Does metabolic bone disease hurt bearded dragons?
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 I know if my lizard has metabolic bone disease?
Early symptoms of MBD include bowed or swollen legs, arched spine, bumps along the bones of the legs, spine and tail, bilateral softening of the jaw (commonly referred to as rubber jaw), and softening of the carapace and plastron in turtles and tortoises.
What is metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons?
Maybe you are wondering what Metabolic Bone Disease in Bearded Dragons is. Actually, this is just a relative umbrella term for one of several commonly found conditions seen in 2-year-old or younger beardies. MBD in bearded dragons frequently results from a range of nutrient issues such as a lack of calcium and/or Vitamin D3 or phosphorous.
What happens if a bearded dragon is left untreated?
Due to the bone, muscle, and tissue damage caused by metabolic bone disease, the affected bearded dragon becomes weak and deformed. Left untreated, MBD can end in death. It’s important to know the signs of metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons so you can alert your vet immediately if you detect any of them.
What causes a bearded dragon to have MBD?
MBD is caused by a range of nutrient issues. The nutrient in question is almost always calcium, but vitamin D and phosphorous can also be culprits. Too little (hypocalcemia) or too much (hypercalcemia) calcium can cause problems with both the growth and the strength of a bearded dragon’s bones.
What kind of calcium does a bearded dragon need?
A bearded dragon needs a steady supply (not too much and not too little) of calcium to facilitate bone growth and density. They also need a consistent source of vitamin D. This allows their bodies to convert dietary calcium into a bioavailable form that is shuttled into the bones.
How to prevent metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons?
Read more below to learn how to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease in bearded dragons. Metabolic Bone Disease, or MBD, is a very serious bearded dragon health issue. MBD typically develops due to inadequate exposure of UVB rays, and a lack of calcium/vitamin D3 in the diet.
What kind of disease does a bearded dragon have?
Too little (hypocalcemia) or too much (hypercalcemia) calcium can cause problems with both the growth and the strength of a bearded dragon’s bones. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in bearded dragons is a condition that causes their bones to form improperly.
Why do bearded dragons need to be in the Sun?
Bearded dragons need exposure to the sun’s UVB rays in order to metabolize calcium and synthesize vitamin D3, which both are vital for good bone development. Without proper UVB exposure, metabolic bone disease can develop rapidly, resulting in disfigurement, weak, brittle bones, and even result in death.
What kind of calcium do bearded dragons need?
Make sure the calcium powder you use is fortified with vitamin D3. Bearded dragons need the vitamin D3 in order to metabolize the calcium. One without the other will not give your bearded dragon the supplements in needs in order to prevent metabolic bone disease. The calcium powder needs to be sprinkled over any food you five your beardie.
