Dragon Turning Brown Disease, or DTBD for short, is a rare genetic disorder that affects Chinese water dragons. It’s caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives dragons their characteristic coloration. Chinese water dragons with DTBD will typically develop patches of brown on their skin, which gradually spread over time until they lose all of their color and become completely brown. It’s caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives Chinese water dragons their characteristic coloration. In some cases, the patches are limited to certain parts of the dragon’s body, such as their tail.
The main symptom of DTBD is the Chinese water dragon’s skin being discolored. This can range from a slight hue change to complete color loss. In addition to this, dragons with DTBD can also have other physical symptoms such as a dryness or skin cracking, and increased susceptibility to infection.
Currently, there is no known cure for DTBD. Treatment usually consists of supportive care and symptom management, which can include moisturizing lotions, antibiotics for any infections that develop, and dietary adjustments that reduce stress on the Chinese water dragon’s body. It’s important to note that the disease has a genetic component, so it can be passed down from parent to offspring if one of the parents has the disorder.
DTBD is rare, it’s important for dragon owners to be aware of the condition and get help if they notice any signs of discoloration on their dragon’s skin. The good news is that if this happens to your Chinese water dragon, their skin should return to normal once their environmental conditions return to normal.
Symptoms of Dragon Turning Brown
Symptoms of DTBD include the Chinese water dragon’s skin being discolored, typically ranging from a slight hue change to complete color loss. In addition to this, Chinese water dragons with DTBD can also have other physical symptoms such as a dryness or skin cracking, and increased susceptibility to infection. Other signs that could indicate that your Chinese water dragon has DTBD include lethargy and a lack of appetite.
Diagnosing Dragon Turning Brown
Diagnosing DTBD can be difficult, because symptoms can be subtle and often go unnoticed until the disease has advanced significantly. If you notice any signs of discoloration on your dragon’s skin, it’s important to contact a veterinarian right away for an examination and diagnosis. The vet might take a sample from the affected area to examine under a microscope or perform a gene test to confirm the diagnosis.
Stages of Dragon Turning Brown
Dragon Turning Brown Disease (DTBD) is a progressive condition that typically progresses in four stages.
Stage 1:
In the first stage, small patches of brown skin can appear and gradually spread over time.
Stage 2:
In the second stage, these patches will become larger and more distinct, with more of the dragon’s body becoming affected.
Stage 3:
The third stage is the most severe and is associated with complete color loss in large areas of the dragon’s body.
Stage 4:
In the last stage color returns to the dragon’s skin after shedding, or after the dragon’s environmental needs are correctly met.
Treating Dragon Turning Brown
Treating Dragon Turning Brown Disease (DTBD) typically involves supportive care and symptom management. Treatment options can include moisturizing lotions to reduce dryness or skin cracking, antibiotics to prevent or treat any infections that develop, and dietary adjustments to reduce stress on the dragon’s body. In some cases, injections of melanin-producing hormones can be used in an attempt to restore the dragon’s color. A veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best course of action for your dragon.
Preventing Dragon Turning Brown
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent Dragon Turning Brown Disease (DTBD). Because the disorder has a genetic component, it can be passed down from parent to offspring if one of the parents has DTBD. To reduce the risk of passing on the condition, it’s important for dragon owners to be aware of any signs of discoloration on their dragon’s skin and get veterinary help immediately if they notice any changes.
Some ways that are thought to stop your Chinese water dragon’s skin from turning brown are making sure that the conditions in their enclosure are what your dragon needs. Temperature, humidity and 12 hours of light need to be at the correct levels. Remove anything from their enclosure that could cause them stress. Just remember that once your dragon is happy again, or done shedding, they should have the color return to their skin.