Ouch!

[Thomas]

How does this happen and how do I fix or prevent it?

[alewis0890]

what is the uvb lamp? how long has she been under it? what is she supplemented with?



a vet should check that out..

[Thomas]

I do not know his history and cannot afford a vet.  For his current care I'm following this care sheet http://bearded-dragons.com/boards/index.php/topic,8.0.html

[alewis0890]

so you wouldnt know if he was like that from birth or not?

[Thomas]

I was told it started in the elbow, progressed to the forearm, then more recently to the thigh, with about a year between each.  He was housed alone so it can't be from fighting.  I didn't know to ask about lighting or temperatures, and they kept all his stuff, transporting him to me in a rubbermaid bin with air holes.  The owners were in a hurry to get rid of him and all he did was lay around when I got him.  I've had him about a week and got a bunch of stuff for him from the pet store, and I had a non-aquatic glass cage from a yard sale that is very big, and he's seeming very lively now, but this weird swelling I wonder what it is and if it will spread or be contagious.  I've tried contacting them about what they used for him but they won't reply.  Any lizard I've had before didn't need special lighting care or vitamins, so I didn't have that already, but I tried finding out about the swelling online and that's how I found your site and that care sheet.  He limps on his front leg like it doesn't have the full use, but he doesn't flinch if I put pressure on the bump so I don't think it hurts him.  He looks at me if I pet his swollen claws but ignores me if I pet his normal ones.  His color has been much more yellow lately than when I got him, he was more brown, is this normal?  He also does not bite but he goes bonkers if I try to give him a bath.  The water is nice and warm, not too hot and not too deep, but he really really hates it so I have to hold him the whole time and he's a bit more calm if I pet his head.  They told me he was somewhere between 5 and 7 years old.

[Alara]

I know you said you couldn't afford a vet but he does need a vet.

[Thomas]

Pounds might have vet care, but they're for furry animals.  What do you recommend?

[beardielover17]

he looks awfully small for 5-7 yrs old although it could be the perspective in the pictures...honestly thats something you cant get around without seeing a vet...most dragons will change colors depending on their moods, temps, etc etc as far as the baths...not all dragons like them but most will get used to them and atleast tolerate them...i think this is going to be a mix of vitamin/calcium issues along with uvb issues nd the swelling could b from a shed that didnt come off or an injury in the past that caused it to swell but like we said a vet needs to look at it...where r u located?

[Thomas]

I am in Cannich, Scotland.  I have opportunity to visit Inverness one or two times a week to get anything I need, or online.  I have changed this profile to show it now.

[ladyknite]

Calcium deficiencies in advancing (not advanced) stages consist of joint swelling and sometimes infections.
Although a vet would be the best source of information and treatment for you, doing nothing will only progress the issue.
Until I could work out a payment schedule, I'd obtain some ca glubionate http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Meds.html#CalciumGluconate  Veronica will typically ship anywhere.  Just email her and explain your issue.
and obtain a good MVB.  Healing will take time.  So if you can get him checked for infection you'll be on the right road.

Good Luck