electrolyte solution called Hydro-Life.  Fortunately, I've only had to use it once but it worked wonders!!  If you can't find it locally it can be ordered here:  http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php...

If all else fails, I'd make sure to get a couple of opinions.  Are you taking your p.vitticep to a specialist?  I'm lucky to be in an area with vets that specialise in herps.  Make sure your vet has herp specific training.... if not, he/she can only guess and take your money.

Good Luck!!

.....I wouldn't put my guy down.....but that's just me.

Answer 3

The vet doesn't know what he/she is talking about, I believe. That creature is clearly suffering illness or internal injury.

Try asking people at this site. http://www.beardeddragon.org/bjive/index...

Answer 4

im sorry but its the best thing for your beardie just make sure you say your sorry and you love hi and goodbye make sure you do that! it will mean everything to him