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Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
is common problem with
captive reptiles and is the
result of insufficient
calcium and vitamin D3.
Reptiles need calcium in
order to build and maintain
bone in their bodies. In
order to use and absorb
calcium reptiles need
vitamin D3, which is
produced by exposure to UVB
light. Proper lighting is
essential and reptiles need
to be exposed to 12-14 hours
of UVB every day. Since
most reptiles are not
exposed to natural sunlight
a fluorescent or mercury
vapor bulb must be used.
Any artificial lighting has
a productive lifespan and
you should replace your
bulbs as recommended by the
manufacturer. Most bulbs
should be replaced every
6-12 months. If you’re not
sure if your bulb is
producing UVB, bring it in
and we’ll be happy to test
it for you. Remember, glass
or plastic filters out UVB
light, you must place the
bulbs over screen or inside
the cage. Depending on the
type of bulb used, the
maximum distance the bulb
should be placed away from
the reptile is 15 inches.
Check with the manufacturer
for proper bulb placement.
Most reptiles in captivity
do not have adequate calcium
in their diet and additional
supplementation is needed.
Reptile supplements come in
a powder form that you
sprinkle on the vegetables
or insects. Baby and
juvenile reptiles need
supplementation everyday
while adults only need it a
2-3 times a week. Monitor
lizards and other
carnivorous reptiles need
calcium on any food item
that doesn’t contain bone.
If you suspect your reptile
has MBD seek help from a
qualified veterinarian. The
early stages of MBD can be
stopped and your pet may
live a normal healthy life.
However, any deformities
such as bent spines, jaws,
or limbs will remain that
way. If you think your pet
may have MBD these are the
warning signs:
Ø
Inactivity
Ø
Inability to properly lift
its body off the ground or
move normally.
Ø
Soft deformed jaw
Ø
Kinked spine
Ø
Swollen limbs
Ø
Soft Shell (tortoises &
turtles)
Ø
Twitching or shaking (most
common in adults)
Ø
Seizures