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Bearded Dragon Impactions

Bearded Dragon Impaction

Bearded dragon dragon impaction is serious condition where various underlying or husbandry related problems lead to the ingestion of sandy or gravel substrates which leads to intestinal obstruction. It can be broadly categorized into Bearded dragon sand impaction and Bearded dragon gravel impaction.

Bearded Dragon Sand Impaction

Sand impactions are most often secondary to calcium deficiency or  Bearded dragon metabolic bone disease with subsequent geophagia (eating of sand or soil). Metabolic bone disease also leads to the inability of the gut to contract properly. In other words it also prevents the substrate from being excreted as with a healthy Bearded dragon.

Bearded Dragon Gravel Impaction

Bearded dragon gravel (or any other foreign body) impaction is different from sand impactions in that it is usually accidental ingestion of such a substrate. Common problematic substrates include gravel, pebbles, corn cob, bark products and many others.

Bearded Dragon Impaction Diagnosis

Sand impactions are more common than gravel impactions and is suspected with a sick or lethargic Bearded dragon. It is also much commoner in dragons with subsequent metabolic bone disease. Bearded dragon gravel impactions are usually suspected when a dragon suddenly starts become lethargic, anorexic and / or starts to vomit or regurgitate its food. Bearded dragon impactions can almost always be palpated in the abdomen, but radiography might be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.

Bearded Dragon Impaction Prevention

Sand impactions can be prevented by using proper ultraviolet lighting in combination with adequate Bearded dragon supplementation. Substrates such as sand, even so called digestible sand should be avoided. Bearded dragon gravel impactions can also be prevented by using non-particlelised substrates.

Bearded Dragon Impaction Treatment

Before treating any Bearded dragon impaction, the underlying cause must first be identified and rectified. In the case of Bearded dragon sand impactions the possibility of metabolic bone disease must be investigated and treated with parenteral Calcium supplementation. More conservative treatments include laxatives, but most cases justifies hospitalization for intensive treatment. Symptomatic treatment includes parenteral fluid replacement (drips), anti-emetics, antibiotics and force feeding. Impactions can either be removed via regular enemas or surgically via a enterotomy or a gastrotomy (opening of the intestines or stomach). Surgery should be the last resort as it is almost always associated with a poor prognoses.

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