It has its primary effect on the bones of the body, and can be crippling and even fatal if not treated promptly. When the calcium level is relatively low the body tries to compensate by taking calcium from wherever it can, including from the bones. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a well recognized and all too common disease often seen in our pet reptiles. Divers (2015) Metabolic and Endocrine diseases of Reptiles, Merck Veterinary Manual. Metabolic bone disease is a complex disease. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is the most common diet-related illness of pet reptiles. Categories: Reptiles & Amphibians, Resources & Education What is metabolic bone disease or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism? Treatment of metabolic bone diseases. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a well recognized and all too common disease often seen in our pet reptiles. Severe cases require intensive calcium and vitamin supplementation as well as an increase in high-intensity UVB rays under an exotics veterinarian's care. Like all reptiles that eat insects and plants, bearded dragons are vulnerable to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Several foods, which have a high calcium content, such as spinach, carrots, collards, chards and other thick leafy greens, also contain oxalates, which bind to calcium. Metabolic bone diseases (MBDs) are a common presenting complaint in reptiles and amphibians to veterinarians; however, understanding of the causes and diagnostic and treatment options is often extrapolated from human or other mammalian medicine models. While metabolic bone disease is a potentially fatal illness, it is also entirely preventable. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Calcium-rich foods for herbivores include cabbage, kale, okra, sprouts, bok choy, alfalfa, squash, berries, and cantaloupe. Other terms which may be used include fibrous osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and rickets. Be careful not to overuse calcium and vitamin D supplements, as it may result in other medical issues that can be just as serious as those associated with metabolic bone disease. MBD is the collective name given to a number of problems seen in reptiles related to calcium. This disease is particularly a problem in herbivorous reptiles such as tortoises and green iguanas, though MBD occurs in many other species of lizard as well. Metabolic bone disease is an excellent example. Also called fibrous osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, or rickets, Metabolic Bone Disease is perhaps the most commonly seen nutritional problem in reptiles. Based on the literature and own experiences, the authors give a review on the most common disease of reptiles deriving from nutritional and housing failure, the metabolic bone disease. Most of what we know about MBDs in animals (including herps) comes from our knowledge in humans. This can most commonly be the fault of an unsubstantial diet or failing to provide proper lighting for an … It is a captive induced illness (not observed in the wild), and the term is used to describe a progressive non-infectious disease of the bone which covers a wide range of bone … Metabolic bone disease in reptiles Metabolic bone disease is a serious and widespread cause of suffering and death among captive reptiles. Treatment will involve both stabilising the reptile and correcting underlying husbandry and dietary factors. Reptiles that eat primarily insects or plants are at risk for developing metabolic bone disease, which is caused by an imbalance in the levels of calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D in their bodies. Other terms which may be used include fibrous osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, and rickets. These include: Metabolic bone disease is distinctive enough that a diagnosis is usually made based on the symptoms, physical exam, and a discussion of husbandry. Radiographs, haematology and biochemistry are useful to determine the extent of the disease to detect any underlying pathology. Turtles, tortoises, and lizard species that are primarily active during the day all need access to ultraviolet-B light. The cause of disease may be a lack of available calcium in the diet or it may be that for any one of a number of reasons the reptile is unable to use the calcium in the diet. MBD is almost always a result of poor husbandry but it is also generally preventable by providing a proper environment and diet specifically for your type of reptile. It is different from calcium deficiency, in which there is a lack of calcium in the body, but MBD is associated with calcium disruption in the body. Snakes and other carnivorous reptiles that are fed whole prey generally get enough calcium and vitamin D in their diets, and metabolic bone disease is rarely a problem … The primary problem is a disruption of calcium metabolism which causes a host of related problems. Metabolic bone disease is commonly seen in juvenile reptiles. Feeder insects should be raised on a nutritious diet, gut-loaded with healthy food prior to being fed to reptiles, and dusted with an appropriate vitamin and mineral supplement. Metabolic Bone Diseases Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism is the most common bone disease seen in reptile practice. Although the roles of UV-B, calcium, phosphorus … Normally, this ratio should be around two parts calcium and one part phosphorus (2:1). Metabolic Bone Diseases are common in captive reptiles. Depending on the pet, natural sunlight can sometimes be used, as it is the best source of these wavelengths. Metabolic bone disease is commonly seen in captive reptiles, especially Lizards and Chelonia. Associated terms include fibrous osteodystrophy, n… Ca2+ + 2PO3- <--> Ca3(PO4)2 Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles Prevention Review Environment: UVB light source (replacements, windows) Temperature gradient Review Diet: References What is MBD? This is not always easy or inexpensive for a reptile owner to do but is vital to the health of all pet reptiles. A veterinarian will often diagnose metabolic bone disease based on an animal’s clinical signs, diet, and access to ultraviolet-B light; X-rays and/or blood work, including measurements of calcium levels, may also be necessary. At this point, it is important to reiterate the importance of the veterinary team in diagnosing the disease and any concurrent problems. Metabolic Bone Disease, commonly referred to as MBD, is a general term that is applied to a host of health problems commonly seen in captive reptiles and amphibians. In general, metabolic bone disease (MBD) is the weakening of the bone of your reptile caused by an imbalance in vitamin D3, calcium, and phosphorus. Today’s pet market offers more species of reptiles than ever before. Metabolic Bone Disease In Reptiles. For example, deficiency in Vitamin D3 and/or UVB in combination with calcium deficiency leads to metabolic bone disease. Metabolic*Bone*Disease*inReptiles*andAmphibians*!! Metabolic bone disease can present in a variety of ways including anorexia, lethargy and pathological fractures. If the large “scales” of a tortoise’s shell (or scutes) have an abnormal pyramid-like shape, metabolic bone disease should be suspected. 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