my chinese water dragons mouth

darmeg · 01-30-09, 06:38 PM

I am concerned about my baby water dragons mouth. He is still very young and I got him almost a month ago, but I have noticed that he has a slight under-bite and he often has his mouth open. Today I went to the pet store (not the one where I got him from) and asked a few questions about his mouth. They said that his mouth might be open because of respiratory problems, and i forgot to ask about his under-bite. He seems healthy: he eats, he poops, he bathes, he drinks, he isn't under weight, hes alert, and he is very inquisitive. I am fairly sure that he doesn't have mouth rot because I have seen it before, and his mouth looks nothing like the illness. He tries to get out often, but im not sure if that is the cause because his nose is not raw, i looks fine. I would really like some Insight about what might be going on with his mouth. I'm worried about him.

citysnakes · 01-31-09, 11:48 AM

can you post pictures?

milldabeast · 04-19-09, 08:22 AM

i wouldnt worry about over or under bite cus if he does have it what are u gona do? send him to the dentist? as for leaving his mouth open yea thats a problem. could either be R.I(respatory prob.) or to hot? needs a drink? could have an abcess in his throat. im not to sure exactly what they are but i think its damage peices of cartilage or somthn from eating large prey.

citysnakes · 04-19-09, 11:07 PM

actually an over or underbite may possibly be a symptom of metabolic bone disease(MBD) which is pretty common in reptiles that require calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation and UVB radiation such as chinese water dragons. a flexible lower jaw is an early symptom of MBD and may look like an over or underbite.

if this is the case then you need to read up on feeding and supplementation for chinese water dragons and get it on point asap.

but it could be anything and without pics who knows whats wrong with your dragon?