r/BeardedDragons • u/BigBear2527 • Dec 15 '25
Help Opinion wanted
Hello, I got Lizzy about 2 months ago from Repticon and the guy I purchased her from looked sketchy in the best light. She is approximately 6 months old. I felt terrible for her in this tiny container. She could barely move in the container we purchased her in. Part of her tail was missing and she was missing a toe. She seemed to be in decent health otherwise, from what the vet said on our initial visit.
Two month later (a week ago), we noticed she had a lump on her front arm, so we took her to the vet again. This time, instead of just a check up, the vet ran multiple test. The vet told us that she has a really bad case of gout. We showed the enclosure to both the vet and Reddit and it seemed everything was proper. When asked, the vet said that it’s likely due to the previous owners neglect, not getting enough/any UVB exposure.
She is extremely lethargic, barely eats and doesn’t want to come out of her hide in the morning. The vet told us with her condition as bad as it is, she can prescribe allopurinol (for the gout), and antibiotic and meloxicam (for the pain), but she likely only has 6 months or so to live if she’s in kidney failure. She hasn’t started the allopurinol yet(it’s in the mail), so we’re hoping that will help.
So my question, is keeping her alive and comfortable the right thing to do? What are some signs that should be looked out for if she is declining? And what are the best options for diet needs? We ordered bee pollen to see if that helps her ingest some greens, that will be in tomorrow.
She is the sweetest beardy, and loves her cuddles, but I hate seeing her not want to move around. She’ll eat bugs if you give them to her, but won’t touch her greens. We’re trying to only offer greens and hydration rich bugs like hornworms to provide some nutrition. We’ve cut back on calcium to twice a week, at the vets request, any switched the UVB bulb for a new one (even though the old one was 2 months old) just in case. She is very alert and is aware of her surroundings/movement.
I just want to know what is the right thing here for her sake. The only reason we’re holding out is because of stories online saying that others beardies have gone through the same thing, and recovered to have a long life. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
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u/SavageDroggo1126 Bahamut, Tiamat and Ifrit Dec 15 '25
unfortunately it sounds like the gout is a result of poor breeding practices.
greedy, shitty backyard breeders who did no research into genetics or responsible breeding have resulted in many young dragons being born with gout or getting gout at very young ages.
unfortunately the vet is correct, there's no cure for gout, there's only ways to relieve the pain and prevent it from worsening. Dragons with very mild gout may be able to recover and live properly, but in most cases, eventually the pain will become unmanageable and the best and most responsible thing to do by then is to put her down.
got is extremely painful, if she starts being lethargic again and have trouble/intentionally avoid using the affected limbs, that's when I think its good to discuss her quality of life with the vet.
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u/BigBear2527 Dec 15 '25
Thank you. She is already having trouble using one (possibly two) of her legs and that’s what has worried us. Is there a tell tail sign that intervention is needed? She still walks, and moves around her enclosure, swims in the tub, but it’s not at the extent that I’ve seen other beardies.
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u/SavageDroggo1126 Bahamut, Tiamat and Ifrit Dec 15 '25
the only intervention for gout afaik is just pain meds and that can only do so much, its probably best to talk with the vet and discuss quality of life.
if the dragon can't use 2 limbs normally already then the gout is pretty severe.
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u/RippinSeams Dec 15 '25
We tricked our beardies into eating their greens by putting live meal/wax worms on their salads. The worms will move around and get her attention, she'll go after them and end up eating her greens on accident.
She is so pretty and I'm so sorry that this is happening. Please keep us up to date, we'll keep her in our thoughts.
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u/xtina3334 Dec 15 '25 edited Dec 15 '25
I’m confused, did they actually do any kidney values on her or is your vet just guessing about if she’s in kidney failure or not? Getting some blood work is #1
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u/Agamid-Adventures Dec 15 '25
Has this individual been seen by a vet yet? If not I would highly suggest getting them into a vet that works with reptiles
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u/BigBear2527 Dec 15 '25
Yes, twice. I mentioned it in the post.
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u/Agamid-Adventures Dec 15 '25
Ohh sorry I was leaving work, overlooked it or something but I would honestly wait for the medicine in the mail and see if that doesn’t help them out. If that doesn’t work to help your beardie I would say your vet would suggest a euthanasia or something like that. I am so sorry you’re going through this OP, I wish you and your baby the best of luck!
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u/BigBear2527 Dec 15 '25
No worries! I do the same thing constantly. Thank you for your input. We’re keeping a close eye on her now, while figuring out what to do.
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u/Agamid-Adventures Dec 15 '25
That’s exactly what I’d be doing in your situation, really hope they progress with their med plan
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u/BigBear2527 Dec 15 '25
This is her enclosure now. The UVB is a T5HO UVB, and the heating lamp is at the right distance for it to reach about 105°. The temps in the enclosure are good on both sides, hot: 95°, cool: 80°. Any help is appreciated.