Bearded dragons can also be vulnerable to ear infections, like a human or other pets. The ear infection in these reptiles is caused by fungal or bacterial infections, that develop mild to severe symptoms, including neurological symptoms in case of an inner ear infection.
Unlike humans and other pets, the ears of bearded dragons don't protrude. You may think that they don't have ears at all. They are without any external ear structures to receive sound, but simple holes with no external lobes. Although a bearded dragon has excellent hearing.
Where Are The Ears?
The ears of a bearded dragon are holes that would be set on either side of the head, further back than the eyes. The ear is placed halfway down between the mouth and the eye. The reptiles' thin membrane is recessed and crosses the opening of the hole.
When observing the inside of the bearded dragon's ear, it appears very similar to humans. The bearded dragon depends on membranes and bones for the transmission of sound to a cavity. The cavity has liquid filled in it which alters vibrations and pressure. Vibrations produced in the liquid stimulate sensory cells, relaying an electrical impulse along an auditory nerve to interpret all the sounds being heard.
Several different Bearded Dragon Ear Infection Symptoms indicate there is an ear infection in your pet. These include:
- Swollen tympanic membrane, i.e., the film covering ear holes.
- Discharge from the ear.
- Loss of hearing.
- Black or brown colored spots in the ear.
- Head tilting.
- Loss of balance.
Cause Of Ear Infection
Ear infections are usually the outcome of a fungal or bacterial infection, even if the habitat and living conditions of your loved bearded dragon will define how well it can fight off infection. With a lowered immune system it becomes harder for your reptile pet to fight infection in the ear.
To ensure that your bearded dragon stays strong and healthy with an excellent immune system, you have to set up its habitat to optimum levels. Bearded dragons love to live in a warm and dry habitat with basking areas, which allow them to soak up the UV rays of the sun. This helps in reducing the risk of metabolic bone disease.
These reptiles require daytime temperatures of between 75ºF and 85ºF with basking temperatures ranging between 88ºF and 100ºF. Night temperatures may drop to the lowest at 70ºF. Always try to use a digital thermometer to monitor temperatures regularly.
Ear Infection Treatment
The moment you see any Bearded Dragon Ear Infection Symptoms, you will want to make an appointment with the vet. The vet will carry out a thorough examination and diagnose your dragon. If diagnosed with an ear infection, your reptile pet will need to be given antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be administered according to the direction of your vet.
Summing Up
A clever preventive tip you can make is to buy a good quality digital thermometer which will allow you to measure the temperature of the habitat in real-time, for effective and ongoing monitoring. Make sure your temperatures are kept at optimum levels so that your dragon stays healthy and strong.
