This is one case from a series of reports compiled as part of an investigation into photo-kerato-conjunctivitis, possibly occurring as a result of excessive low-wavelength UVB radiation under certain brands of fluorescent UVB lamp. Please do not view this one case without reference to the whole report of which it is a part.

Case History : MB1 (Italy) - Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps)

Cases examined by Michele Buono DVM (Turin, Italy)

Two subadult bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), one male and one female aged 1 year, were housed in a new enclosure, size approximately 80cm by 40cm by 40cm. (31.5in by 16in by 16in.) in April 2007. The new enclosure was furnished simply with bark chips as substrate, a piece of cork, and two dishes for food and water. A new ZooMed Reptisun 10.0 Compact Lamp was installed vertically inside the vivarium, affixed to the ceiling at one end, with no reflector or hood. The lamp was on for 12 hours a day. The distance from the lamp to the reptiles was only about 15cm. (6 in.) (Figure 1) After 5 days the two animals became inappetent, static, and spent all the day with their eyes closed. After 7 days they completely stopped eating, and light swelling of the eyelids, especially the lower lids, was noticed. (Figures 2 and 3, below)

The new lamp was removed and replaced by a regular household spot lamp.

After 4 to 5 days the eyelid swelling had disappeared, but the animals remained abnormally quiet with their eyes closed. When stimulated, they could be aroused and they began to eat.

After 7 to 10 days they were normal, active and their appetite was restored.