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While MBD is one of the most common illnesses we see in beardies, it’s also one of the most preventable. Simply making sure that your tiny dinosaur is eating a good nourishing diet, and ensuring that he has the proper lighting in his habitat, will usually be enough to ward off this painful and debilitating disease.
How do I stop my bearded dragon from getting MBD?
Metabolic bone disease usually requires immediate oral calcium supplementation, rehydration with fluids, nutritional support, treatment with injectable vitamin D3, and injections of calcitonin (a drug which helps re-deposit calcium back into bearded dragons’ bones).
How do you prevent metabolic bone disease in reptiles?
Ultimately, MBD is an entirely preventable disease by ensuring the correct and proper diets, supplementation, exercise, and adequate exposure to UVB lighting for your reptile or amphibian.
How long does it take to reverse metabolic bone disease?
Some people may go as short as four months, so we say every four to six months,” says Sadar. “We typically tell people that it [UVB] doesn’t penetrate glass and plastic so don’t put those between the light and the reptile.”Sep 5, 2019.
Can bearded dragons survive MBD?
As the disease progresses, your lizard’s body will start to metabolize tissue as it tries to repair the damage to bone structure. Dragons with MBD often end up with paralysis, and they may become very deformed and/or weak. Unfortunately, MBD can be fatal.
Can you give too much calcium bearded dragon?
Hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the body) is rare in bearded dragons, but it can happen, and it can result in illness and death. So it’s always best to check with a vet first before starting any supplementation.
Can metabolic bone disease in reptiles be reversed?
Reptiles affected generally respond well to treatment, and a large proportion of patients see a reversal of many of the less severe symptoms and are able to make a solid recovery. For more extreme cases, complete reversal of symptoms is unlikely, but recovery may still be possible with veterinary intervention.
Why is my bearded dragon legs not working?
If your bearded dragon can’t move its legs at all, it’s likely to be suffering form MBD, broken bones, paralysis from impaction and spinal injuries. However, if your dragon is walking strangely, this can be caused by infections, overheating or other neurological illnesses.
Is metabolic bone disease painful?
In clinical terms, metabolic bone diseases may result in bone pain and loss of height (due to compression of vertebrae), and they predispose patients to fractures.
Can I give my bearded dragon a calcium bath?
Bearded dragon calcium baths This would be recommended only if the bearded dragon has hydration or calcium deficiency issues. Both of which can only be diagnosed by a vet via blood-tests and a physical examination, not by a social media recommendation only.
How much calcium does a bearded dragon need?
The amount of calcium that bearded dragons need depends on the age and size: hatchlings require about 650mg per day, juveniles require around 1100mg per day, subadults require 1300mg per day, adults require 1500 mg per day.
How common is MBD in bearded dragons?
It’s estimated there are half a million in UK homes. Like all reptiles that eat insects and plants, bearded dragons are vulnerable to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Caused by low levels of Calcium and Vitamin D3, it’s by far the most common cause of illness in ‘beardies’.
How do you treat MBD?
A balanced diet with adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium and an adequate amount of physical activity are needed for normal bone metabolism. Your doctor may prescribe osteoporosis medications to help slow the rate of bone loss, and in some cases, to replace the lost bone structure.
Why do bearded dragons stretch their legs?
Some bearded dragon keepers use this phrase to describe the often lazy but perhaps suggestive leg positions of these lizards. Usually displayed when basking, the “sexy leg” is left dangling or stretched out to keep us all on our feet for photo ops.
How often should I put calcium on my bearded dragons food?
Because they are actively growing, baby bearded dragons should have their food dusted with calcium about 4-5 times a week, and no more than 1 time per day.
How do I know if my bearded dragon has too much calcium?
General weakness, lethargic behavior, and constipation are all common signs that your beardie is absorbing too much calcium. There will also be a lack of mobility since the muscles and soft tissue will begin to stiffen.
What vitamins do bearded dragons need?
Bearded dragons should be given 3 basic supplements in addition to a healthy diet. They should receive a multivitamin 3-5 times per week, calcium 4-7 times per week, and vitamin D no more than 3 times per week. Since they cannot get these in correct amounts from their food, supplements are necessary.
What causes bone softening?
Osteomalacia refers to a marked softening of your bones, most often caused by severe vitamin D deficiency. The softened bones of children and young adults with osteomalacia can lead to bowing during growth, especially in weight-bearing bones of the legs. Osteomalacia in older adults can lead to fractures.
Can reptiles be born with MBD?
1 Metabolic Bone Disease Metabolic bone disease is commonly seen in juvenile reptiles, but adult reptiles, particularly reproductively active females, can also develop the disease.
What causes mouth rot in reptiles?
Mouth rot, or Ulcerative Stomatitis, is an infection of your lizard’s gums and mouth caused by small cuts and food stuck in his teeth. If left untreated, the infection could kill your reptile. Snakes and lizards are especially vulnerable to the disease. Luckily, mouth rot is very easy to monitor and care for.
