AboutTracie 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.
Question My water dragon has been opening his mouth for extended periods of time for the last 2 or 3 days. He is eating and drinking without any problems and is quite active. I want to find out if this is a respirtory infection or maybe something else?
I also want to check out if his lighting is ok. I have a long neon UVB bulb (4 months installed) and a Daylight bulb, 75 watt and have both of these on during the day. I have a red nighttime bulb (100watt for a few days as they were out of stock on 75watt - but to be changed back to 75 on monday) I have found it so hard to get the right information about lighting ( have tried purple neodymium bulbs, different wattage, spotlight, tight beam, broad bulbs, etc)
He's about 7 months old, (he?? still don't know if it's male or female? any way of finding out before they mature and show yellow/waxy femoral glands??) or will I have to change his name from Eli to elizabeth??)
Answer Hello Ruth,
What is the humidity running in the tank?
What are the temps in the tank, & what type of thermometer are you using to measure the temps with, a stick on type, a digital probe or a temp gun?
He will need a bright white basking bulb instead of a colored bulb, so the one you are using should be fine. We need to make sure his temps are optimal.
Constant gaping "can" be a sign of a respiratory infection, or, it can be a sign of overheating as well.
You can gently lift the tail & look to see if there are any lateral bulges on the external portions of the tail, running vertically.
