BD with "soft" nails

[Kezza4879]

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[/h][h=6]Hi Guys, I have a query i was hoping some one might be able to shed light on. We keep a few bearded dragons, of our two younger ones that are 'red' phase, the male is a pain when it comes to feeding. He hardly eats at all. I make sure I hand feed him a couple of cockies and meal worms every few days so i "know" he is eating something, but they do get fed every day vegs & crickets etc. They also get calcium powder etc. What I have just noticed is, the male, has "blonde" front toe nails. and one "blonde" back toe nail. The others are usual black/brown colour. Now although you wouldn't think this is an issue, i have notice the blonde nails are wearing down extremely quickly, and they are basically worn to the stump, ie, so it looks like he hasn't even got toe nails on his front feet. It is really wierd. What could be causing this guys? Is it just something we will deal with, or do you think it could be caused by something else? I am worried his climbing is going to suffer from lack of nails to grip at the front feet. hope this makes sensethe one blonde nail on his back foot is also wearing down, although not worn down as much as front ones. We also have a bigger 7 month old red phase male. He eats fine etc so i know the eating issue could not be just that he is a male
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[Renenet]

Hi Kezza,

I am not sure what the nail problem is, but I am concerned that this male isn't eating well, especially because he seems to eat when you hand feed him. The first question would be, is he kept alone or does he have a cage mate? If he does, the other beardie(s) might be harrassing him, which would be stressing him out. He wouldn't eat well in those circumstances and that could lead to other health problems.

 

[animal805]

Sounds like you have a hypomelanistic beardie or at least het for hypo on your hands, but the nails should not be soft like you are describing. A vet visit for some tests to see if he is lacking in calcium may be your best bet.

 

[Kezza4879]

Sounds like you have a hypomelanistic beardie or at least het for hypo on your hands, but the nails should not be soft like you are describing. A vet visit for some tests to see if he is lacking in calcium may be your best bet.

Yes, it is a HET for albino. yes, think maybe he is going to have to go so i can find out why. He does get calcium powder though.

Hi Kezza,

I am not sure what the nail problem is, but I am concerned that this male isn't eating well, especially because he seems to eat when you hand feed him. The first question would be, is he kept alone or does he have a cage mate? If he does, the other beardie(s) might be harrassing him, which would be stressing him out. He wouldn't eat well in those circumstances and that could lead to other health problems.

Yes has female same age from same litter, in with him. He was originally bigger than her, but with his slow eating he now is smaller.

I think the front nails have worn down quicker than the blonde back toe nail is because he loves to dig in his sand to hide under things like his food bowl, he has always been a digger not a climber. The food eating situation worries me though. I have to physically put it in his mouth for him to eat it. Might have to take him to vet i think, more worried about the eating, but nails situation bothering me now too. All our other dragons are perfect and eat well and are fast growers.

 

[leamos]

Sounds like you have one stressed out little beardie on your hands. The lack of eating and the constant digging would indicate he's not enjoying his living arrangements, I would separate the beardie from his clutch mate. Apple sauce and mashed pumpkin are great for stubborn feeders, just put a bit on his nose, once he gets a taste for it, park him in front of the stuff and watch it disappear. Also with the lack of eating make sure he is staying hydrated.

 

[Kezza4879]

Sounds like you have one stressed out little beardie on your hands. The lack of eating and the constant digging would indicate he's not enjoying his living arrangements, I would separate the beardie from his clutch mate. Apple sauce and mashed pumpkin are great for stubborn feeders, just put a bit on his nose, once he gets a taste for it, park him in front of the stuff and watch it disappear. Also with the lack of eating make sure he is staying hydrated.

Thanks for your help Leamos,
Yes I will separate and try this way.
Do you mean bought apple sauce or do I make the apple sauce also?

 

[Justdragons]

how old is your uv tube? is it 10.0? i change all mine for 5.0 to 10.0 and i go a great change in personality and activness aswell as feeding response aswell as the beardie having a branch so they can get real close to the tube.. they love it.. gl

 

[leamos]

it's up to you, a jar of store bought is fine, the baby food version is great too. But if you've got an apple, pear or chunk of pumpkin laying around a quick peel and few minutes in the microwave with a splash of water, then mashed with a fork will work too. Whatever you use, mix in a pinch of calcium and vits and you're golden

 

[Kezza4879]

Thanks, have gone and got some pumpkin and apple sauce from shops and have made him up some. He seems to like it, i gave him a little on my finger, so i have left it in there for him. I have separated the two of them now too so i hope will get some improvement.
UV light is only couple of months old, not sure what strength it is, recommended one. The female was in same cage and she is doing great so not sure light is the issue.

 

[leamos]

Yeah I'd say stress is the main issue here, hopefully with a bit of tlc he'll get back to his old self

 

[Kezza4879]

Just updating this in case someone reads in future with similar problems.
Took my little fella to the vet.
Vet was not too concerned with the nails wearing down issue, seems this is just from his digging, they are starting to grow back.
Vet did a poop sample and it showed up my little fella has a mass amount of coccidiosis bacteria. So, he has been treated for this. Apparently although some are normal inside a bd's gut system, when the beardie has trouble fighting them they can cause an outbreak which can cause your bd a lack of appetite and failure to thrive. The other girl who was in with him was tested too and she is ok. normal levels. So, we are first of all treating him for this, once this is done, if his appetite doesn't improve the vet said he might have to look at other possibilities like a lazy stomach (slow digestion) or other things like that. we are hoping though the coccid is the main issue with him. will keep this post updated.

 

[Chris1]

you could try a probiotic to replace the good gut flora once the meds are finished, something like inner health plus, preferably dairy free.