I think my dragon is hurt. Please help.

[Salt4Sam]

Hey all, gonna just get to the point here. I came home from work today, and one of the suction cups from my repti-hammock unstuck from the side of the cage. I think my boy frank was on it when it fell, he's limping pretty hard and it hurts me to watch him. The hammock was only about 7-8 inches up. Can he be fixed? What if his arm is broken? How will he chase his food? What do I do? Please help me out!! I don't want frank to suffer!

 

[Dog Shrink]

If his arm was broken it wouldn't be weight bearing. He likely bruised it pretty badly if he's limping, maybe a strain or a slight sprain. Warm soaks to soothe/relax the muscles cold packs to reduce swelling for the next few days at least 3 times a day for 15 minutes each. I would do a hot soak then a cold pak then a hot soak. Also if you have a smaller enclosure you can keep him in the next few days with just the basics, nothing he can jump off trip over or otherwise fumble on would be better. Limited movement is also recommended with leg injuries.

 

[Salt4Sam]

I cannot tell you how much you just made my night. I've been refreshing my screen every couple of minutes to see if anyone would write back. Thanks for the advice, I'm drawing a bath right now. If anybody else has anything please let me know. Thanks again!!!

 

[Dog Shrink]

You're welcome. I know that is the standard protocol for just about every animal with that type of injury. Idk how well your dragon is gonna feel about cold packs but if it helps reduce the swelling then it will help reduce the pain if you can get him to tolerate it. Maybe just 10 minutes for a herp tho. Don't want to get him too cold.

 

[Salt4Sam]

Just got done with his warm bath and a short session with a homemade ice pack and another short soak. He seems to be feeling better, though it is late for him, so he pretty much went and curled up under his log in his usual sleeping spot. But he was swimming around no problem in the bath and when I went to scoop him up, he climbed right up my arm. Thanks again for the information, I really do appreciate it. I couldn't live with myself if he was seriously hurt.

 

[Salt4Sam]

Ok, I woke up this morning, and he seems to get around, but when he is still, his limbs are really twitchy. He ate a few crickets that walked in front of him, but he didn't chase any if them. I also hand fed him a super worm that he gobbled up. Anybody know what's up with the twitching?

 

[JordanAng420]

The twitching could be an indication of a calcium deficiency. The leg COULD potentially be broken, if that's the case. There could be nerve damage as well. The best way to rule out a fracture is with an xray.

If you were anywhere close to me, i'd Xray him right now for you. If you can find a vet to do at least one xray, that would be ideal. Xrays would also indicate if there is any type of metabolic bone disease....the density of the bones indicate that.

 

[monkeytechahoo]

I agree with the xray with the what you're describing. Even a hairline fracture can be painful. I've a 3legged cat that ran around with a broken leg for a few minutes when we tried to catch him. Another cat took a cast off 3 times runnin around on a broken leg..that was expensive let me tell ya. *lol* I also work with monkeys and they will act like nothing is wrong moving around with a broken limb as well. It's that "predator is looking...I'm just fine..nothing to see here" that animals do sometimes.

It's a tough call sometimes, but you know your dragon's behavior, so if he doesn't move around better for you, get an xray to rule out bone problem.

 

[T-ReXx]

I agree with taking him to the vet. Toe twitching is often associated with MBD in bearded dragons, and is an early sign as calcium is an important part of the neurological processes. It could also indicate nerve damage, as Maia said. I would take him to a qualified herp vet, and get at least an xray, and possibly a blood test to check calcium levels if the Xray doesn't show any obvious breaks or density issues.

 

[acpart]

There is a reptile vet somewhere near Aston Township outside of Philly, or take him to the vet school.

Aliza

 

[JordanAng420]

Ooooh yeah. Take him to U. Penn if you can! That is a fantastic veterinary school.

 

[monkeytechahoo]

How's the dragon today? Any update?

 

[Salt4Sam]

He is doing verY well. I think it may have just been sore from when he fell. He was chasing crickets all around the tank today. He still has a slight limp, but nowhere near as bad as before. He's been eating like a champ, and is very attentive. Thanks for the advice everyone.