A couple that I work with has a bearded dragon, named Duff. They asked me a couple of days ago about something that concerned them. They said the beardy's tongue was a pink color in the back, and very pale at the tip. They also told me that it wasn't eating like normal, but today they told me that it had regained it's appetite late last night.

Some of the questions I asked them so I could make this as detailed as possible were:
1)Have they read anything about it anywhere?
2)How has it been drinking?
3)What was in it's diet?
4)How much sunlight does it get per week?
And 5)Is proper lighting available for it?

They answered:
1)They said no.
2)It had been drinking normally.
3)Romaine lettuce, baby food squash, crickets, and Pheonix worms.
4)2-3 hours.
5)They have a fleurescent UVB fixture, and an incandescent fixture for basking.

If this is something wrong, or even something normal could you please let me know asap. So I can get them the info they need on whether to take it to the vet or not.

I can't tell you whether it needs to see a vet or not....an appetite that comes and goes can be related to parasites, internal or external, which would be the only concern that I can find in the post. The diet should be improved some. Since they havent done a lot of reading I suggest www.beautifuldragons.com . It has a straight forward approach, a great table for acceptable foods and lists signs of all the most common problems for bearded dragons.

Pat

"drinking normally" can be very deceiving. it sounds like it COULD be a case of dehydration, so some soaks are in order. find out if they are bathing the dragon at all, and if not, suggest 2-3 times a week soaking for 20 mins in a lukewarm bath for 2 weeks. if that doesnt work, i would say a quick vet trip is in order just in case.

and as bamboozoo said, the diet needs work, and the link provided is the best place at this time to get a good list. just click on the nutrition content link!

+1 bamboozoo, the diet doesn't sound good at all, lettuce doesn't have much in the way of nutrients in it.  the funny thing though is that around here at least, the healthier greens are generally cheaper than the lettuces

Everything I've read says Romaine is the best lettuce. And it's what I feed my animals, they've had no negative side effects to prove that romaine lettuce has no nutritional value. Thanks for the advice though. I'll give them the suggestions and in a couple weeks find out if anything has changed.

On the side of greens I stick with mainly mustard and dandilion greens. And add others depending on whats available. The color of the toung sounds normal. To me it sounds like evry thing is fine..-the letuce Just make sure you let them know about the soaking thing. I recomend 20min. at a time at least 3 times a week.

How is the dragon's stools? I have always been told that lettuces should only be given occasionally. Oftentimes the lettuces cause loose stools, and then you have to deal with dehydration. Take good care Beth

They actually took it to the vet a few days ago and he told them Duff was fine.

well yes romain is the best of the lettuces :)  but there are more nutrient dense greens out there ;)

http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html

I am very glad that Duff is fine...they can be very temperamental at times and worry the poo out of you...but they really are very strong reptiles who can withstand some BS if they have to....I am happy Duff is ok...B