How do you prevent metabolic bone disease in reptiles?
For very mild cases, a switch to a balanced diet and proper husbandry may be enough. Severe cases require intensive calcium and vitamin supplementation as well as an increase in high-intensity UVB rays under an exotics veterinarian’s care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why do bearded dragons open their mouths?
When a bearded dragon reaches its thermal maximum, it will often sit with its mouth open. This behavior, called gaping, shows that the lizard is at its optimal temperature for basking. Since lizards don’t sweat, this is an effective way for them to regulate their body temperature.
