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LisaAnnie
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Post subject: IMPACTION INFORMATION
 Posted: Jul 23, 2006 - 05:56 PM
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Joined: Nov 21, 2003
Posts: 6611
Location: INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
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 IMPACTION INFORMATION
LIKELY CAUSES
The first thing we need to know about impactions is that they can vary from the uncomfortable to paralyzing and life-threatening. Dragons can, AND DO, die because of impactions. There are several reasons that impactions form:
TEMPS ARE TOO LOW IN THE ENCLOSURE(A major cause!)
FOOD ITEMS ARE TOO BIG
THE DRAGON IS DEHYDRATED
INGESTED (eaten) SUBSTRATE ( A major cause!)
UNMOLTED PREY ITEMS ..too much chitin (exoskeleton)
IMPROPER FOOD FED TO SMALL DRAGONS (too much chitin, prey too big.)
PARASITE MED THAT CAUSED DEHYDRATION
SYMPTOMS OF IMPACTION
Some of the symptoms of impaction are similar to other dragon health issues, and this can often confuse keepers. If your dragon is exhibiting symptoms of serious impaction, see veterinary assistance IMMEDIATELY!
MILD IMPACTION
Loss of appetite
Not defecating (pooping) as often
Defecating only liquid fecal material
Not moving around much (lethargic)
Straining to defecate
MODERATE IMPACTION
All of the above, PLUS you may notice that one or more of the dragons limbs are trembling. At this point in the impaction process, the dragon may be regurgitating (vomiting) food. It may also be having trouble walking normally...actually dragging its back legs.
MAJOR IMPACTION
Again, all of the above and more. Back and front legs may be paralyzed, you may see a raised area (a "bump") on the top of the dragon's spine. You might also feel the impaction as a lump in the dragon's stomach. This is no time for us amatures...get the dragon to a vet ASAP!
IMPACTION TREATMENT
As stated above, if you suspect a major impaction...get the dragon to a qualified reptile vet ASAP!
IF YOU SUSPECT A MINOR OR MODERATE IMPACTION....Do ALL of the following, preferably three times daily.
OLIVE OIL Give a baby dragon three drops of warm OLIVE OIL daily. Older dragons can have more than that....up to five drops per 100 gms of body weight.
SOAK AND STROKE therapy. This is used ONLY for minor to moderate impactions. Put the dragon in warm water up to its shoulders. Slip one or two fingers beneath the dragon, and, gently but firmly, stroke its underside from the shoulders to the vent. Do this three times daily for about five minutes. Then let the dragon soak in the warm water (SUPERVISED!) for as long as time permits. An hour is ideal.
REHYDRATE! This is VERY important. Soaking will help to hydrate your dragon, but ingesting fluids is vital too. You'll find more hydration tips in this KCS article.....http://dragontank.com/main/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=3853
THE GOOD NEWS!!
Dragons CAN recover from impactions..even the severe kind! Remember....as with most problems in life, prevention is a whole lot better than treatment.  But even the most observant and dedicated dragonkeeper might find themselves dealing with an impacted dragon at one time or another. In the case of severe impactions, (if caught soon enough) your qualified herp vet can put your dragon back on the road to recovery. We know of MANY dragons (in ALL of the catagories) that have survived, regained the full use of their limbs, and gone on to live healthy, happy lives. 
P.S. Many thanks to Franni (Sassafrass) for both her input and for acting as editor for this article.
Annie and Lisa |
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