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About Tracie Kretzschmar
Expertise
I can answer questions pertaining to health, UVB specifics, overall husbandry care & supplementation, analysis of blood test results, and behavioral problems & handling. I can answer questions pertaining to bearded dragons, leopard geckos, iguanas, uromastyx & ball pythons. I can answer adeno virus related questions in bearded dragons, & then specifically about the testing methods as well. I am beginning an Pogona Adeno Testing Society in 2008 which will help to begin to start some standardization within the bearded dragon colonies of the breeders who choose to test.

Experience
I have been working with bearded dragons for over 5 years now, as well as leopard geckos, too. I am currently doing rescues, as well. I hope to be able to educate people prior to them purchasing an exotic pet in order to avoid any health crisis with them.

Education/Credentials
I have a master's degree in sports medicine & physiology, & 1 year of vet tech schooling, & am currently working on a reptile certification through the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Reptiles > My Beardie

Reptiles - My Beardie

Expert: Tracie Kretzschmar - 11/7/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my bearded dragon has recenty turned 1 yrs old. He seems to be sleeping alot, and not eating. He is not very active, and seems he is ill.

ANSWER: Hello Adam,

Well, what type of tank setup do you have?
What type & brand of UVB light are you using, a florescent tube bulb or a compact/coil light? Are you using a bright white light or a colored light for his basking light?
Do you use calcium supplementation on a regular basis?
He also could be going through brumation, which is a natural slowdown that they tend to go through during the wintertime months.
Can you post a picture of him?

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello, thanks for responding.I have a 4ft Viv, and i use a bright white light for his basking area. I also use a florescent tube bulb (EXO TERRA, Repti-Glo) I use a calcium supplement when he has live food, but not when he has salad. Not really sure how to post a picture of him.

Answer
Hello Adam,

Ok. I would recommend switching out the Reptiglo 10 tube bulb, alright? Unfortunately, this light has not performed well & is supposedly is being worked on to improve it. This light emits low wavelength of UVB light which is not conducive to D3 synthesis. It doesn't have enough UVA as well, which can have the tendency to irritate the eyes. How close is the tube bulb to him? Once you replace this bulb with the Reptisun 10 it will need to be 6-8 inches from him.
How long have you been using the Reptiglo 10?
Here is a link to get the Reptisun 10 tube bulb:
http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/504983/zoo-med-rept...

Good that you are using a bright white basking light. Is it placed right by the tube bulb?
Do his eyes look bright or are they sunken in at all?

At 1 year of age, he should get calcium at least 3 times per week, maybe 4. He will still grow & fill out well into his 2nd year.

Tracie

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