How do you treat metabolic bone disease in animals?
Treatment of MBD depends on the severity of the disease. 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 reduce the risk of metabolic bone disease with bearded dragons?
There are some steps you can take to help reduce the risk of Metabolic Bone Disease with your bearded dragon: Always provide adequate UV radiation by using reptile-specific bulbs. We highly recommend the Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent Bulb or the Exo Terra Solar Glo Mercury Vapor Bulb for superior UV radiation output for bearded dragons.
What kind of disease does a bearded dragon have?
As we discussed above, bearded dragons with low calcium levels often suffer from something called Metabolic Bone Disease (juveniles are especially susceptible). This is a very painful disease that causes bone issues and deformities, so make sure you provide proper lighting from the start.
Why does my bearded dragon walk like that?
This can happen when your bearded dragon is basking, and the basking rock or platform gets too hot. However, if your bearded dragon walks like that and has issues moving around, then it could be a calcium deficiency or MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease).
What kind of calcium does a bearded dragon need?
Your bearded dragon needs a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 2:1. When that ratio is unbalanced, the bearded dragon’s system starts attacking and eating its own bone tissues as a source of calcium. This leads to thinned bones, fractures, and paralysis.
How to tell if a bearded dragon has metabolic bone disease?
The radiograph above depicts both a healthy bearded dragon (top) and a bearded dragon with Metabolic Bone Disease (bottom). Dragons that have a severe case of MBD will very clearly look deformed. Often times, limbs will appear frail and limp, being drug along as the dragon walks, unable to support the weight.
Are there any health problems with bearded dragons?
Luckily, on the spectrum of pets, bearded dragons are pretty easy to take care of. That said, improper care can still cause a host of problems. In fact, one of the most common health issues among captive bearded dragons is caused almost exclusively by improper care. Metabolic bone disease can be painful and debilitating for a beardie.
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.
How long does it take to reverse mbd in bearded dragons?
How Long Does It Take to Reverse MBD? Unfortunately, it can many months to reverse MBD and in some advanced cases even longer! Some owners have reported it taking up to 6 months to get their bearded dragons walking and moving regularly in advanced cases of Metabolic Bone Disease.
