4470 El Camino Real

Los Altos, California 94022

Veterinarian Always on Duty

Bearded Dragon with Encephalitis

The Professor

The Professor was a three year old male bearded dragon that was presented, cold and tremoring, in the middle of January. He was treated with fluids, antibiotics, and calcium. Blood was drawn for calcium and phosphorous levels, which were normal. The rest of the sample was sent off for a complete panel. His tremoring progressed to a seizure, which responded to a dose of valium. The Professor was placed in an incubator to keep him warm, started on IV fluids, and given antibiotics and Vitamin B. A radiograph was taken that was unremarkable. He had good bone density and no foreign body was seen. Rule outs for tremoring at that time included toxins (pesticides, lead, zinc), hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency), vitamin B deficiency, trauma, seizure disorder, infection, and neoplasia (tumor).

His owner was questioned about diet and husbandry. There was no known exposure to toxins or trauma. He is supplemented with calcium and vitamins with his meals. He had been lethargic and had a poor appetite for a couple of months. The blood panel came back the next day and both the blood chemistries and CBC were normal. With calcium deficiency, toxin, trauma, and vitamin deficiency ruled out, the most likely cause was meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation or infection of the neurologic system). The Professor was treated with antibiotics and supportive care, which consisted of fluids (injectable and soakings) and syringe feedings. Slowly over the course of several weeks, The Professor showed improvement. The tremoring and seizures stopped after the first week. His appetite and activity levels continued to steadily increase.

A month later, his owner reports that The Professor is doing great. He is eating very well and is extremely active.

Date: January 2000

Species: Bearded Dragon

Diagnosis: Neurologic system infection

Doctor: Curt Nakamura

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