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Help Please!!! Impaction/Not eating/Not pooping

T

tbaines

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I have an approximately 4-5 month old beardie that I am sitting for my dad/little brother while they are away on vacation. He was eating fine for the first couple of days here with me, but suddenly started refusing food and hasn't eaten or pooped for 7-8 days. He still seems alert, moving about, his eyes are clear, but he's got me worried.

My father had crushed walnut as a substrate until I learned that that could be the cause and removed it when he stopped eating. I've have brought him in to the place where they bought him and they say he does seem to have something in his bowels (you can feel lumps in his tummy). Also, he stuggles to go, blowing himself up and pushing, but nothing comming out. His breeder/seller seems to think that it will eventually pass on it's own, but I fear that he may be getting weaker by not eating in about a week. We don't really have any vets who specialize in herps around here.

I've been giving warm baths 2 times a day, with belly rubs. He tries to poop every time he gets in his bath, but is unsuccessful. I've also been trying to force feed him some watered down baby food, and a few drops of mineral oil per day. I've been using an eye dropper to try to feed him. He doesn't take the food well and I find it hard to get anything into him. He only takes a few licks and then refuses it. He's not eating enough to make any difference and I'm afraid I'll hurt him if I try to open his mouth for him. He refuses all insects including waxworms.

I'm running out of steam and would accept any info or help anyone could offer me. Thank you in advance.
 
It might help to try some of the mineral oil in the other end as well... But I would start calling around trying to locate a vet right away.
 
I agree with paul, keep calling around. Also keep going with the baths, warm water should help. Best of luck, and keep us updated.
 
Still no poo . But I did manage to get him to eat some pureed turnip greens and blueberries with a small drop of mineral oil. It's probably the most he's eaten for almost a week. Maybe I should try adding more fruits. He doesn't seem to like the baby food much (squash and sweet potatoe).
 
First, Keep up what you are doing. Second, Is he warm enough? I assume his basking temps are good, keep him warm enough. Third, see a vet! Paul is right as a last resort you can try a colloquial flush. I wouldn't use oil though just warm water. Soak him in warm water then use the same temp water, 1 to 2 cc's injected carefully via a syringe, no needle, into his vent then massage his stomach downward. CAUTION...this can hurt him worse or kill him if you are not experienced at doing this procedure. If you can take him to the vet and have the experienced vet do it that would be better.
 
I talked to my family last night, and mentioned finding him a vet. My father was not there at the moment but was supposed to get back to me. Haven't heard from him since. I need them to give me the go-ahead before I bring him in to a vet, especially since I myself can't afford to pay for the medical expenses. Why did this have to happen while his family was on vacation????

The good news is he's eating better today. Maybe he just likes blueberries alot, but I've managed to get about 3 medicine droppers full of puree into him. He probably is dehyraded as he hasn't been willing to eat much until today. he doesn't drink during his baths either.

Anyway, I'll keep you all updated on his progress. Wish us luck. And thanks for all the help thus far.
 
Thank you Paul for being so kind...
The vet clinic that I take my dog to has a vet that deals with reptiles. My family are comming back tomorrow so I'm not sure if I should go ahead and take him in to the emergency clinic (only walk-ins available on sunday for an extra $25 fee), or if I should wait for them. They probably won't get here till late in the evening. Also, I'd have to make sure that the right vet is in tomorrow (there is only one vet in the clinic that deals with exotics).
 
He Pooped Today...

Finally,
After about 9-10 days he pooped while taking a warm bath. I know it's not over yet though because I can still feel more lumps in his belly. He also ate today (the puree mixture again). Is it alright to be only offering him veggies/fruits right now? Or should I try mashing up some worms or something for him as well? I called the vet this morning and they are open for emergencies at 1:00. The beardies owners are also comming back today, so I'll try to wait till they get here and tell them he really needs to see a vet. His poop was full of crushed walnut (PLEASE DO NOT USE THE STUFF).
 
The family is home, but Spiro (the beardie) is still with me right now. He pooped again last night, and had another small one today, both times he was taking a warm bath. He's also eating better, haven't tried any live foods yet, but might offer him some waxworms tonight or tomorrow. He will go out with his family tonight and I will show them how to hand feed and bath him. I think he'll be ok, at least that's the way it looks right now. Thanks guys for all your help.
 
When you do start back on the crickets feed a smaller size than normal. Give his stomach time to get used to digesting them again. The smaller crickets have less non-digestible material so it should be easier on him.
 
He's doing great!!!

Thanks again guys,
He is back home and has passed all the lumps that I could feel in his belly. My little brother (only 9 years old) did an awesome job of feeding him his pureed veggies and he passed 3 more lumps on his own in his tank. The beardie is now back to his ravenous self and is very active. Each of the lumps he passed was the size of a grape...yikes. Thought I'd give you an update in case someone else happens to be in the same situation.
 
I'm glad to hear he's getting better and has passed the blockages. You did a good job taking care of him. Like Bob said, I would advise feeding him easy-to-digest meals until his digestive tract can heal and recuperate. For the time being, I would probably stick with the smaller crickets and avoid any fruits or veggies that might have seeds as well as waxworms. I have heard that waxworms are a little harder for a bearded dragon to digest. Also, make sure he gets plenty of water, too.

Once again, good job!
 
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