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.
As a bearded dragon owner, you know how important it is to monitor your pet’s health. A sudden lump appearing on your bearded dragon can be alarming. But don’t panic – these lumps can have several possible causes, some more serious than others. In this article we’ll go over the main reasons your bearded dragon may develop lumps and what you can do about them.
Metabolic Bone Disease
One of the most common causes of lumps in young bearded dragons is metabolic bone disease (MBD). MBD develops when a bearded dragon does not get proper nutrients, especially calcium, vitamin D3, and UVB light. Without these key elements, their bones become soft and malformed, leading to swelling and lumps.
MBD usually affects dragons less than 2 years old Common symptoms include
- Swelling in the jaws, legs, and other bones
- Tremors and difficulty walking
- Hunched posture
- Fractures
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
An MBD lump may feel soft or squishy. It often develops on the lower jaw, legs, or spine. MBD can be prevented through proper diet, supplementation, and UVB lighting. If you suspect MBD, get your dragon to the vet right away. Treatment involves correcting diet and nutrients, possible calcium injections, and supportive care. With prompt treatment, many dragons fully recover from MBD.
Abscesses
Abscesses are swollen, pus-filled lumps that form due to a bacterial infection. They can pop up anywhere on your dragon’s body, usually starting small and growing larger over time. Abscesses often develop from an injury like a bite wound or scratch.
Your vet will likely need to surgically open, drain, and flush out the abscess. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to clear any remaining infection. Keep the area clean while it heals. Prompt treatment is important, as abscesses can spread bacteria through the body if left untreated.
Food Impaction
Bearded dragons sometimes store food in their throat pouch. This bulge is normal and temporary. But occasionally they may overstuff their pouch and have trouble swallowing the food down. This can lead to a throat impaction, seen as swelling in the neck area.
Try feeding smaller meals and monitoring how much your dragon eats per sitting. This reduces the risk of throat impactions. Give them a warm soak to help pass the food. If swelling persists more than a day or seems to be blocking breathing, see your exotics vet.
Cancerous Lumps
One emerging issue in captive bearded dragons is gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (GNT). Unfortunately, this type of stomach cancer tends to spread rapidly to other organs. Signs can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and weakness
- Vomiting
- Abnormal bleeding
- Lumps on the abdomen or underside
There is currently no proven treatment for GNT cancer in bearded dragons. Any suspicious lumps in adult dragons should be checked by a vet specialist to determine if biopsy or testing is needed.
Broken Bones
Active dragons may occasionally suffer broken bones from falls and accidents. This can cause noticeable swelling around fractured bones. Leg bones are particularly prone to breaks.
Broken bones take 4-12 weeks to heal. Get your dragon checked by a vet, as the leg may need bandaging or splinting. Restrict activity and provide basic first aid care at home. Monitor for normal eating, bowel movements, and behavior while healing.
Impaction Constipation
Severe constipation can also cause lumps in bearded dragons. With impaction, dry stool gets blocked in the colon and builds up. This is a very serious condition that demands quick veterinary care.
Signs of impaction include:
- Swelling along the spine behind the shoulders
- Hard, distended belly
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Straining to pass stool
Try warm soaks and gentle belly massages to promote passing stool. But impaction usually requires veterinary treatment, IV fluids, and medication to clear. Left untreated, impaction can be fatal.
When in Doubt, See Your Exotics Vet
Being familiar with your bearded dragon’s body will help you identify any new lumps and bumps that pop up. But it’s always wise to have your exotic veterinarian examine any suspicious new mass. Your vet can pinpoint the cause, recommend treatment, and provide proper care instructions. With prompt vet attention, most minor lumps can be resolved so your bearded dragon returns to full health.
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 is a respiratory infection?
Respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, can occur in bearded dragons that are stressed, improperly fed, or kept in poor, cold, or dirty conditions. Respiratory tract infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Infections with any of the above diseases may weaken your bearded dragon’s immune system and allow bacteria to invade the respiratory tract. Affected lizards may sneeze, have discharge from their eyes or nose, bubbles from the mouth or nose, unnaturally rapid or shallow breathing, open-mouthed breathing, decreased appetite, and lethargy. These cases call for immediate attention and aggressive therapy from your bearded dragon’s veterinary team.
Lump On Bearded Dragon’s hand
FAQ
Why is there a lump on my bearded dragon?
It is not uncommon for bearded dragons with MBD to get firm lumps. These typically occur along bones, jaw, spine, limbs, etc. where the bones have become weak or may have even experienced small fractures and the body responds by trying to strengthen the weakened area by building up a callous.
How do you get rid of an abscess on a bearded dragon?
Since abscesses do not resolve on their own in reptiles and cannot be resorbed, the first step of treatment is to surgically remove the abscess in most cases. This may include removing it entirely as if it were a mass, or cutting it open to empty any pus and close the skin afterward.
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.