What Causes Cysts on Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons are popular pet reptiles. Eight different varieties of bearded dragon currently are known, all originally hailing from the deserts and woodlands of Australia. Pogona vitticeps, the inland bearded dragon, is the most commonly domesticated of the eight types. Most care guides are written with this variety in mind. Captive breeding has resulted in a wide selection of colors, patterns and scale types (morphs) that do not exist in the wild.

  1. Cysts vs. Tumors

    • Many hobbyists use these terms interchangeably; however, they are very different types of growth. A cyst usually is a fluid-filled or gas-filled encapsulated sac. It can grow at a rapid pace, and sometimes may be felt with the fingers if it is immediately below the skin surface. A tumor is a group of mutated cells. Because it is a solid mass of tissue, it is harder to the touch than a cyst. While a cyst may have an obvious reason for its development, tumors often form for unknown reasons.

    Bacterial Infection

    • Reptile skin heals at a slow pace. If left untreated, any unhealed skin break can be exposed to bacteria and other types of infection. Cysts due to infection are filled with pus, and should be lanced and treated as soon as possible. These types of cyst can be extremely dangerous to your bearded dragon if left untreated. Any kind of separation of the skin, whether due to accident or intent, can cause a cyst to develop during the healing process.

    Fatty Tumors

    • A fatty tumor, also called a lipoma, is a harmless overgrowth of fat that exists just below the surface of the skin. They can be felt easily with light pressure of the fingertips and will move freely under the skin. Although typically harmless, these tumors should be removed, as they can interfere with your pet̵7;s comfort.

    Parasites

    • Parasites, such as mites, often will burrow beneath reptiles̵7; skin, giving the appearance of developing cysts. Other parasites, such as tapeworms, will grow beneath the skin, becoming encapsulated.