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Bearded dragon choked, now struggling to eat and drink. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Bearded Dragon | Female | unspayed | 7 years old | 1.2 lbs

Bearded dragon had trouble swallowing. Choked on turnip on Saturday the 25th. She swallowed it all when she fell asleep that night. On Sunday and this Monday she had trouble drinking and eating. Brought her to the ER and they took xrays but showed no food in her esophagus. The vet told me her esophagus looks dented and usually its supposed to be straight. Is there anything abnormal in the photos? Please help thanks

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on January 28th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Trudy and including photos. It is hard to evaluate the esophagus on radiographs without contrast media. But the thoracic spine appears arthritic. Do you have the option of having the radiographs sent to a a radiologist for a review, often costs extra? Pain and arthritis can cause gastrointestinal motility problems. Also metabolic disorders (kidneys, liver) can also cause these problems so blood work is recommended. Review and correct husbandry concerns, especially environmental temperature over entire habitat, and UVB exposure. Good luck.

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