Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Reptiles > My bearded dragon keeps fitting!

My bearded dragon keeps fitting!

22 13:29:55

Question
My bearded dragon is approx 6months old. We have had her for a month, in a brand new tank with a new UVB tube, heat lamp, sand,rocks, hides etc. we spray her tank everyday and she enjoys licking the leaves fo water, She loves her veg...kurly kale, rocket etc and meal worms and crickets. She used to love coming out, she would run on the bed, then run back to my hand, look up at me and run over my arms and legs and really enjoyed being out for cuddles. However she has recently began fitting. She started 5pm yesterday, thrashing her whole body around her vivarium, then gasping for air then collapsing and becoming very still. This continued, we took her to the vet, who gave her steroid and vitamin supplements, we brort her home and she began again. we looked after her untill aftermidnight at which point i nursed her untill early hours of the morning, she fitted every 3 to 5 mins. i then put her back, with lights off and 2 warm water bottles to lie on in her viv (like the vet said) she fitted during the night however we left her untill this morning. She continued fitting so i took her back to the vet, who gave her medicine for pesticides (just incase) and medicine for her nerves, then valium to calm her fits. She did calm down however continued fitting but less ficious, they then began getting further and further apart, however she is still twitching, gasping and swollowing alot uncomfortably. she hasnt eaten now for 3 days... and im just syringe feeding her sum medicne mixed with water to give her energy to stop her giving up over night. Im soo soo upset, please help. We have to ring vet tomorow to make a decision wether to keep her going or put her to sleep. i dont know what to do :(

Answer
Hello Stephanie,

Did the vet do a blood test when you had her in?  I would do a blood test first, to determine the calcium levels in her.  Request an ionized calcium test, as well which tests to see what the 25-Hydroxy levels are in the bone.  
Do you supplement with calcium on a regular basis?
Which medications were given for parasites, & how were parasites found?  Was a fecal done on her?  
I think that 3 medications was a little overkill on such a young dragon.  What is the dose for the medication?  Be careful with too many meds, that can make things worse, instead of better.  It sounds like to me, that she is suffering from metabolic bone disease.  Did she have any other symptoms prior to this, such as stopping climbing, or loss of balance or appetite slightly?
Do you have any probiotics on hand to give her while she is on the meds?

Which UVB light are you using, a fluorescent tube bulb, or a compact/coil light?  I NEED the brand, please.  
Do you have any pictures of her for me?

What kind of sand are you using for her, a calcium based sand?  Do you see her licking it at all?  It is a possibility that she might be a little impacted, also.  

Let me know how things go.  

Tracie