Hello,
I around Christmas adopted a young beardie. He was not well looked after by his previous owner. I have done the best I am able to provide the best enclosure and husbandry conditions I can he has a large 34x30x30 enclosure, a gradient from 105ºF to 76º day and night 88ºF to 76ºF and correct lighting. (154 µW/cm² UVB @7200 lux to 7.5 µW/cm² UVB @ 1200 lux.) There are true gradients to both a slow range between.

He has not been eating well since we have had him, off and on, the last month or so has been worse more off than not. We have gone to the vet with him three times for various tests fecal (clean), blood work , and oral exam. My vet has determined with the blood work and exam that it is periodontal disease that is the cause of the problems. Tomorrow he is getting an xray to determine the extent of the infection. (We are feeding with a syringe currently he doesn't fight it, he just chews the tip. There has been no need to hold him still he just accepts it)

She is suggesting surgery to remove any (if there is any) bone that carries infection. I know that antibiotics are also used. I will need to make a very hard decision tomorrow potentially. I am hoping for some feed back about the use of surgery I understand I have a responsibility to provide the best care I can I am not avoiding that. I am concerned that invasive measures are not the best for him. I guess I would like some opinions about the how to speak to my vet. I had thought that if the infection is not exceptionally serious that to avoid surgery and treat with antibiotics for the period of time the vet suggests and then re xray to see if there is any left and then decide about surgical options.

I am am worried and would just like some ideas of how to approach this issue.