Bearded Dragon.

Question
QUESTION: Okay I am relatively new to owning bearded dragons. I just rescued one yesterday from a add on craigslist. I now have two dragons. The one I rescued yesterday seems to have some kind of rot going on. His right front foot seems to be completely rotten. It looks like it is just barely hanging on there by a thread. I am not sure if it is male or female yet. They said it was three years old but its awfully tiny to be that old my other male is only two and is three times the size of the one i just got.

I have also noticed that besides his foot being completely rotted off. His back feet two of his toes are not separated. They don't have claws either. I don't know what to do. I started by giving him a luke warm bath and putting some hydrogen peroxide on the foot and this morning i put some triple antibiotic ointment on it as well. I however know that the foot is not savable. What can I do?

ANSWER: Take it to a veterinarian who can properly treat the beardie and until you actually have more experience I would highly recommend that you do not rescue any animals as these animals come at very significant cost due to vet bills, medications, etc. You may also download my free ebook on bearded dragons at http://www.reptileapartment.com

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QUESTION: I have experience with other handicap animals such as dogs snakes, pigs and other creatures. I am an animal rescue person. I think that your answer was rather rude. You have no right to tell me that I should not rescue animals. I am tying to give these animals a second fighting chance at life. It is either me rescue them and attempt to make their life better or let them die. which do you think is right? Do you not think that I know what the responsibility of taking on a rescue animal was? I was just wondering if this was something I could take care of at home or if I needed to consult my vet. Thanks for wasting my time.

Answer
"Okay I am relatively new to owning bearded dragons." To clarify this statement tells me you are someone ho doesn't have experience in rescuing reptiles. If you were/are an animal/reptile rescue person in my opinion the proposed situation is not even a question as you stated "His right front foot seems to be completely rotten. It looks like it is just barely hanging on there by a thread." I don't know of anyone who regularly does in-home amputations which this situation clearly calls for as any qualified reptile person with experience would tell you. That's the first thing. Now then, moving on to another statement that shows me inexperience "putting some hydrogen peroxide on the foot and this morning i put some triple antibiotic ointment" this leads me to believe that you are using human grade medicine which is completely different than what is used by veterinarians. Never anywhere was it mentioned that you have any experience rescuing reptiles or anything at all. That said based on my decade plus experiences with reptiles and their captive care and the individuals who operate rescue organizations the above led me to believe that you were someone with all the best intentions which is great but often times the best intentions have costed the lives of countless reptiles in my experience. I do apologize that you felt I was "rude" in my statement however had you been clear in stating your experience I am sure I would have responded in a more "professional" manner as I deal personally with many rescue organizations in the reptile realm world wide as a matter of fact. I wish you all the best in your pursuits.