How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Gillian Mostyn — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:20:46 GMT

You didn't sound silly at all - none of us would know anything if somebody didn't take the time to teach us...!!! Let me know if you need any more help with your task.

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Rhian Jones — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:57:05 GMT

Thanks gillian, I realise how silly i may have sounded, i understand now. i'm still trying to get to grips with all the terms out there!

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Gillian Mostyn — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:21:01 GMT

Please don't take this as any more than friendly information:

[quote user="Rhian Jones"] i definitly agree with the bad husbandry being the main cause, if they knew they needed UV lights for a start the poor beardies wouln't get MBD and if they understood diet requirements then they might not suffer the hyperparathyroidism[/quote]

MBD is the same disease as hyperparathyroidism. Metabolic bone disease is the 'old' term but is better described as secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism. It is caused by a few factors, primarily is lack of the correct amount and wavelength of UV light, low calcium and/or high phosphates.

It is very frustrating that people buy these pets but don't get or follow the best advice. All I can hope is that those of us working in the field can continue to advise and hope things get better.

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Rhian Jones — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:36:19 GMT

thanks guys its interesting that you've seen impactations as quite common. i definitly agree with the bad husbandry being the main cause, if they knew they needed UV lights for a start the poor beardies wouln't get MBD and if they understood diet requirements then they might not suffer the hyperparathyroidism,

its sad that so many people are mis-informed or under-educated when they buy beardies as pets. Although there is a huge wealth of information out there now on how to care for them people don't seem to utilise it!

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Anonymous — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:28:57 GMT

I'm training and my current placement never deals with exotics and tends to refer them. I have a saturday job at an exotics centre and we see LOADS of beardies !! I think it all depends on what type of practice you work in :)

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Mark Hedberg — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:42:19 GMT

Yep, metabolic bone disease and sand impaction. Quite an impressive xray, one time...bunged up good and proper. Wish I had a copy.[quote user="Gillian Mostyn"]

We are an exotics practice (first opinion and referral) and probably see one most days. They are very popular. Bad husbandry is the main cause of problems so secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism and impaction both common. Impaction/constipation is sometimes due to substrate (beardies DO NOT live on dry sand or wood chips )but is mainly due to chronic dehydration.

[/quote]

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Gillian Mostyn — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:51:53 GMT

Re: How common are Bearded Dragons in practice?

Steph Worsley — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:30:04 GMT

To be honest in 13 years nursing I never saw a beardie in practice (and i've worked in a few) we tended to send them to local exotic specialists or vets with and "interest" in exotics.

In the past few years I have got more interested in reptiles and am friendly with a decent rep shop nearby.

I think a common disorder is MBD (Metabolic bone disorder) caused by inadequate UV/diet/supplements.

I wonder by constipation you mean impaction? usually caused by swallowing loads of substrate when catching food