Bearded dragons are popular reptilian pets that originate in Australia.
They are omnivorous and will grow up to 24 inches in length.
They can live up to 15 years if they are taken care of properly.
Even though these animals are quite robust they are susceptible to a number of bearded dragon diseases.
Bearded dragon diseases include respiratory conditions, calcium deficiency, mites, impactions, parasites and a common condition that is called metabolic bone disease.
These are just some of the conditions that may affect your beardie.
Calcium is an important mineral that your beardie must have included in their diet.
They should also sun bathe in order to receive UVA and UVB light which helps prevent conditions that cause their bones to weaken due to the imbalances in calcium, vitamin D and phosphorous.
Metabolic bone disease may cause deformities as well as pain in bearded dragons and others reptiles.
Bearded Dragon Diseases - Parasites Your beardie's may acquire parasites through insects and unclean cage conditions.
Symptoms of parasite infestation include foul smelling or runny droppings, loss of appetite, weight loss and listlessness.
If you notice any off the signs you should not hesitate to have your lizard check out to by a vet.
Treating parasitic infestations is fairly easy with a high rate of success.
If left untreated for a long period of time parasites will damage the health of your dragon and eventually lead to its death.
Beardie Diseases - Adenovirus A new problem that has recently been affecting beardies is the adenovirus.
These viruses will take advantage of young animals that are weak.
The actual signs of this disease are vague and will often manifest itself as another problem such as calcium deficiency.
The only way that one can correctly diagnose the virus is through an autopsy.
Most dragons who are infected by this virus rarely survive but there are some who do.
In order to care for a pet that has contracted this virus the owner will need to force feed, provide lots of fluid.
Antibiotics are required to combat any bacterial infections that may develop as a result of the virus infection.
Bearded Dragon Diseases - Respiratory Conditions Bearded dragons are cold blooded so they need to be provided with a lot of warmth.
However, moisture often comes with warmth and too much moisture can cause them to develop a respiratory condition.
Signs of this condition include mucus, clogged nostrils and raspy breathing.
You may also notice that they are breathing through there mouth more frequently.
If this beardie disease develops, antibiotics will be necessary for treatment as well as improving their cage conditions.
Bearded Dragon Diseases - Egg Binding Females that are breeding may suffer from egg binding.
This mostly happens during the first breeding cycle with infertile eggs.
In order to prevent this, female dragons need to be old enough, of the right size and in a healthy condition for breeding.
If these requirements are met and the egg binding still occurs a vet is able to fix the problem.
Most bearded dragon diseases can be cured using antibiotics or other treatments or through adequate care.
The adenovirus is the only condition that has a poor prognosis and it is not very common.
One needs to take extra care when acquiring a new beardie to ensure they are not carrying this disease or any other diseases.