One of the most common pet lizard diseases is metabolic bone disease (MBD). The disease results from a diet issue where the pet lizard is not receiving the correct amount of certain supplements. It is also referred to as HSHP or Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism. Particular nutritive deficiencies found in metabolic bone disorder patients include dietary calcium, the proportion of phosphorus to calcium and Vitamin D insufficiency. Vitamin D is required for the proper calcium metabolism through the intestines into the blood stream and bones. A reptile could receive satisfactory amounts of dietary calcium and not metabolize any due to the lack of vitamin D.
Signs of MBD
There are two groupings of MBD symptoms with the first representing acute symptoms and the second chronic symptoms. A reptile can show symptoms from one or two groups.
1. In the first group, referred to as acute Hypocalcemic Tetany, the reptile will present with tremors or body spasms. The lizard owner will think unsteady or wobbly arms and legs. Signs such as bone fractures come on swiftly and are usually found in females after delivering eggs. Symptoms stem from the body compensating for a dietary calcium deficiency by drawing the element from the bones.
2. The second group of symptoms are related to the chronic form of the disease and are distinguished by bone problems. Here the pet reptile makes up for calcium lack in the legs, backbone,lower jaw and ribs. It may also be caused by an unsatisfactory and care problems. Other causes include a dearth of vitamin and mineral supplementation or a lack of exposure to UVB light Symptoms occur when the body pulls calcium from the bones and replaces it with a softer substance. The bones become moldable and can change shape.
Treatment
MBD can be life threatening. After a specific diagnosis is provided, a vet will address any life threatening issues first. This includes addressing any bone fractures that are a result of the lack of calcium and the correction of any dietary or nutritive disparities. The Vet will employ a combination of oral or injectable vitamin D and calciumadditions to stabalize the patient.
Once the lizard begins to recover, the veterinarian will review current husbandry practices and suggest needed changes. With therapy the prognosis is good.
Signs of MBD
There are two groupings of MBD symptoms with the first representing acute symptoms and the second chronic symptoms. A reptile can show symptoms from one or two groups.
1. In the first group, referred to as acute Hypocalcemic Tetany, the reptile will present with tremors or body spasms. The lizard owner will think unsteady or wobbly arms and legs. Signs such as bone fractures come on swiftly and are usually found in females after delivering eggs. Symptoms stem from the body compensating for a dietary calcium deficiency by drawing the element from the bones.
2. The second group of symptoms are related to the chronic form of the disease and are distinguished by bone problems. Here the pet reptile makes up for calcium lack in the legs, backbone,lower jaw and ribs. It may also be caused by an unsatisfactory and care problems. Other causes include a dearth of vitamin and mineral supplementation or a lack of exposure to UVB light Symptoms occur when the body pulls calcium from the bones and replaces it with a softer substance. The bones become moldable and can change shape.
Treatment
MBD can be life threatening. After a specific diagnosis is provided, a vet will address any life threatening issues first. This includes addressing any bone fractures that are a result of the lack of calcium and the correction of any dietary or nutritive disparities. The Vet will employ a combination of oral or injectable vitamin D and calciumadditions to stabalize the patient.
Once the lizard begins to recover, the veterinarian will review current husbandry practices and suggest needed changes. With therapy the prognosis is good.
About the Author:
The writer, Cathy Doggins, has researched and written about many of the issues affecting lizards like MBD. When not writing about lizards for http://www.cool-small-pets.com, she cares for a collection of reptiles as well as other small pets. She is a frequent volunteer at local shelters and is an active supporter of animal rights.
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