Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Reptiles > water dragon health questions

water dragon health questions

22 13:24:49

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my female water dragon recently lay 4 (lets call them empty) eggs. I've had her for close to 2 years now and this is the first time she's lay eggs, however i didn't have a proper area for her to bury her eggs so she kind of of just lay them in the water, but my concern now is her behavior, she doesn't move around a lot, she doesn't eat, and barely opens her eyes, I've read up on some stuff in Tricia's Water Dragon page but don't really what course of action to take.

Then there's my second water dragon, he's a male who is naturally skinny but eats fine, moves plenty, but does like to sleep quit a bit, my concern with him is his lower lip, it's a little difficult to describe but i think it's lip rot, but i have no clue.

Need some helpful feed back. I can send pictures if you request so. Thanks.

ANSWER: Hello Michael,

Yes, some pictures would be helpful.  
Are your water dragons housed separately?  
What type of tank do you use, a glass tank or other type of tank?  They are often referred to as nose bangers.  They are not able to see glass & a lot of times repeatedly bang their snouts up against the glass damaging the tissue severely.

Are you using UVB lighting & if so, what type & brand do you use?  Is it a tube bulb or a compact/coil light?   How often does she get calcium?  
What are the temperatures in the tank?

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes they are housed separately, i have them both in enclosure made of wood on all sides except for the doors which have netting. I am using UVB lighting but do not remember the brand. In the males cage I use a compact light and in females a coil. I keep temperatures at minimum around 28. Calcium ... well before she got like this I'd give it to her regularly (I have powder which i put on her food before feeding her)but lately since she hasn't eaten in a while i try it with every feeding. However she still hasn't eaten and she seems sensitive to light, she doesn't open her eyes much. Pics coming soon. Thanks.

Answer
Hello Michael,

The brand of UVB light is very important.  It should be stamped on the base of the bulb.  You are using a compact/coil UVB light, correct?  
That may be why she is sensitive to light.  Those lights are known to be hazardous to their health & their eyes.  They emit the incorrect UVB wavelength & hinder D3 synthesis.  
I would turn the compact/coil light off for now, leaving just the bright white basking light on.  Try getting the Reptisun 10 tube bulb instead.  It is much better & safer as well.
Keep feeding her with baby food, to ensure she gets some nutrition if she is not eating on her own yet.  

Let me know how she is doing.
Tracie