Bearded Dragon Blood In Stool: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

As a bearded dragon owner, it can be concerning to see your pet’s stool with blood. Blood in the stool is not normal and it could indicate an underlying health issue. In this blog post, we will discuss the possible causes, symptoms and treatment of bearded dragon blood in stool.

Causes of Bearded Dragon Blood In Stool

There are several reasons why your bearded dragon may have blood in their stool. These include:

• Parasites: Parasites can cause damage to the digestive tract and result in blood in the stool. The most common parasites found in bearded dragons are protozoa and pinworms.
• Infectious Diseases: Viral, bacterial or fungal infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in the digestive tract. Bearded dragons can get infections from improper sanitation or contact with other infected reptiles.
• Diet: Feeding your bearded dragon with inappropriate or high-oxalate foods such as spinach, kale and rhubarb can cause gastrointestinal irritation and bloody stool.
• Internal Injury: Accidents or physical injury can cause bleeding in the digestive tract.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Inflammatory bowel disease and ulcers can also be a possible cause of blood in the stool.
• Constipation: Constipation can cause hard, dry stool which can lead to tearing of the intestinal walls and bleeding.

Symptoms of Bearded Dragon Blood In Stool

In addition to blood in the stool, there are other symptoms that may indicate your bearded dragon has a health issue. These include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Decreased or absent defecation
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Dehydration
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Unusual fecal appearance (watery, slimy, discolored)

What to do if your Bearded Dragon has Blood In Its Stool

If you notice blood in your bearded dragon’s stool or any other symptoms, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately. Delay can result in worsening of the condition and even death of your pet. Your veterinarian will perform a diagnostic exam to identify the underlying cause and accordingly suggest a treatment plan.

Treatment for Bearded Dragon Blood In Stool

The treatment plan for blood in the stool will depend on the underlying cause. Here are some possible treatments:

• Antiparasitic medication: If your bearded dragon has a parasitic infection, the vet will prescribe anti-parasitic medication.
• Antibiotics: If it is deemed that there is a bacterial infection or inflammation, the vet may prescribe antibiotics.
• Pain medication: If the bearded dragon is found to have abdominal pain or discomfort, pain medication may be prescribed by the vet.
• Fluid therapy: If your bearded dragon is dehydrated or weak, it may be given fluids subcutaneously or intravenously depending on the severity of the condition.
• Surgery: If your bearded dragon has a blockage or internal injuries from an accident, surgery may be required to fix the problem.

Preventing Bearded Dragon Blood In Stool

Prevention is better than cure. Here are some helpful tips to prevent bearded dragon blood in stool:

• Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene
• Feed your bearded dragon with a balanced diet that is appropriate for its age and size
• Avoid feeding high-oxalate foods
• Provide plenty of clean water that is replenished daily
• Maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels according to your bearded dragon’s species
• Provide a stress-free environment and avoid overcrowding with other reptiles.

Conclusion

Blood in the stool is a serious health condition in bearded dragons that needs immediate medical attention. It is important to be aware of the causes and symptoms and to take steps to prevent it from happening. Proper care and a healthy diet can go a long way in reducing the risk of blood in the stool for your bearded dragon.