One of the most common pet reptile diseases is MBD or metabolic bone disease. The condition results from a diet problem where the pet lizard isn't receiving the right quantity of certain vitamins and minerals. It is also referred to as HSHP or Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism. Specific nutritional deficiencies diagnosed in MBD patients include dietary calcium, the proportion of calcium to phosphorus and Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is needed for the proper calcium metabolism through the intestines into the blood stream and bones. A lizard could receive satisfactory amounts of dietary calcium and not metabolize the substance due to the lack of vitamin D.
Signs of MBD
There are 2 groupings of Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism symptoms with the first representing acute symptoms and the second chronic symptoms. A lizard can show symptoms from one or two groups.
1. In this group, called acute Hypocalcemic Tetany, the bearded dragon or lizard will present with tremors, convulsions or body spasms. The pet owner will thinkrubbery lookingdigits. Signs such as bone fractures come on quickly and are usually found in females after delivering a clutch of eggs. Symptoms are caused by the body compensating for a dietary calcium inadequacy by pulling the substance out of the bones.
2. The second group of symptoms are related to the chronic form of the disease and are distinguished by changes in the bones. Here the pet lizard makes up for calcium lack in the legs, spine,lower jaw and ribs. It can also be caused by an unsatisfactory diet. Other causes include a dearth of vitamin and mineral supplementation or a lack of exposure to light Symptoms occur when the body pulls calcium from the bones and replaces it with a softer substance. The bones become plastic and can change shape.
Treatment
MBD can be life-endangering. After a specific diagnosis is provided, a vet will treat any life threatening issues first. This includes splinting any bone fractures that stem from the absence of calcium and the correction of any diet or nutritive imbalances. The Veterinarian will employ a combination of oral or injectable calcium and vitamin D additions to treat the patient.
Once the reptile begins to recover, the veterinarian will evaluate current husbandry practices and suggest required corrections. With treatment the prognosis is good.
Signs of MBD
There are 2 groupings of Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism symptoms with the first representing acute symptoms and the second chronic symptoms. A lizard can show symptoms from one or two groups.
1. In this group, called acute Hypocalcemic Tetany, the bearded dragon or lizard will present with tremors, convulsions or body spasms. The pet owner will thinkrubbery lookingdigits. Signs such as bone fractures come on quickly and are usually found in females after delivering a clutch of eggs. Symptoms are caused by the body compensating for a dietary calcium inadequacy by pulling the substance out of the bones.
2. The second group of symptoms are related to the chronic form of the disease and are distinguished by changes in the bones. Here the pet lizard makes up for calcium lack in the legs, spine,lower jaw and ribs. It can also be caused by an unsatisfactory diet. Other causes include a dearth of vitamin and mineral supplementation or a lack of exposure to light Symptoms occur when the body pulls calcium from the bones and replaces it with a softer substance. The bones become plastic and can change shape.
Treatment
MBD can be life-endangering. After a specific diagnosis is provided, a vet will treat any life threatening issues first. This includes splinting any bone fractures that stem from the absence of calcium and the correction of any diet or nutritive imbalances. The Veterinarian will employ a combination of oral or injectable calcium and vitamin D additions to treat the patient.
Once the reptile begins to recover, the veterinarian will evaluate current husbandry practices and suggest required corrections. With treatment the prognosis is good.
About the Author:
The author, Cat Doggins, has investigated and written about a comprehensive number of the health issues having an effect on lizards such as this lizard bone disease. When not speaking or writing about lizards for http://www.cool-small-pets.com, she cares for a collection of different lizard breeds as well as other pets pets. Cathy is a fvolunteer at several pet shelters and is an advocate for animal rights.
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