What causes metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons?
Most commonly seen in bearded dragons 2 years of age or younger, metabolic bone disease (or MBD for short) is actually an umbrella term that describes one of several commonly found conditions. MBD is caused by a range of nutrient issues.
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.
Can a Beardie lizard have metabolic bone disease?
One may acquire a metabolic disease from lack of ultraviolet light and calcium, and the second one may appear perfectly fine (although internally, it may also be developing signs of MBD, albeit, much more slowly). So, yes, please take your beardie in to see a herp vet as soon as possible.
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.
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.
One may acquire a metabolic disease from lack of ultraviolet light and calcium, and the second one may appear perfectly fine (although internally, it may also be developing signs of MBD, albeit, much more slowly). So, yes, please take your beardie in to see a herp vet as soon as possible.
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.
