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Bearded Dragons (pogona vitticeps) are a very strong and hardy reptile. That being said, they can still contract & succumb to many parasites, illnesses,
disorders. This information is meant to raise your awareness, educate you and enable you to look out for possible signs and symptoms. If your bearded
dragon is showing signs and symptoms of a possible illness please take your dragon to the vet. Exclusive Dragons and its representatives are not
veterinarians and cannot diagnose or treat your dragon. A routine fecal exam once or twice a year; which is relatively inexpensive can give you an insight
on the health of your pogona vitticeps and if done regularly will give you an idea of when or if your dragon has contracted any worms, parasites or other
illnesses.
Calcium & Vitamin Deficiency:
This is a serious problem that can have permanent effects on the life of your bearded dragon. Too little D3 and calcium can lead to metabolic bone
disease. Some early symptoms of this problem include the shaking, twitching, or stiffness of limbs (especially rear legs), separation of the mouth, and
difficulty chewing food. If this problem is caught early enough, supplementation and exposure to natural sun can be good remedies. Calcium deficiency is
often seen in older dragons, or under supplemented dragons. There is also the possibility of over supplementing your dragons, causing a myriad of
problems all its own.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD):
Bearded dragons are very likely to develop Metabolic bone disease (Brittle bone disease) without proper UVB lighting and phosphorus & calcium in their
diets. UVB light is necessary to metabolize Vitamin D3, which is necessary to the metabolism of calcium.
Signs that your bearded dragon may have Metabolic Bone Disease include:
hard protruding lumps on the back, tail, joints and legs.
Most of this cannot be corrected once it has already happened. But, adding these provisions now will help prevent further deterioration. The best way to
prevent this from happening to your bearded dragon is to make sure it receives 8 to 14 hours of UVB light. Fluorescent UV bulbs with full spectrum, UVB
8% and UVA light can be found at pet stores and online stores. The other place to expose your bearded dragon to UVB light is with direct sunlight. That
means it can not be filtered through glass. So if your cage is by a window UVB rays cannot penetrate the window glass!
If you live in a warm enough climates you can build or purchase a screened cage to take your bearded dragon outside during the day. Be sure to provide
a shelter in case your dragon gets too hot.
Calcium with D3 supplements should be added to your bearded dragon’s diet at least twice a week. Be sure to choose a product that contains D3
(cholecalciferol). Be aware that overdosing with these products can also cause more harm than good.
Gastrointestinal Parasites (coccidia, pinworms and flagellates):
These are extremely common in bearded dragons. A fecal examination should be performed on all dragons and if necessary appropriate anti-parasitic
treatment should be prescribed by a vet.
A vet skilled in reptile medicine should be consulted if any of the following conditions are noted in bearded dragons:
Coccidia:
Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease of bearded dragons. The bearded dragon has its own species of coccidia known as Isospora amphiboluri. This
coccidian lives in the small intestine, replicating in the mucosal lining to produce an oocyst. Many bearded dragons that are positive for coccidia on fecal
flotation are clinically normal and thriving. Thus, there is some debate that Isospora amphiboluri may be a commensal organism. However, in the captive
situation the direct lifecycle often allows the protozoa to reach high numbers, which may result in super infections. The large number of organisms
invading the intestinal lining may cause gastrointestinal pain, mal absorption and diarrhea. This results in clinical signs, such as anorexia and weight loss,
and predisposes dragons to secondary nutritional and bacterial infections. Routine fecal floats should be done on bearded dragons to look for coccidia.
In single pets and small collections, coccidia may be able to be eliminated. In larger collections it may be difficult to eliminate this organism. Eradication is
difficult and involves simultaneously treating the lizards and the environment. As with coccidia in other animals, re-infection from the environment is the
most common cause of treatment failure. A regiment of AcidophiLiz+ would be advisable as well. With most medications whether it be for coccidia or
pinworms or other pests not only does the medication kill what it is supposed to - but also the GOOD bacteria in the bellies. AcidophiLiz+ adds that good
bacteria back into their stomach allowing them to digest properly and help keep those bad bacterium in check.
Pinworms:
Oxyurids, or pinworms, are common parasites found on fecal examinations in bearded dragons. As with coccidia they may not be a concern in wild
populations, but in captivity they may reach large numbers and cause problems. Pinworms have a direct lifecycle, and bearded dragons tend to defecate
frequently and are often in contact with their stool. This may result clinically in poor growth. As with coccidia, keeping the environment simple and clean
during treatment is important for success. Fecal examinations are recommended 3-4 weeks post-treatment to ensure elimination of the organism.
Bearded Dragons main protein source is crickets and dragons *can get pinworms from crickets, so this is not an uncommon thing for you to find during a
fecal exam. De-wormer from your vet is relatively cheap. If you avoid this issue... Something as simple as pinworms I promise you that you will regret it.
As pinworms thrive they can cause serious havoc on your dragon - because his immune system is weakened it will allow other things like coccidia (and
other things) to thrive rapidly. - Resulting in several different medications and months of treatment and many fecal exams.
** If your dragon has been diagnosed with pinworms AND coccidia - complete treatment for the PINWORMS must be done first then the treatment for
coccidia. Infact, often when the treatment for pinworms is complete there *may* not be necessity to treat for coccidia as the coccidia numbers *may*
return to normal on its own - but only a vet can tell you if this is a possibility for your situation. A regiment of AcidophiLiz+ would be advisable as well.
With most medications whether it be for coccidia or pinworms or other pests not only does the medication kill what it is supposed to - but also the GOOD
bacteria in the bellies. AcidophiLiz+ adds that good bacteria back into their stomach allowing them to digest properly and help keep those bad bacterium
in check.
Flagellates:
Flagellates are commonly found on direct smears of fresh feces in bearded dragons. In low numbers these trichomonad-like protozoans appear to be
normal commensals. But, in conjunction with coccidia and pinworm infections they can reach large numbers, resulting in clinical signs, such as diarrhea,
anorexia, and dehydration.
Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSHP):
Juvenile (growing), young gravid female and adult bearded dragons maintained indoors under poor husbandry conditions are susceptible to NSHP. As
with other reptiles, the disease is usually the result of low dietary calcium and/or insufficient vitamin D. Excessive phosphorous in the diet can also lead to
NSHP. Clinical signs of NSHP in bearded dragons include gastrointestinal stasis and bloating, tremors, stunted growth, deformed or fractured bones, soft
mandibular and maxillary bones, spinal deviations, and paralysis. Radiographs can be useful to identify and characterize fractures and assess the
severity of bone involvement. Treatment involves improving the calcium content of the bearded dragon’s diet by the proper gut-loading and dusting of
feeder insects, providing quality dark green leafy vegetables in the diet, and ensuring exposure to ultraviolet light (UVB) through natural unfiltered
sunlight or full spectrum bulbs.
Female Reproductive Problems:
Female bearded dragons often will present with a variety of reproductive related problems. Owners may or may not be aware that their dragons are
reproductively active. Lizards may develop mature follicles on their ovaries and/or actually ovulate and produce infertile ova without a mate being
introduced. Owners often describe their dragon becoming restless in their cage, pacing and climbing, likely looking for potential nesting sites. They may
dig in planters or in the substrate in their environment.
Owners who are attempting to breed their dragons may present a lizard because she has laid a clutch of eggs, but still appears to have retained some
eggs. Or, the lizard has not laid any eggs yet (and showing similar signs as above) but is past her due date, and the owner can see or feel eggs in the
lizard. It is important to differentiate between pre-ovulatory egg stasis and post- ovulatory egg stasis when lizards are presented because treatment for
the two syndromes may differ.
Reproductive surgery is similar to that described for the green iguana and other lizards. Additionally, female bearded dragons presenting with dystocia
may have concurrent egg-yolk peritonitis. Also older female bearded dragons may have persistent necrotic ovarian follicles on their ovaries, which may
result in coelomic disease and require surgical intervention.
Hepatic Lipidosis Syndrome:
Fatty liver-like syndrome in adult bearded dragons commonly. Typically, these dragons are obese with large abdominal fat pads. Clinical signs are usually
anorexia and depression. Blood work is often unremarkable except sometimes SGOT (AST) is elevated. Bile acids appear to be useful as a more specific
liver indicator, but normal values are not well established yet. Radiographs and ultrasound may reveal an enlarged liver and possibly ascites. Endoscopic
liver biopsy or exploratory celiotomy and liver biopsy will confirm the diagnosis. Treatment involves supportive care including fluids (15-25ml/kg/day),
broad-spectrum antibiotics, lactulose (.05ml/100gm PO daily), and assisted feeding. Daily warm water soaks are also beneficial to help with hydration.
Clients may need to continue this support at home for 3-4 weeks before the dragon may begin to accept food on its own. Unfortunately, many of these
dragons are presented late in the disease cycle and a diagnosis is made at necropsy. Etiology and techniques for prevention are unknown, but clients
should be warned not to
over-condition bearded dragons.
Bacterial and fungal dermatitis:
Bearded dragons and frilled lizards are prone to bacterial and fungal dermatitis. The condition is usually seen on the head, extremities, lateral body wall
and in frilled lizards at the edge of the frill. The skin color may look yellow to grey and often appears moist. As the disease progresses deep ulceration
and crusts may form. Burns from a heat source may appear similar and need to be ruled out. A skin biopsy is often the best way to differentiate between
bacterial or fungal involvement and possible etiology. Topical treatment with silver sulfadiazine cream and systemic antimicrobials may be necessary to
stop progression of the condition and often there is a loss of tissue.
Periodontal Disease:
Bearded dragons have acrodont teeth (not rooted, but simply attached to the surface of the mandibular and maxillary bones), which predisposes them to
periodontal disease, stomatitis and potentially osteomyelitis. This unique dentition results in a gum line along the lateral surface of the mandibular and
maxillary bones, which can be readily permeable to bacteria. Regular oral exams should be performed to inspect this gum line for signs of discoloration,
irregularities, in surface, and loss of tissue. If suspicious lesions are present, gentle curettage with dental instrumentation is useful to assess soft tissue
and bone involvement. Radiographs may also be useful to determine bone involvement and presence of osteomyelitis. Deep culture of lesions is
important for management, and aggressive surgical debrivement and curettage may be necessary. Appropriate systemic antimicrobials (minimum of four-
to-six weeks of therapy) and supportive care should be initiated immediately. The prognosis for bearded dragons with periodontal osteomyelitis and loss
of bone is guarded to fair depending on severity and progression.
Mites:
Since all bearded dragons are captive bred, mites should not be a problem. Although some pet stores keep less than sanitary conditions and mites may
spread from animal to animal. These are small bugs that can be seen on the dragon. There are several products on the market that can take care of the
problem. We recommend checking with your vet before administering these products.
Respiratory Infections:
Clogged nostrils, the presence of mucous and open mouth (often raspy) breathing (do not confuse this with venting due to heat) are signs of respiratory
problems. These problems are often due to low heat conditions and excessive moisture. Be sure to check your temperatures and humidity levels, and
contact your vet for treatment. Baytril is usually prescribed for Respiratory Infections.
disorders. This information is meant to raise your awareness, educate you and enable you to look out for possible signs and symptoms. If your bearded
dragon is showing signs and symptoms of a possible illness please take your dragon to the vet. Exclusive Dragons and its representatives are not
veterinarians and cannot diagnose or treat your dragon. A routine fecal exam once or twice a year; which is relatively inexpensive can give you an insight
on the health of your pogona vitticeps and if done regularly will give you an idea of when or if your dragon has contracted any worms, parasites or other
illnesses.
- You can help your dragon's health by following all the care & feeding information.
- Ensuring your dragon has a good UV source and keep note of when you first used the bulb so you know when it's time to change it.
- Be sure your reptile has his/her proper heat temperatures for their hot and cool zones. DON'T guess! Get a reliable thermometer.
- Quarantine any new reptiles coming into your colony for 30-60 days and have a fecal done immediately to see what they may have and bringing
into your house. - Ensure your lizard/reptile has the vitamin supplements he/she requires!
- Have a routine fecal exam once or twice a year.
- Keep your enclosures, cages and tanks clean. Sterilize periodically.
- Keep your reptiles stress level to a minimum. Stress can allow the "bad" parasites to thrive.
- Don't allow reptiles from different species to co-habit together!
- If you have multiple enclosures and reptiles wash your hands and sanitize between cages.
Calcium & Vitamin Deficiency:
This is a serious problem that can have permanent effects on the life of your bearded dragon. Too little D3 and calcium can lead to metabolic bone
disease. Some early symptoms of this problem include the shaking, twitching, or stiffness of limbs (especially rear legs), separation of the mouth, and
difficulty chewing food. If this problem is caught early enough, supplementation and exposure to natural sun can be good remedies. Calcium deficiency is
often seen in older dragons, or under supplemented dragons. There is also the possibility of over supplementing your dragons, causing a myriad of
problems all its own.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD):
Bearded dragons are very likely to develop Metabolic bone disease (Brittle bone disease) without proper UVB lighting and phosphorus & calcium in their
diets. UVB light is necessary to metabolize Vitamin D3, which is necessary to the metabolism of calcium.
Signs that your bearded dragon may have Metabolic Bone Disease include:
hard protruding lumps on the back, tail, joints and legs.
- brittle bones that break easily.
- swelling of the jaw area.
- malformed legs
- difficulty walking
- difficulty eating
- twitching limbs or digits (toes)
- crooked toes
Most of this cannot be corrected once it has already happened. But, adding these provisions now will help prevent further deterioration. The best way to
prevent this from happening to your bearded dragon is to make sure it receives 8 to 14 hours of UVB light. Fluorescent UV bulbs with full spectrum, UVB
8% and UVA light can be found at pet stores and online stores. The other place to expose your bearded dragon to UVB light is with direct sunlight. That
means it can not be filtered through glass. So if your cage is by a window UVB rays cannot penetrate the window glass!
If you live in a warm enough climates you can build or purchase a screened cage to take your bearded dragon outside during the day. Be sure to provide
a shelter in case your dragon gets too hot.
Calcium with D3 supplements should be added to your bearded dragon’s diet at least twice a week. Be sure to choose a product that contains D3
(cholecalciferol). Be aware that overdosing with these products can also cause more harm than good.
Gastrointestinal Parasites (coccidia, pinworms and flagellates):
These are extremely common in bearded dragons. A fecal examination should be performed on all dragons and if necessary appropriate anti-parasitic
treatment should be prescribed by a vet.
A vet skilled in reptile medicine should be consulted if any of the following conditions are noted in bearded dragons:
- Weight loss
- Not eating or drinking (with the exception of brumation)
- Abnormal poops (runny or more "fragrant" that usual)
- Twitching, tremors, or seizures
- Swelling of the limbs
- Inability to close the mouth properly
- Discharge from the eyes or mouth
- Difficulty breathing
- Distention of the abdomen
- Masses or lumps on the body or limbs
Coccidia:
Coccidiosis is a common parasitic disease of bearded dragons. The bearded dragon has its own species of coccidia known as Isospora amphiboluri. This
coccidian lives in the small intestine, replicating in the mucosal lining to produce an oocyst. Many bearded dragons that are positive for coccidia on fecal
flotation are clinically normal and thriving. Thus, there is some debate that Isospora amphiboluri may be a commensal organism. However, in the captive
situation the direct lifecycle often allows the protozoa to reach high numbers, which may result in super infections. The large number of organisms
invading the intestinal lining may cause gastrointestinal pain, mal absorption and diarrhea. This results in clinical signs, such as anorexia and weight loss,
and predisposes dragons to secondary nutritional and bacterial infections. Routine fecal floats should be done on bearded dragons to look for coccidia.
In single pets and small collections, coccidia may be able to be eliminated. In larger collections it may be difficult to eliminate this organism. Eradication is
difficult and involves simultaneously treating the lizards and the environment. As with coccidia in other animals, re-infection from the environment is the
most common cause of treatment failure. A regiment of AcidophiLiz+ would be advisable as well. With most medications whether it be for coccidia or
pinworms or other pests not only does the medication kill what it is supposed to - but also the GOOD bacteria in the bellies. AcidophiLiz+ adds that good
bacteria back into their stomach allowing them to digest properly and help keep those bad bacterium in check.
Pinworms:
Oxyurids, or pinworms, are common parasites found on fecal examinations in bearded dragons. As with coccidia they may not be a concern in wild
populations, but in captivity they may reach large numbers and cause problems. Pinworms have a direct lifecycle, and bearded dragons tend to defecate
frequently and are often in contact with their stool. This may result clinically in poor growth. As with coccidia, keeping the environment simple and clean
during treatment is important for success. Fecal examinations are recommended 3-4 weeks post-treatment to ensure elimination of the organism.
Bearded Dragons main protein source is crickets and dragons *can get pinworms from crickets, so this is not an uncommon thing for you to find during a
fecal exam. De-wormer from your vet is relatively cheap. If you avoid this issue... Something as simple as pinworms I promise you that you will regret it.
As pinworms thrive they can cause serious havoc on your dragon - because his immune system is weakened it will allow other things like coccidia (and
other things) to thrive rapidly. - Resulting in several different medications and months of treatment and many fecal exams.
** If your dragon has been diagnosed with pinworms AND coccidia - complete treatment for the PINWORMS must be done first then the treatment for
coccidia. Infact, often when the treatment for pinworms is complete there *may* not be necessity to treat for coccidia as the coccidia numbers *may*
return to normal on its own - but only a vet can tell you if this is a possibility for your situation. A regiment of AcidophiLiz+ would be advisable as well.
With most medications whether it be for coccidia or pinworms or other pests not only does the medication kill what it is supposed to - but also the GOOD
bacteria in the bellies. AcidophiLiz+ adds that good bacteria back into their stomach allowing them to digest properly and help keep those bad bacterium
in check.
Flagellates:
Flagellates are commonly found on direct smears of fresh feces in bearded dragons. In low numbers these trichomonad-like protozoans appear to be
normal commensals. But, in conjunction with coccidia and pinworm infections they can reach large numbers, resulting in clinical signs, such as diarrhea,
anorexia, and dehydration.
Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSHP):
Juvenile (growing), young gravid female and adult bearded dragons maintained indoors under poor husbandry conditions are susceptible to NSHP. As
with other reptiles, the disease is usually the result of low dietary calcium and/or insufficient vitamin D. Excessive phosphorous in the diet can also lead to
NSHP. Clinical signs of NSHP in bearded dragons include gastrointestinal stasis and bloating, tremors, stunted growth, deformed or fractured bones, soft
mandibular and maxillary bones, spinal deviations, and paralysis. Radiographs can be useful to identify and characterize fractures and assess the
severity of bone involvement. Treatment involves improving the calcium content of the bearded dragon’s diet by the proper gut-loading and dusting of
feeder insects, providing quality dark green leafy vegetables in the diet, and ensuring exposure to ultraviolet light (UVB) through natural unfiltered
sunlight or full spectrum bulbs.
Female Reproductive Problems:
Female bearded dragons often will present with a variety of reproductive related problems. Owners may or may not be aware that their dragons are
reproductively active. Lizards may develop mature follicles on their ovaries and/or actually ovulate and produce infertile ova without a mate being
introduced. Owners often describe their dragon becoming restless in their cage, pacing and climbing, likely looking for potential nesting sites. They may
dig in planters or in the substrate in their environment.
Owners who are attempting to breed their dragons may present a lizard because she has laid a clutch of eggs, but still appears to have retained some
eggs. Or, the lizard has not laid any eggs yet (and showing similar signs as above) but is past her due date, and the owner can see or feel eggs in the
lizard. It is important to differentiate between pre-ovulatory egg stasis and post- ovulatory egg stasis when lizards are presented because treatment for
the two syndromes may differ.
Reproductive surgery is similar to that described for the green iguana and other lizards. Additionally, female bearded dragons presenting with dystocia
may have concurrent egg-yolk peritonitis. Also older female bearded dragons may have persistent necrotic ovarian follicles on their ovaries, which may
result in coelomic disease and require surgical intervention.
Hepatic Lipidosis Syndrome:
Fatty liver-like syndrome in adult bearded dragons commonly. Typically, these dragons are obese with large abdominal fat pads. Clinical signs are usually
anorexia and depression. Blood work is often unremarkable except sometimes SGOT (AST) is elevated. Bile acids appear to be useful as a more specific
liver indicator, but normal values are not well established yet. Radiographs and ultrasound may reveal an enlarged liver and possibly ascites. Endoscopic
liver biopsy or exploratory celiotomy and liver biopsy will confirm the diagnosis. Treatment involves supportive care including fluids (15-25ml/kg/day),
broad-spectrum antibiotics, lactulose (.05ml/100gm PO daily), and assisted feeding. Daily warm water soaks are also beneficial to help with hydration.
Clients may need to continue this support at home for 3-4 weeks before the dragon may begin to accept food on its own. Unfortunately, many of these
dragons are presented late in the disease cycle and a diagnosis is made at necropsy. Etiology and techniques for prevention are unknown, but clients
should be warned not to
over-condition bearded dragons.
Bacterial and fungal dermatitis:
Bearded dragons and frilled lizards are prone to bacterial and fungal dermatitis. The condition is usually seen on the head, extremities, lateral body wall
and in frilled lizards at the edge of the frill. The skin color may look yellow to grey and often appears moist. As the disease progresses deep ulceration
and crusts may form. Burns from a heat source may appear similar and need to be ruled out. A skin biopsy is often the best way to differentiate between
bacterial or fungal involvement and possible etiology. Topical treatment with silver sulfadiazine cream and systemic antimicrobials may be necessary to
stop progression of the condition and often there is a loss of tissue.
Periodontal Disease:
Bearded dragons have acrodont teeth (not rooted, but simply attached to the surface of the mandibular and maxillary bones), which predisposes them to
periodontal disease, stomatitis and potentially osteomyelitis. This unique dentition results in a gum line along the lateral surface of the mandibular and
maxillary bones, which can be readily permeable to bacteria. Regular oral exams should be performed to inspect this gum line for signs of discoloration,
irregularities, in surface, and loss of tissue. If suspicious lesions are present, gentle curettage with dental instrumentation is useful to assess soft tissue
and bone involvement. Radiographs may also be useful to determine bone involvement and presence of osteomyelitis. Deep culture of lesions is
important for management, and aggressive surgical debrivement and curettage may be necessary. Appropriate systemic antimicrobials (minimum of four-
to-six weeks of therapy) and supportive care should be initiated immediately. The prognosis for bearded dragons with periodontal osteomyelitis and loss
of bone is guarded to fair depending on severity and progression.
Mites:
Since all bearded dragons are captive bred, mites should not be a problem. Although some pet stores keep less than sanitary conditions and mites may
spread from animal to animal. These are small bugs that can be seen on the dragon. There are several products on the market that can take care of the
problem. We recommend checking with your vet before administering these products.
Respiratory Infections:
Clogged nostrils, the presence of mucous and open mouth (often raspy) breathing (do not confuse this with venting due to heat) are signs of respiratory
problems. These problems are often due to low heat conditions and excessive moisture. Be sure to check your temperatures and humidity levels, and
contact your vet for treatment. Baytril is usually prescribed for Respiratory Infections.
Resources:
Bearded Dragon Manual by Renier Delport
Seavs Stahl Exotic Animal Services
Valley Vets Limited
Bearded Dragon Manual by Renier Delport
Seavs Stahl Exotic Animal Services
Valley Vets Limited
Click to See:
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