Impaction & Constipation
Impaction
Impaction occurs when a dragon eats large amounts of something that is not digestible and it becomes stuck in their bowels. Sadly this causes a high mortality rate in bearded dragons and it is avoidable. Substrate is to blame in 90% of cases related to dragons. Surgery can remove the impaction but sadly most dragon owners do not know that anything is wrong until it is too late. If your dragon is not pooping regularly, is lethargic, not eating, limp, spends all day with its eyes closed or vomits there is a chance it is impacted. Seek out a reptile vet's assistance as soon as possible. The other 10% of impaction cases are related to what type of feeder insects dragon is fed. Over feeding 1 type of feeder bug is never good, super worms, dubia roaches and crickets are great feeders but should be fed intermittently with several other food choices to prevent the possibility of the shells causing a minor impaction.
Though hard to look at, images of a dragons insides after death from impaction are a gruesome reminder of the dangers of certain substrates
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In the white container are the content of this dragon's bowels, completely impacted by ground walnut shell substrate
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Photos on this page are from google images
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Substrates to use:
Solid one piece bedding that can hold up to high heat without melting can be used but these are what I recommend. * Paper Towels
* News Paper * Slate Tile * Reptile Carpet * Or any combination of these |
Substrates not to use:
Don't use any substrate that has pieces that a dragon could eat. Sand Cali-Sand Repti-Sand Colored Sands Ground Walnut Shells Dried Corn on the Cob Dirt Soil Eco-Earth Wood Shavings Bark Alfalfa Pellets Hay |
Veterinarians Agree
Below you can watch a video where an exotic pet veterinarian finds a piece of wood chip in a dragon's belly.
Constipation
Constipation is very different from impaction and it usually due to over feeding and lack of exercise. As dragons grow they become less active, and like any animal being active simulates bowel movements. It is mainly seen in adults and constipation is rarely a serious issue. Hatchling dragons up until about 1 year old should poop daily, for adults 1 year+ should be pooping every 2-3 on average depending on their time spent active outside their enclosure. For adults I would only be concerned if your dragon did not poop once a week. To stimulate a dragon's bowel give them a very warm bath and time to run around outside their enclosure. Use your best judgment on bath temperature as you don't want to burn the dragon but without warmth it will not relax the muscles and help the dragon pass it's stool. If you feel it has been a very long time since your dragon has had a bowel movement, and they seem lethargic and limp, contact a vet.
