Bearded Dragon Broken Jaw: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent It
Bearded Dragon Broken Jaw: Introduction
Bearded dragons are amazing reptilian pets. They’re engaging, friendly and playful creatures. And because of their unique and delightful appearance, it’s easy to see why these creatures have grown so popular over the years. But even these cute creatures can experience serious issues – one of the most common being a broken jaw caused by an injury, which could lead to a lifetime of issues if not addressed.
What Is a Broken Jaw in Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons’ jaws are always active as they chew their meals. Unfortunately, their jaws can get injured or dislocated. This type of injury can be caused by many reasons such as: a fall, a bite from another animal, or getting trapped somewhere. Unfortunately, these accidents can result in a broken jaw.
How to Identify Bearded Dragon Broken Jaw
It’s not always easy to tell if your bearded dragon is dealing with a broken jaw, especially if you aren’t sure what to look for. The following are some of the signs that may indicate your bearded dragon has a broken jaw:
- Swelling or bruising around the reptile’s jaw
- Difficulty or reluctance to open the mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Hissing or biting when trying to handle the animal
How to Treat Bearded Dragon Broken Jaw
If your bearded dragon is diagnosed with a broken jaw, it’s crucial to get them the right treatment as soon as possible. Failure to do so could result in serious complications, including permanent problems with eating, breathing, and speaking.
The treatment for a bearded dragon broken jaw will vary according to the extent and location of the break. Here are some treatment options to consider:
- Antibiotics to prevent infections
- Force-feeding to keep the animal nourished while healing
- Surgery to stabilize the jaw
- Pain medication to reduce discomfort during recovery
How to Prevent Bearded Dragon Broken Jaw
Preventing a broken jaw in a bearded dragon is much easier than trying to deal with one once it has happened. Here are some important tips to help you ensure that your bearded dragon stays safe and happy:
- Protect your bearded dragon by ensuring their environment is spacious and free of any debris that could make them fall or get into an accident
- Feeding the right type of food to make sure your pet has a healthy and strong jaw
- Making sure the food is the appropriate size to prevent choking or jaw injuries
- Handling your bearded dragon gently to reduce the risk of injuries
- Don’t keep more than one bearded dragon in the same enclosure as they can fight and injure each other
Conclusion
A broken jaw in a bearded dragon is a serious and painful condition. Fortunately, with the proper treatment and care, many animals can recover from this injury and go on to live happy, healthy lives.