Bearded dragons are susceptible to several diseases; understanding these diseases may help you prevent them from occurring in your pet and know when to seek veterinary attention. In addition to the diseases listed in this handout, bearded dragons are susceptible to other health problems —see the handout “Bearded Dragons – Problems” for more information.
Bearded dragon mouth rot, also known as ulcerative stomatitis, is a common issue that bearded dragon owners need to watch out for. This mouth infection is caused by bacteria and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated As a bearded dragon owner, it’s crucial to learn how to recognize, treat, and prevent mouth rot This guide will provide a complete overview of bearded dragon mouth rot so you can keep your scaly friend happy and healthy.
What Causes Bearded Dragon Mouth Rot?
Mouth rot in bearded dragons occurs when bacteria proliferate inside the mouth, often entering through small cuts or abrasions. The main culprits of mouth rot include:
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Unsanitary habitat conditions – Bacteria thrive in dirty habitats Regular cleaning and disinfecting is key
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Injuries – Small mouth cuts from sharp foods or substrates can allow bacteria inside.
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Poor diet – Nutrient deficiencies weaken the immune system.
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Improper temperatures – Incorrect temps cause stress, lowering immunity.
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High humidity – Excess moisture breeds bacteria. Proper humidity levels are a must.
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Poor hygiene – Dirty fabrics, dishes, and decor spread germs.
Recognizing the Signs of Mouth Rot
Catching mouth rot early is crucial, so knowing the signs is important:
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Loss of appetite – Mouth pain makes eating unappealing.
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Excessive drooling – Bearded dragons typically don’t drool.
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Swelling – The mouth or head may appear puffy and inflamed.
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Discolored tissue – Instead of pink, the tissue looks gray, yellow or brown.
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Pus – Yellow or white discharge is common.
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Rotting teeth – Teeth may decay or fall out.
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Bad smell – A foul odor emanates from the mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s vital to have your bearded dragon examined by an experienced reptile vet. Leaving mouth rot untreated can allow the infection to spread, causing major health issues.
Diagnosing Bearded Dragon Mouth Rot
Only a qualified reptile veterinarian can officially diagnose mouth rot in bearded dragons. After a physical exam, the vet may run tests like:
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Cytology – Microscopic analysis of mouth cells.
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Culture – Identifies bacteria or fungal strains present.
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Biopsy – Examines tissue samples for severity.
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X-rays – Checks for jawbone infections.
These tests allow vets to pinpoint the cause and decide on proper treatment. Don’t attempt to diagnose mouth rot at home.
Treating Bearded Dragon Mouth Rot
With vet-prescribed treatment, bearded dragons can fully recover from mouth rot. Treatment options include:
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Antibiotics – Prescription antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria. Strictly follow your vet’s dosing instructions.
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Antiseptic rinses – Chlorhexidine and iodine rinses applied topically help cleanse the mouth.
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Pain medication – Anti-inflammatories and opioids can relieve mouth discomfort.
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Assisted feedings – Syringe feeding ensures nutrition if appetite loss is severe.
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Surgery – Removal of dead tissue may be needed in advanced cases.
Supportive at-home care like soft foods, warm soaks, and stress reduction also helps recovery. With vet care, most dragons make a full turnaround.
Preventing Bearded Dragon Mouth Rot
Stop mouth rot before it starts with excellent preventative care:
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Spot clean the habitat daily – Scoop poop, wipe surfaces, and remove uneaten food daily.
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Disinfect weekly – Clean and disinfect the entire tank weekly.
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Replace substrates – Swap out soiled substrates for fresh every 4-8 weeks.
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Wash fabrics weekly – Clean hammocks, beds, and decor items weekly.
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Check temperatures – Use a thermometer/hygrometer to maintain optimal temperature and humidity ranges.
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Offer a balanced diet – Feed a diverse mix of leafy greens, veggies, fruits, insects, and calcium.
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Inspect the mouth – Periodically check for stuck food, odd smells, cuts, or discharge.
With attentive care and husbandry, mouth rot can be avoided.
When to See a Vet
Schedule a vet visit immediately if you notice potential signs of mouth rot. This fast-spreading infection requires rapid treatment, so prompt vet care is critical. Don’t attempt to treat mouth rot at home without an official diagnosis. With the right vet care, bearded dragons can beat this nasty mouth infection and live long, healthy lives. Stay vigilant for symptoms and act fast if they arise.
What is infectious stomatitis?
Infectious stomatitis (mouth rot) is not seen in bearded dragons as often as it is in other lizards, such as iguanas. It is a bacterial infection of the gums and/or jawbone that appears as pinpoint hemorrhages on the gums, gum swelling, or excessive thick mucus production. Oftentimes, a material resembling cottage cheese may be seen in the mouth. In advanced cases, infectious stomatitis can also cause swelling of the jaw when the infection invades the bones of the jaw.
Parasites, especially pinworms, motile protozoa (single-cell organisms), and coccidia (Isospora amphiboluri), are common in the intestinal tracts of pet bearded dragons. The pet may show no clinical signs or just mild loose stool formation. These parasites are diagnosed by a microscopic examination of the fecal material by a veterinarian. In advanced cases, parasites may cause foul-smelling feces, profuse diarrhea, and/or weight loss. Pinworms and several types of motile protozoa are common parasites that live within bearded dragons’ gastrointestinal tracts in small numbers. They are probably commensal organisms, in which the parasite benefits from living in the lizard while the lizard is neither harmed nor benefits from the parasite. Problems occur when there are excessive numbers of these intestinal parasites. Mites and ticks may be found on bearded dragons’ skin. These parasites are transmitted from other bearded dragons. They are often seen moving around, under or between scales, around the lizard’s head, and in skin folds.
What is metabolic bone disease?
Metabolic bone disease (MBD), or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, is a complex disease that is one of the more common diseases in pet bearded dragons. It is most often seen in juvenile bearded dragons (less than two years old). MBD is generally caused by feeding an improper diet that is high in phosphorus and low in calcium and/or Vitamin D3. This imbalance may be caused either by a direct nutritional deficiency of vitamin D3 or a lack of exposure to the UV-B light required for lizards to make vitamin D3 in their skin. Common signs include swelling of the lower jaw, softening of the bones of the jaw and facial bones (‘rubber jaw’), and/or swelling of the hind limbs (fibrous osteodystrophy). Legs also commonly tremor as the lizard tries to walk and many bearded dragons with MBD are so weak that they can neither walk nor push their bodies up in a normal stance, so they crouch low to the ground or lay on their abdomens instead.
Radiographs (X-rays) reveal thin bone tissue (decreased density), widening and thickening bone shafts, and possibly fractures that appear to have occurred in the absence of any trauma or for no apparent reason. Greenstick fractures (bones that appear to fold or bend rather than break apart) may also occur when bones are soft. Blood tests may show either a low calcium level or an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus blood values, usually with phosphorus being higher than calcium. A normal calcium to phosphorus blood level should be two parts calcium to one part phosphorus. As the condition progresses, muscle twitching, seizures, loss of appetite, and severe lethargy are seen. Not all cases can be resolved.
STOP Bearded Dragon MOUTH ROT Before It Happens!!Clean Lizard Mouth!
FAQ
How do you treat mouth rot in bearded dragons?
Treatment depends upon cause but may involve flushing and topical care of the mouth wound, systemic prescription antibiotics (oral or injectable) and oral care, which might include a dental cleaning and oral antiseptic for you to use at home to keep the mouth clean.
Can I treat mouth rot at home?
If a lizard or snake is still eating well after consultation with your regular veterinarian, some early cases of mouth rot can be treated at home with topical medications and by improving nutrition and husbandry.
What does rot look like on a bearded dragon?
Tail rot is a condition in which the bearded dragon’s tail begins to develop dark discoloration which progresses to tissue death (necrosis) and tail loss. The area of affected tail may appear dry or shrunken or develop an area of ulceration or indentation.