There are a bunch of reasons why a bearded dragon might not open one eye, like injury, illness, or infection. Dehydration, shedding, eye infections, parasitic infections, and foreign objects in your bearded dragon’s eye may cause discomfort, too.
Sometimes a bearded dragon shuts one eye because of an illness, nutritional deficiency, or corneal damage. You should take your bearded dragon to a vet if you suspect it’s got an eye infection. In order to treat the infection, the vet might give you eye drops or antibiotics.
Until then, you can gently wash away any crusting or discharge from his eye with a warm soak, which may help temporarily.
Causes of Bearded Dragon Not Opening One Eye
Bearded dragons not opening one eye can be caused by a range of issues. Eye infections, foreign objects, injury, and dehydration are some reasons. It is important for owners to seek veterinary advice to ensure proper treatment. It’s essential to rule out other potential causes, including neurological conditions.
Why did the bearded dragon get an eye patch? It wasn’t because it wanted to be a pirate, but because of an unfortunate eye injury.
Eye Injury
Bearded dragons can experience eye injuries, which can be caused by infectious diseases, poor husbandry, inappropriate diet, or physical trauma.
Symptoms of an eye injury in bearded dragons include redness, swelling, discharge, cloudiness, dull appearance, wounds or bleeding, and keeping the eye closed.
If your bearded dragon has an eye injury, you should keep the area clean and dry, and apply a cold compress to help reduce swelling.
Do not apply any ointments or creams to the area, as they may cause further irritation. If the injury is severe, you should see a veterinarian.
In some cases, honey can be used to treat an eye injury in bearded dragons. If you suspect that your bearded dragon has an eye infection or injury, it is important to seek veterinary care to properly diagnose and treat the issue.
Eye Infection
Eye infections in bearded dragons can be a cause for concern and should be addressed promptly. Here are some key points about eye infections in bearded dragons:
Symptoms of Eye Infection in Bearded Dragons:
- Eyes remain closed
- Eyes are crusted, making it difficult for the lizard to open its eyes
- Eyes have discharge, a sign that infection is present
- Eyes remain swollen
Causes of Eye Infection in Bearded Dragons:
- Vitamin A deficiency: Bearded dragons are omnivorous and can suffer from vitamin A deficiency if not provided with a balanced diet.
- Infectious diseases: Poor husbandry practices, such as unclean enclosures or improper temperature and humidity levels, can lead to eye infections.
- Inappropriate diet: Feeding bearded dragons an inappropriate diet, such as too many insects or not enough leafy greens, can contribute to eye infections.
Treatment for Eye Infection in Bearded Dragons:
- Veterinary examination: It is important to take your bearded dragon to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Medication: The veterinarian may prescribe topical antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, to treat the infection.
- Warm water baths: Bathing your bearded dragon in warm water can help soothe the eyes and reduce ocular discharge and swelling.
Prevention of Eye Infection in Bearded Dragons:
- Provide a balanced diet: Ensure that your bearded dragon’s diet includes a variety of insects and leafy greens to prevent vitamin deficiencies.
- Maintain proper husbandry: Keep the enclosure clean, maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels, and provide proper lighting for your bearded dragon’s health.
Remember, if you notice any unusual symptoms or signs of an eye infection in your bearded dragon, it is important to seek veterinary care for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Respiratory Infection
Respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, can occur in bearded dragons that are stressed, improperly fed, or kept in poor, cold, or dirty conditions.
These infections may be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, and may weaken the bearded dragon’s immune system, allowing bacteria to invade the respiratory tract.
Symptoms of respiratory infections in bearded dragons include sneezing, discharge from the eyes or nose, bubbles from the mouth or nose, unnaturally rapid or shallow breathing, open-mouthed breathing, decreased appetite, and lethargy.
If you suspect your bearded dragon has a respiratory infection, you should take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Respiratory infections can be diagnosed using radiographs (X-rays), blood tests, and cultures of eye/nose/oral discharges or other samples.
Treatment typically involves correcting environmental issues with the bearded dragon’s habitat, such as ensuring temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and night, the basking temperature is between 105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity is not too high.
If these measures do not allow the bearded dragon’s immune system to fight off the infection, the veterinarian may prescribe oral or injectable antibiotics.
Impacted Substrate
The problem of a Bearded Dragon not opening one eye may be attributed to an issue known as ‘compacted bedding’. This condition occurs when the substrate material used in the enclosure becomes too densely packed, causing damage to the eyes.
| Symptoms | Causes | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| One eye closed | Compacted Bedding | Visit the Vet for medical attention |
| Swelling | – | Visit Vet for medical attention |
| Irritation | – | Use saline solution, avoid potential irritants |
A build-up of compacted bedding can create pressure around the eye sockets, leading to swelling and inflammation. It is important for owners to clear out any debris or compact materials and replace it with appropriate bedding. If swelling or irritation persists, a visit to a vet who has experience in treating reptiles will be necessary.
Looking after your Bearded Dragon’s environment is important for its well-being. Take care when selecting and maintaining their belonging to ensure a happy and healthy pet. Who needs binocular vision when you’re a bearded dragon? Just close one eye and live life on the edge.
Signs and Symptoms of Bearded Dragon Not Opening One Eye
When a bearded dragon closes one eye and keeps the other open, it may be a sign of an underlying issue, which can be minor or severe. Here are some possible reasons why a bearded dragon may not open one of its eyes:
- Disease or infection: An infection inside the eye or behind the socket can make a bearded dragon close the affected eye. A bearded dragon’s eye can get sick after catching a bacterial or viral infection. Another organism can also infect it.
- Dehydration: In response to a lack of enough water, a bearded dragon may close one of its eyes. Other common signs that depict a dehydrated bearded dragon are:
- Sunken eyes
- Wrinkled skin
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Damage to the cornea: Scratches or damage to the cornea due to very bright light, wrong lighting, small particles, dust, infection, or accidental injury due to a fall or scratching against branches and other accessories can cause a bearded dragon to keep one eye closed.
- Shedding problems around the eye: Shedding problems around the eye can cause eyelid swelling due to retained shed or lack of vitamins, leading to a bearded dragon not opening one of its eyes.
- Parasitic infections: Parasitic infections can affect various body parts of a bearded dragon, including the eyes. Most parasites, like mites, attack soft tissues, so they might affect the eye tissues and the surrounding areas. Parasitic infection can cause the eyes to swell and even tear up, leading to a bearded dragon closing one eye.
If a bearded dragon is not opening one of its eyes, it is essential to seek veterinary care to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatments for Bearded Dragons Not Opening One Eye
If your bearded dragon is not opening one eye, there can be several reasons for it. Some of the common causes and treatments are:
- Dehydration: Make sure your bearded dragon is getting enough water and is not dehydrated. You can give them a bath or use a dropper to give them water.
- Corneal damage: If there is damage to the cornea, it can cause the bearded dragon to keep its eye closed. You should take your pet to a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Bright lighting: Bright lighting can cause eye problems in bearded dragons. Make sure the lighting in their enclosure is appropriate and not too bright.
- Illness: Illness can also cause eye problems in bearded dragons. If you notice any other symptoms, take your pet to a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Vitamin deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can cause eye problems in bearded dragons. Make sure to include foods that contain vitamin A in their diet and dust their food with pure calcium and multivitamins on separate days.
- Stuck shed: If there is a stuck shed around the eye, it can cause the bearded dragon to keep its eye closed. You can try a home remedy by diluting honey in water and applying it to the eyelashes with a Q-tip. However, if the problem persists, take your pet to a vet.
- Parasites: Parasites can also cause eye problems in bearded dragons. Take your pet to a vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you notice any issues with your bearded dragon’s eyes, it is important to seek veterinary care to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention and Maintenance
Preventive Measures and Upkeep
Maintaining the health of bearded dragons is paramount for their well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups, cleanliness, a well-balanced diet, and sufficient lighting and heating are preventative measures for common health issues.
To avoid eye infections that could cause one eye not to open, always maintain a clean habitat and avoid placing them in dirty environments. Furthermore, ensure to monitor the humidity levels, always provide clean drinking water, and clean their feces consistently.
To alleviate this issue, veterinary care should be sought as soon as possible. The veterinarian may prescribe medications or recommend additional steps to take to treat the infection.
Notably, the prevention of recurring eye infections can be achieved by providing a clean habitat, adequate hydration and nutrition, and appropriate veterinary care.
Proper Enclosure Setup and Maintenance
Enclosure Setup and Maintenance are crucial for preventing and maintaining a safe environment for animals. The following six steps can be taken to ensure proper care:
- Research the specific requirements of the animal’s species before setting up their enclosure.
- Choose an appropriate enclosure type, size, and location that meets the needs of the animal.
- Use substrate material that is clean, safe, and appropriate for the specific animal’s needs.
- Provide appropriate food and water sources routinely as per the requirements of animals.
- Clean and disinfect regularly to maintain a healthy environment in the enclosure.
- Check the condition of decorations and equipment frequently to ensure they are functional, clean, and safe.
Do not forget to provide toys or anything new to engage them.
In addition to these steps that aid in enclosure setup and maintenance, it is essential always to monitor any changes or signs of sickness in animals regularly.
Avoiding Trauma and Injury
To promote a safe environment, it is essential to be mindful of potential causes leading to bodily harm. Mitigate instances that may cause trauma by being aware of the surrounding environment, and items with sharp edges or corners, and prevent slipping due to spillages or uneven surfaces. It is essential to avoid activities that may pose a threat to injury such as extreme sports or hazardous work conditions.
Adequate signage and secure barriers can assist in preventing injuries within facilities that house hazardous materials or machinery. Creating a safety plan prior to engaging in an activity that exposes one to risk is a necessary precautionary measure.
Being vigilant about safety can prevent severe accidents from happening; however, if you find yourself in an unsafe scenario resulting in injury, seek medical attention immediately. It’s important not to wait until symptoms worsen.
As avoidance is always better than emergency care, make sure you take preventative measures mindful of ways you could cause bodily harm.
Regular Vet Check-ups
Pets require Routine Health Check-ups to maintain their well-being. Regular Veterinary Examinations are necessary for the early diagnosis of underlying health issues and to provide on-time preventive interventions. A thorough physical examination, routine laboratory testing, and discussion about diet and routine care can help maintain optimal health.
During the Check-up vets check for – unusual lumps or growths, dental health, heart and lung function, skin condition, and nail, and eye health. It is recommended that older pets should undergo regular check-ups twice a year.
Preventive care is always better than handling illness later. Proper treatment by professionals prevents serious illnesses from developing further and also provides medical care during an emergency.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, “Dogs with periodontal disease were 2.3 times more likely to be diagnosed with kidney disease than dogs without periodontal disease.”
Monitoring Behavior and Health Closely
It is vital to observe closely both the behavior and health conditions of oneself and others around. Being aware of any changes in behavior or physical conditions can be imperative for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Some measures that can be taken to monitor behavioral changes include keeping track of mood fluctuations, communication patterns, eating habits, sleeping schedules, and social interactions. Similarly, observing physical aspects like appetite changes, bowel movements, weight gains or losses, and body temperature fluctuations can provide valuable insights into one’s health status.
Regular checkups at medical facilities like hospitals or clinics can also help in keeping track of one’s physical health. These healthcare centers provide regular assessments for conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure fluctuations.
Being proactive about monitoring behaviors and health closely helps individuals discover potential problems at an early stage when they are easier to treat.
