Metabolic Bone Disease
82
Baby Bearded Dragon
What is MBD?
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) a common disease in reptiles. MBD is the collective name given to a number of problems seen in reptiles related to calcium. It is different from calcium deficiency, in which there is a lack of calcium in the body, but MBD is associated with calcium disruption in the body.
Metabolic Bone Disease
- Metabolic Bone Disease
What is it? Other calcium deficiency concerns and information. Signs of MBD. And tons more information. - Calcium Metabolism and Metabolic Bone Disease
Melissa Kaplan is one of the most widely versed sources for reptile information and caresheets. Here she has composed information about calcium metabolism and MBD.
What Causes MBD?
Metabolic bone disease can be caused by a number of various sources as well as the combination of various factors.
One cause of MBD is improper levels of calcium in the reptile's diet. Calcium is very important in the building of bones and muscles, as well as the functioning of nerve endings, and when there is not enough calcium in the body problems will arise. Calcium levels, also, affect phosphorus and vitamin D3 regulation within the body, which is why calcium supplements should be given when feeding reptiles.
Improper UV lighting can also cause MBD. Some reptiles need UVB light added to their enclosure. Without the UVB rays, some reptiles such as bearded dragons, iguanas, and mali uromastyx, cannot digest the calcium properly. UVB aids the production of vitamin D3 which is essential in digesting calcium. Most diurnal reptiles, are those that are in need of the extra UV light. Nocturnal reptiles, on the other hand, do not need the UVB rays, but should be given a calcium/D3 supplement at least once a week.
Improper husbandry, is another cause of MBD. Keeping proper enclosure temperatures will help reptiles to digest their foods properly. Being able to properly digest foods is essential in absorbing the nutrients available, including calcium.
Other diseases can increase the chances of a reptile getting MBD. Kidney and liver disease can impair the conversion of vitamin D to an active form. Small intestinal disease disrupts absorption rates. Disease of the thyroid or parathyroid glands can affect calcium absorption since they produce hormones affecting calcium metabolism.
Signs of Metabolic Bone Disease
Symptoms of MBD
Symptoms of MBD vary with age and degree of the disease.
Most often symptoms of MBD occur as thin, easily broken bones. Thin bones contribute to walking problems, and can hinder jumping and climbing, as the bones become weaker. You may also notice that at the joints, your reptile may not hold its feet properly, causing them to bend backwards.
As bones weaken, the body attempts to strengthen them by laying down connective tissues; this often causes swollen legs.
Breaks may cause twisted and crooked backs, toes, and limbs.
Paralysis can be a symptom, as well. Damage along the spinal cord can cause paralysis of the front or back legs.
Soft, spongy jaw bones, causing eating to become difficult and painful, causing a lack of appetite. A receding jaw line, can also be a sign of MBD.
- Stunted growth is another sign of MBD.
- Trembling and weakness in the limbs, due to damage to nerves.
- Lameness
- Tremors and jerky movements in the toes and legs of the reptile.
- Constipation.
Treatment of MBD
Correcting the diet. This can be a hard task to take in, as reptiles can be set in their ways and resist change.
Oral injection of vitamin D and calcium.
Correcting the temperatures in the enclosure.
Adding a UV light to the enclosure to assist with vitamin D3 production (only necessary with diurnal reptiles). If you have a diurnal reptile, and the enclosure already has a UV light, you may want to change the bulb, as the UV tubes must be changed every 6 months. You may want to consider the UV spot lights, which give out more UV than a tube.
If you do not see any change, see a licensed reptile vet. You should not let the disease progress to a severe state because your pet may not make it through.
You can correct Metabolic Bone Disease if you catch the signs and symptoms early on in the disease.
Disclaimer: Please be aware that the advice in this article should in no way replace that of a licensed veterinarian. The methods outlined above may or may not work for your pet. If you have any concerns, you should consult a specialized reptile veterinarian.
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Comments
You still need to use UV lighting. I've never used the drops, but you really can't replace the UV lighting. Could be an inner ear concern; keep an eye on it, and if it continues, you'll want to see a reptile vet, as it could be something serious. I'm not sure. Make sure that your temperatures are accurate in the tank at the basic spot, and definitely get the UV lighting. Also, make sure that he's getting his supplements on his feeders as well as his fresh veggies daily.
Does the UTH go on the Basking Side or the UVB side of the tank?
The UTH goes on the hot side of the tank. You should really have all lighting and UTH all on one side to create the warm side.
OKay then thanks
Hello I have a problm I hope you can help me with.I just bought th t-rex bone aid liquid calcium and the solar drops. I was wondering since my beardie kind of already has MBD(swelling of the arms,partial paralysis of the legs) about how many drops of the bone aid should i give her and how often and also about the solar drops.
Thank you
I have never tried the Solar drops, although I have heard of them. I would consult a vet before using them so that you can see how much to give your BD. Otherwise, just following whatever instructions are on the box. Try changing out your UV tube, and letting the BD get natural rays from the sun, if possible, in addition to the tank.
Hi there
I bought an 18 month old bearded dragon (my first ever) and very quickly realised something was wrong as he was walking on the back of his feet and dragging his back legs along. I took him to the vets and they said he was calcium defficient and that I need to give him extra calcium supplements to his diet. I started to do this and layed off the cabage etc which has something in it that can remove calcium from a beardies diet. Still though a week or two later he is not better. So I went to my local reptile breeder who asked me to check his UV light bulb to see what level UV he had been getting (bear in mind that this poor chap had had this bulb in from when he was a baby beardie i.e 18 months!!!!!!!) I checked the buld and he was on UV bulb 2 and he should have been on a ten. So yesterday I purchased a new UV 10 bulb and I am hoping that Oscar will now start to get better.
Do you think that this is Metabolic Bone Disease rather than just a calcium defficiency as I think the vet was wrong.
I think it is disgusting that some people are to ignorant to ask for advice or take the proper advice and let a poor animal like Oscar suffer the way he has it is pure cruelty to animals.
Thanks
Nicky
Nicky you didn't give me any symptoms as to determine whether or not the BD has MBD or calcium deficiency. I would actually recommend that you purchase the UV bulbs and not tubes, Unless that is what you are talking about. Also, try liquid calcium supplements from a reptile vet. And, consider taking the BD outside during the peak sun ray times; because of the cooling weather you want to make sure that it's the warmest part of the day and that you only do it for a short period; otherwise I would recommend a few hours mid-morning, depending on where you are located. Also from now on remember to change the tube (if you're using UV tube) every 4-6 months. More than likely the vet is not wrong.
I GOT MY SON A BD IN AUG OF THIS YEAR HE WAS DOING GOOD UNTIL A FEW DAYS AGO WHEN WE NOTICED HE STOPPED WALKING. IT SEEMS LIKE HIS BACK LEGS ARE PARALAZED. HE HASNT EATEN SO WE FORCED FED HIM AND HE ATE A LIITLE. IN HIS TANK WE HAVE A LIGHT THAT STAYS ON ALL DAY AND NITE AND A DAY LIGHT. HE EATS LIT CRICKETS WORMS LETTUCE AND CARROTS. AS OF YESTERDAY HE IS NOT OPENING HIS EYES.WHAT CAN I DO
Sounds like you need a reptile vet ASAP! do you have lighting and uv? Are you supplementing? Are you offering high quality foods (IE not iceburg lettuce but darker greens and even some romaine)?
Are your temps right?
what do i do if my BD doesnt eat vegies
You need to force feed and find means to get the BD to eat the veggies. Without fruits and vegetables, your BD will have severe health problems in the end.
Hello, so yesterday I seen that my BD was shaking on his right rear leg while laying down! Now I do suppelment him everyday, calcium monday, wed, friday, sunday and a multi vitimin tues, thurs and sat. Cold side stays between 50-68 as the warm side stays around 90-100. I just checked the light and seen it was a small maby 18 inch long exo terra uvb 10.0. But after checking the site I seen that this lite is crap. So now I got the reptisun10.0 36 inch long uvb. So im hoping that this is the problem and if not imma run to the vet. Also he is 1 and a half about 12`` long. I also have a female in another cage with the same setup and is doing great. Both in 50 gal breeders.. Do you think that the lite could be the cause?
Thanks so much, L
Also forgot to metion Monday, wed, friday and sunday they get greens, squashes, mustard greens,dandelions ( witch are hard to find),escarole and different fruits. Tues, thursday and saturday they get 3/4`` crikets and twice a month they will get super worms...He also poops everyday! they also get a bath 1-2 times a week..I just hope that the lite is the cause..............
L
It sounds like their diets are good. I would say it's probably time to change the UV tube. They should be changed every 4-6 months. Also make sure that the BD can get about 6 inches from the tube, bc after that the efficiency of the tube is minimal. I'd also provide crickets or supers more often than twice a month. I'd go with once a week, and make sure they are coated with calcium.
You may consider taking him outside if it's warm for about 10 minutes to get true UV rays. But make sure that you're with him.
I would just keep an eye out. It doesn't seem too severe as of now.
Well I just got the new bulbs up and running, they are by zoomed the Repisun 10.0 uvb and 36 inches long and 30watts, so now the whole cage lights up..lol.. I would take him outside but to cold as I live in PA! YUCKKKK..... I have the green hammocks about 5 inches from the tube so they should be getting enuff now.. So now if he does get better I may introduce the female in again!! More Babies wooohooooooooo...... Thanks again,
Lance
Sorry forgot again, they only get the supers once or twice a month but I will give them more often. She gets them alot more often when prenant cause It fattens her up..
Thanks, L
You don't necessarily need to bump the supers. I thought they only got insects twice a month. I would be leery of introducing them again to breed. Definitely wait to make sure that it's something environmental and not hereditary. At their age it should really be their first breed.
No they get crikets during the week with silkies witch are awsome... And I agree about the breeding, I ment after a few monthes if there weight is up and he is better, and I also will get vet checked first! I have another pair as well..But these two where housed together up untill a month ago I found them doing the nasty...lol.. witch I have video of it cause I caught it at the last 2 minutes of it!!!! So I seperated them and here we are. I just hope she does not get pregnant! I have been keeping a close eye on her but no signs yet! But just incase the hovabator is ready...lol... As always its a pleasure talking to ya.....
Thanx, L
She is probably pregnant, unless this is her first breed, then the odds are slimmer. You never know. You have done the right thing so far. Good luck, and let me know how it goes and what the vet says. Just keep an eye on the male.
Btw, yes this would be her first Breed.. The male is moving around again and showing his dominance. I did dose up on hic calcium intake though and I do believe that lite was the case! Ill keep you up to date......
Thanks, L
I would wait until you know that he is good to go before breeding. That's just me.
Having read all the posts, my beardie also does not like fruits and veggies. He/she eats crickets just fine, though. How do I 'force feed' the fruits, greens and veggies? I got a pair of those long feeding tweezers - can I put some smooshed fruit onto the cricket and feed it, so my beardie gets used to the taste? I have left many different kinds of greens, freshly cut, and they are untouched. Please help with any advice - other than this, my beardie seems healthy. Thanks, Jennie
The tweezers are more for feezing snakes than lizards. How old is the BD? Just leave the fresh vegetables in the tank and it'll get used to them. It would take way too much time to smoosh the appropriate amount of vegetables onto a cricket. You'd probably kill the crickets while doing that, as well. Plus, the BD would get more crickt than vegetable, and they need more vegetable than cricket. Try brightly colored thigns as well, such as carrots, squash, etc.
hi i have a male bearded dragon he is around 2and a half, we got him when he was 1and a half, he's never ate veggies or fruit since we'v had him and we'v tried everything to get him to eat his greens, although he doesnt eat them he gets fresh ones in his viv everyday. do you have any suggestions? he's also been shedding the last few days and he's not ate alot he' keeps closing one eye aswel is something wrong with him?
If he's 2.5 years old and he's never eaten fruits or vegetables, then there could be a serious health condition that you're not seeing. MBD is very common if the BD hasn't eaten any produce ever. You'll need to forcefeed, but make sure to let him finish shedding first, as that can be stressful. Make sure the temps are good in the basking area and hot side, as well as a new UV tube (they should be replaced every 4-6 months) unless you're using the emitter then that's a little different.
i got 2 beardies a female and a male they are a mating pair until yesterday my male 1 went stiff and started to smell his eyes were open
I'm not sure what you mean by smelling. Have they been quarantined? Are the temps accurate? Is the UV new? When was the last time the UV was replaced? What are they eating? Are they being provided supplements? Are they housed separately?
Tiny says:
13 months ago
I give my Beardie this stuff callled T-Rex Solar Drops(Liquid UVB)as an alternative to using UVB lighting, is this good for my pet or should I get the real deal?. Also, my pet has been doing the weirdest thing lately. He turns his head up & to the left and holds it there for long periods of time, he even does this during bath time and it causes him to swim in circles. What could be causing this?