Case Study: A Toofer Twofer

With exotic pets, things are not always what they seem. This bearded dragon was scheduled for a sick pet exam because his owner thought he saw worms in the feces. Upon examination, there were no parasites in the sample, but other serious concerns came to light. He was suffering from metabolic issues likely caused by nutritional and lighting deficiencies. Bloodwork confirmed calcium deficiency and underlying infection, and radiographs revealed overall weak bone structure as well as a historic fracture of his tail, which had visible dead and dying tissue at the tip that was spreading toward the body.

Upon further examination he was found to have severe periodontal disease with inflammation indicating stomatitis. We prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pain relievers to start right away and scheduled him for a dental cleaning and amputation of the necrotic portion of the tail the following week.

He did well with his treatments at home and came for his surgical procedures looking spunkier already. He was sedated for the dental cleaning and the difference afterward was remarkable!

He was then fully anesthetized with inhalent anesthesia for the tail amputation, wherein the necrotic tissue was removed, leaving the healthy remainder of his tail intact.

With the dead tissue removed, we utilized cold laser therapy to help speed healing and alleviate inflammation.

This bearded dragon went home after recovery from anesthesia and continues on his antibiotics and pain relievers. He will return in 2 weeks for postsurgical assessment, but his owner reports he is already feeling better, is enjoying the positive changes in his diet and environment, and that the surgical area is looking great! Had his owner not been attentive, things could have gotten much worse very quickly. Anytime you see anything “off” with your bird or exotic pet, call us right away. Sometimes it’s not what you think!