The first and most important thing to do is find a good vet before you need one. In many rural areas it can be difficult to find a vet that has any reptile experience. Often times you may find one that is willing to try, but has no training. In these cases, it is helpful to know a bit about possible diagnoses yourself, and then sit down and discuss it with your vet. Here is a list of common ailments and possible treatments.
Calcium Deficiency
Symptoms tectonic twitching (the shakes)
soft jaw bone / bone deformation
neurological problems
Treatment Additional UV
Calcium supplements
Coccidia (Protozoa Infection)
Symptoms Weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargic
Loose runny smelly stool
Diagnosis/Treatment Have a fecal test run
antibiotics, Sulfadimethoxine (Albon)
Worms
Symptoms Loss of appetite, lethargic, not basking
Treatment Get a fecal test done. Panacur for most types.
Impaction
Symptoms Partial paralysis of hind legs, spasms, seizures, lethargic
Treatment Warm bath (may take hours) while holding upright to relieve pressure off the spine. You may also give a drop or two of mineral oil and sometimes an enema helps (should only be done by a knowledgeable vet).
Respiratory Infection
Symptoms Forced breathing, gaping, excess mucus, audible popping or wheezing in breathing
Treatment Raise basking temperature to 110 degrees. Get to a vet ASAP. Usually by the time that this is noticed it will not clear up on its own and needs antibiotics.
Brumation
Symptoms Lethargic, loss of appetite
Treatment This is completely normal. Its kind of like a mini hibernation that beardies go through in the cooler months. Lower the temps, turn off the lights and stop feeding. Leave a water dish in case they wake up and are thirsty. Keep an eye on their weight, they shouldnt loose very much if any during this process. When its time for them to wake up, bring the lights and heat back up to normal levels and resume feeding.
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