Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles
August 3rd 2008 20:00
A very important illness that can affect all sorts of pet geckos, is Metabolic Bone Disease, which is commonly refferred to as MBD.
Metabolic bone disease affects the joints, muscles, and bones of the reptile. You will commonly see the wrist and ankle joints affected first. The reptile will begin to sit on its wrists and walk a little bowed.
At the first signs of the illness, you want to contact a local reptile vet so that you can get proper instructions. But, if you catch the illness early on, all you should have to do is bump up the supplements that you are already providing (if you aren't dusting the food, you want to start ASAP).
If you have a diurnal reptile that requires a UV light, you will want to change the bulb to ensure that the reptile is getting the appropriate UV rays to help it absorb the calcium supplements. You may also want to consider puting the reptile in an enclosed area outside on a sunny day.
A good idea is to take a rubbermaid tub, cut out a hole in the lid, screen it, and then you have a safe enclosure that your reptile can hang out in while outside. The screen will ensure the rays to the reptile, and it will prevent predators from snatching up your pet. Having the screen also allows for proper ventillation so that the reptile doesn't bake in a completely sealed container.
You may want to consider liquid calcium, but watch the amount that you do give the reptile, as you do not want to overdose the reptile on the supplement. You may want to consult a reptile vet so that you know how much and how often to provide the supplement.
Now, if your pet reptile has MBD that is advanced, you will want to just go straight to the vet as soon as you can. The vet will give yo ua proper prognosis and treatment, if he thinks the reptile will recover.
Metabolic bone disease affects the joints, muscles, and bones of the reptile. You will commonly see the wrist and ankle joints affected first. The reptile will begin to sit on its wrists and walk a little bowed.
At the first signs of the illness, you want to contact a local reptile vet so that you can get proper instructions. But, if you catch the illness early on, all you should have to do is bump up the supplements that you are already providing (if you aren't dusting the food, you want to start ASAP).
If you have a diurnal reptile that requires a UV light, you will want to change the bulb to ensure that the reptile is getting the appropriate UV rays to help it absorb the calcium supplements. You may also want to consider puting the reptile in an enclosed area outside on a sunny day.
A good idea is to take a rubbermaid tub, cut out a hole in the lid, screen it, and then you have a safe enclosure that your reptile can hang out in while outside. The screen will ensure the rays to the reptile, and it will prevent predators from snatching up your pet. Having the screen also allows for proper ventillation so that the reptile doesn't bake in a completely sealed container.
You may want to consider liquid calcium, but watch the amount that you do give the reptile, as you do not want to overdose the reptile on the supplement. You may want to consult a reptile vet so that you know how much and how often to provide the supplement.
Now, if your pet reptile has MBD that is advanced, you will want to just go straight to the vet as soon as you can. The vet will give yo ua proper prognosis and treatment, if he thinks the reptile will recover.
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