Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.
Bearded Dragon
REPTILE_LIZARD· Lifespan: 8-12 years
📋 Breed Predispositions
| Condition | Prevalence | Onset | Severity | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Fungus Disease (Chrysosporium anamorph) | Emerging pathogen | Any age | LIFE THREATENING | Skin biopsy, fungal culture |
| Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) | Most common health issue | < 2 years typically | SEVERE | Radiographs (cortical thinning, fractures), ionized calcium |
| Atadenovirus (ADV) | 30-50% seropositive | Neonatal (fatal) or chronic carrier | SEVERE | PCR (cloacal swab or blood) |
| Gastrointestinal Parasitism | Very common (Coccidia, Pinworms) | Any age | MODERATE RISK | Fecal float and direct smear at every wellness visit |
🩸 Breed-Specific Lab Normals
| Test | Breed Normal | General Range | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ionized Calcium | 1.0-1.5 mmol/L | N/A (species-specific) | iCa < 0.8 mmol/L with clinical signs = MBD. Ca:P ratio should be > 1.5:1. Total calcium is unreliable — always ionized. |
| Uric Acid | 0-5 mg/dL | N/A | Reptiles are uricotelic. Uric acid > 10 mg/dL suggests gout or renal disease. Dehydration artificially elevates values. |
🏥 Anesthesia Considerations
⚠ Renal portal system — avoid hindlimb injections for renally-cleared drugs
Alfaxalone or propofol IV (ventral coccygeal vein). Intubate easily (wide glottis). IPPV mandatory under GA (no diaphragm). Maintain temp 80-85°F. Recovery is SLOW (hours).