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.
Ear infections are a common health issue that can affect pet bearded dragons. Left untreated, these infections can cause severe discomfort, balance issues, and even permanent damage. As a responsible bearded dragon owner, it is important to understand the signs, causes, and treatments for ear infections in order to properly care for your reptilian friend.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Bearded dragons with ear infections often exhibit both physical and behavioral changes Some of the most common symptoms include
- Discharge coming from the ear
- Swelling around the ear opening
- Dark brown or black spots around the ear
- Loss of balance or tilting of the head
- Apparent difficulty hearing
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
If your bearded dragon is displaying any of these symptoms, it likely has an ear infection that requires veterinary attention. The sooner treatment begins, the better chance your pet has of making a full recovery.
What Causes Ear Infections in Bearded Dragons?
There are a few key factors that can lead to ear infections in bearded dragons
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Bacterial or fungal infections – Bacteria and fungi are often the direct cause of infection when they make their way into the ear canal. This frequently occurs due to unclean living conditions.
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Incorrect humidity levels – Too much or too little humidity can irritate the sensitive skin inside a bearded dragon’s ear, making infections more likely to occur. Ideal humidity is 20-40%.
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Improper shedding – Shed skin left inside the ears during the shedding process can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Help your beardie shed properly by providing a humid hide.
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Poor diet – Nutritional deficiencies weaken the immune system, making ear infections harder to fight off Feed your dragon a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
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Lowered immunity – Bearded dragons with compromised immune systems due to stress, disease, or inadequate care are at a higher risk of developing infections.
Getting Veterinary Care for Ear Infections
If you suspect your bearded dragon has an ear infection, it is crucial to have them examined by an experienced reptile veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will be able to:
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Properly diagnose the type of infection through a physical exam, otoscope exam, and possibly lab tests.
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Prescribe appropriate antibiotic medications to treat bacterial infections. Antifungal drugs may also be used for fungal infections.
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Provide recommendations on adjusting husbandry practices to support healing. This may include increasing temperatures, adjusting humidity, etc.
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Give advice on easing discomfort and preventing the infection from worsening until medicine kicks in.
With prompt veterinary attention and proper at-home care, most beardie ear infections can be cured. However, left untreated, they can lead to ruptured ear drums, deafness, meningitis and even death. Do not attempt to treat an ear infection without input from an exotics vet.
Preventing Ear Infections in the First Place
While ear infections cannot always be avoided completely, there are steps you can take to lower the risks:
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Keep the habitat clean – Spot clean messes as needed and completely disinfect the tank at least once a week.
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Maintain proper humidity levels – Invest in a hygrometer and make adjustments as needed.
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Provide proper UVB lighting – UVB supports healthy immunity. Use a quality bulb and replace as directed.
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Feed a wholesome diet – Offer a variety of vegetables and live insects, gut loaded with nutrients.
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Reduce stress – Give your beardie proper heat, hides, and handling to keep stress low.
By staying on top of your pet’s husbandry needs and providing prompt vet care when issues emerge, you can help your bearded dragon live a long, healthy life. Monitor closely for any signs of ear infections and never hesitate to call your exotics vet if concerned. With some knowledge and attentive care, ear infections do not have to pose a major threat to your scaly friend.
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.
What are some of the more common diseases of pet bearded dragons?
If they are well looked after, including proper diet and husbandry, bearded dragons are reasonably hardy animals. Common health conditions of pet bearded dragons include CANV, atadenovirus, metabolic bone disease, parasites, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), and respiratory infections.
CANV (Chrysosporium anamorph of Nannizziopsis vreisii) is an aggressive and potentially fatal fungal infection of several types of lizard species but is most commonly seen in bearded dragons. It is also known as ‘yellow fungus disease’. This disease can affect bearded dragons at any age and may involve both males and females. This disease is typified by thickened yellow plaques on the face, back, sides, or legs. These plaques will crack, peel, and bleed if not attended to early on. In advanced cases, the infection becomes invaded by bacteria from the environment and adjoining skin regions and causes the bearded dragon to start losing weight and become noticeably weak.
This disease necessitates a veterinary examination and aggressive treatment with antifungal medication, and often antibiotic treatment as well.
Atadenovirus infection is very common in young bearded dragons but may affect dragons of any age. It typically causes fatal hepatitis (infection of the liver) and gastrointestinal infection. Affected animals are weak, do not eat, and often die acutely suddenly. Others show a more chronic infection in which they fail to thrive, do not grow at a normal rate, are weak, may become paralyzed, and periodically do not eat. Ultimately, they die as well.
Bearded Dragon Tips! | Tail rot/ear infections |
FAQ
What to do for a bearded dragon ear infection?
As these infections are often bacterial, affected dragons are typically treated with oral or injectable antibiotics. If the infection is severe, the lizard may require hospitalization for more aggressive therapy and supportive treatments.
What are the first signs of MBD in bearded dragons?
- General Weakness and Lethargy: Bearded dragons with MBD may become noticeably weaker and less active than usual, with difficulty walking or climbing.
- Muscle Twitching and Tremors: Muscle twitching or tremors, especially in the limbs, can be an early indicator of MBD.
- Swollen Legs: Swelling of the legs, particularly the hind limbs, is a common sign of MBD.
- Swollen or Soft Jaw: A swollen or soft lower jaw, sometimes referred to as “rubber jaw,” is another characteristic sign.
- Difficulty Walking or Moving: Bearded dragons with MBD may struggle to walk or move normally, often crouching low to the ground or laying on their bellies.
- Underbite or Deformities: In some cases, MBD can cause deformities, such as an underbite or kinks in the spine or tail.
- Poor Appetite or Weight Loss: A decreased appetite or weight loss can also be associated with MBD.
- Seizures or Paralysis: In severe cases, MBD can lead to seizures or paralysis.
- Diarrhea or Defecating Issues: Some bearded dragons with MBD may experience diarrhea or have difficulty defecating.
- Droopy eyes: Droopy eyes can be a sign of MBD.
What are common signs of adenovirus in bearded dragons?
Common symptoms are loss of appetite and lethargy. Because it can affect the immune systems ability to fight infections, some may have problems recovering from other infections and illness or have recurrent problems with parasites.
How to treat abscess on bearded dragon at home?
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Abscesses in reptiles are serious:They often require surgical removal (lancing and flushing) and antibiotics to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
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Home treatment is risky:Attempting to drain or burst an abscess yourself can lead to further infection and complications.
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Veterinary care is essential:A veterinarian can properly diagnose the abscess, determine the underlying cause, and prescribe the necessary treatment, including antibiotics, surgical procedures, and wound care.
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What to do:Contact a veterinarian specializing in reptiles immediately if you suspect your bearded dragon has an abscess.
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Signs of an abscess:Look for signs like swelling, redness, pus, or a hard lump on the skin.
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Preventing abscesses:Ensure your bearded dragon has a clean and appropriate environment, proper nutrition, and adequate temperature and humidity.