Calcium deficiency in bearded dragons (also known as Hypocalcemia) is a relatively common condition and is usually caused by an inadequate diet, specifically a lack of calcium or Vitamin D3. Symptoms can start to appear from as early as three months old and usually include reduced appetite, anorexia, weak hind limbs, muscle spasms, twitching, seizures and general lethargy.
Over time, the bearded dragon’s bones may start to become brittle, break in certain areas and abnormally curl up; these all indicate advanced calcium deficiency. If your bearded dragon displays any of these symptoms then it is very important to see a veterinarian as soon as possible in order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment consists of ensuring your bearded dragon has a balanced diet and any necessary supplements to help balance out their calcium levels, as well as providing a UVB light to help with Vitamin D3 absorption.
It is also always important to regularly monitor their diet and supplement routine in order to keep their calcium levels at an optimal level. With proper care and attention, calcium deficiency can be treated and managed effectively, allowing your bearded dragon to live a happy and healthy life.
Can a bearded dragon recover from calcium deficiency?
Yes, a bearded dragon can recover from calcium deficiency if it is caught early enough. The most important factor in recovery is getting the bearded dragon on a proper diet and supplementing with a high-quality calcium and vitamin D3 supplement.
Vitamin D3 helps the body absorb and use calcium, so it is important to make sure the bearded dragon is getting enough of this vitamin as well. Additionally, some factors, such as stress, poor husbandry, and inadequate UVB exposure, may need to be addressed in order to prevent recurrence of calcium deficiency.
If the bearded dragon’s calcium levels are low because of poor diet or other environmental factors, the pet parent may need to adjust the diet and supplement more regularly to help raise calcium levels.
If left untreated, calcium deficiency can cause organ failure and even death in bearded dragons so prompt intervention is necessary for a recovery.
How do I give my bearded dragon calcium?
Giving your bearded dragon calcium is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy. The best way to give them calcium is to provide them with a high-quality calcium supplement in their food. The calcium supplement should be dusted on their food before it is served, usually via a spray bottle.
You want to make sure that the calcium supplement is without Vitamin D3, since this can be harmful in excess amounts. Additionally, you should provide them with a balanced diet that contains a variety of vegetables, including leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip greens.
These leafy greens are high in Vitamin A, which is essential for proper calcium utilization. You also want to ensure that they are getting plenty of Vitamin D from UVB light, which is provided by a basking lamp.
Without UVB light, the calcium they consume will not be absorbed properly, leading to health issues. Finally, you should also ensure they have regular access to natural unfiltered sunlight, as this is important for their overall health.
Can you stop MBD in bearded dragons?
Yes, you can stop MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) in bearded dragons by providing the proper nutrients, housing, and care. First and foremost, providing a nutritionally balanced diet for your dragon is vital to stopping MBD.
For adult dragons, offering a variety of dark leafy greens, vegetables, and an occasional insect can provide the vitamins and minerals needed. For juvenile dragons, a specialty diet is best – one that is specifically made for baby dragons.
Also, making sure there’s enough UVB and UVA lighting available is essential; it helps them metabolize the essential vitamins they need! Also, having a place for your dragon to climb, bask, hide and explore is important for their overall health, both physically and mentally.
Lastly, avoiding over-handling and offering enough rest time, as well as making sure temperatures are within range, will further ensure that MBD is avoided in your bearded dragon.
How long do bearded dragons live with MBD?
Unfortunately, a bearded dragon diagnosed with Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) may have a reduced lifespan. MBD is a serious health condition that can lead to joint and skeletal deformities, skeletal weaknesses and fractures, skin problems, and difficulty moving and walking.
When the condition is not treated properly or goes unchecked, it can worsen and lead to death. Generally, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, the lifespan of a bearded dragon with MBD can be around 3 to 9 years.
However, if the condition is not addressed promptly or the pet gets inadequate medical care, it can lead to complications and a drastic shortening of life expectancy. It is important to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your bearded dragon may have MBD, so that the condition can be treated promptly and appropriately and the reptile can enjoy a longer and healthier life.
What does a sick bearded dragon look like?
A bearded dragon that is sick might appear lethargic and have a poor appetite. They might also appear dehydrated and have discolored scales or a change in the color of their eyes. In addition, they might have a runny or bubbly nose or a discharge from their eyes.
They may also have a dulling of their scales, swollen lower jaw, weight loss, deformities, or redness of the skin. Any signs that the bearded dragon is not acting or looking normal should be followed up with a trip to the vet to determine if they have a sickness or an underlying issue.
It is important to monitor photoperiod, temperature, and hydration levels in the enclosure to ensure your dragon is healthy and to avoid any potential sicknesses. Additionally, a balanced diet with the appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals should be maintained to promote their overall well-being.
Can a reptile recover from MBD?
Yes, it is possible for reptiles to recover from MBD, also known as Metabolic Bone Disease. MBD is caused by a lack of ultraviolet light, improper diet, or a failure to supplement with calcium and/or vitamin D3.
The key to successfully treating MBD is to first identify and correct the underlying cause. Once the cause has been identified and corrected, the next step is to begin a holistic treatment program that includes proper nutrition, the correct amount of ultraviolet light, and calcium suppletion.
A well-structured treatment program may also include the use of underlying supplements, such as phosphorous, vitamin D3, and multivitamins.
It can take up to two to three months for the reptile to experience any noticeable improvement in the condition. During the recovery period, it is important to ensure consistent and regular vet check-ups, so any changes to the condition, such as a decrease in mobility, can be monitored.
If MBD is detected early, treatment is often successful, and the reptile can recover with proper care and vet support. However, recovery is not always possible if the condition has had time to set in and cause irreparable skeletal deformities.
Can you cure MBD in reptiles?
Yes, it is possible to cure metabolic bone disease (MBD) in reptiles. MBD is caused by a lack of essential nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D3, in the diet. Calcium and Vitamin D3 levels must be balanced in order for reptiles to properly absorb calcium from food.
Reptiles that don’t get enough calcium and vitamin D3 in their diet may develop MBD, which can lead to soft, weakened bones and poor muscle development. To help cure MBD, veterinary care is recommended, which may include administering calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation, as well as making dietary changes.
It is important to ensure that the reptile’s diet is balanced and contains the right amounts of calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent MBD from developing. Additionally, exposure to UVB light helps reptiles manufacture vitamin D3 naturally.
Providing a proper diet and adequate UVB exposure can help reptiles receive the calcium and vitamin D3 they need to live healthy lives and prevent the development of MBD.
How long does MBD last?
MBD, which stands for Major Depressive Disorder, is a mental health disorder that is classified as a mood disorder. The duration of this disorder varies greatly depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms.
In most cases, episodes of major depression can last anywhere from several weeks to several months, with the average being around six to eight months. There are also those cases of Major Depressive Disorder that persist for a longer duration and even recurrent episodes, which can span several years.
In these cases, proper diagnosis and treatment are important in order to attenuate the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
How much calcium does a bearded dragon need MBD?
Bearded dragons require calcium in their diet to help support healthy bone growth and development. Depending on the age of the bearded dragon, the amount of calcium required to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD) can vary.
For adults, a minimum of 180-220mg of calcium per kg of body weight is recommended, whereas for developing or juvenile bearded dragons, a minimum of 280-340mg of calcium per kg of body weight is recommended.
It is important to keep in mind that calcium should be provided in conjunction with other vitamins and minerals and should be administered with food sources, like insects, and or supplemented with calcium or multivitamin put no more often than once per week.
For optimal health, it is important to provide a balanced diet to ensure the bearded dragon receives all essential nutrients, including adequate amounts of calcium.
What happens if a bearded dragon gets too much calcium?
If a bearded dragon gets too much calcium, it can lead to a dangerous condition known as metabolic bone disease (MBD). This is caused by an imbalance of calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D3 in the diet of the bearded dragon, and can lead to weakened bones and metabolic problems in the body.
Symptoms of MBD can include a soft or rubbery feeling in the bones when touched, twitching or jerking of the body, and limb paralysis. MBD can also cause issues with the bearded dragon’s digestion and energy levels.
In severe cases, MBD can be fatal and can be avoided with the proper balance of diet and vitamin supplementation. If you believe your bearded dragon is exhibiting symptoms of MBD, it is best to contact an experienced herpetologist or veterinarian for further diagnosis and treatment.
What are the early signs of MBD in bearded dragons?
The early signs of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) in bearded dragons can include a loss of appetite, lethargy, hind limb weakness and a softening of their bones. As the disease progresses, limb malformations, kyphosis (a hunched over “U” shape to the back), and curvature of the spine may be seen.
Additionally, other signs include swollen or spindle-shaped legs and feet, trouble closing their mouths and/or eyes, lameness and an overall loss of coordination. In severe cases, your bearded dragon may experience paralysis, difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing.
If you notice any of these signs in your bearded dragon, you should take them to a veterinarian and request a blood calcium/ phosphorus panel test. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to ensure your bearded dragon’s health and quality of life.
How do you take care of a lizard with MBD?
Mild or moderate cases of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) in lizards can usually be reversed with proper care. To take care of a lizard with MBD, it is important to provide them with a correct diet and the correct ultraviolet (UV) lighting.
The diet should include foods that are rich in calcium and vitamins D3 and A, such as dark leafy greens, cooked egg or insect larvae. Commercial lizard foods such as Mazuri Tortoise diets can also be beneficial.
Vitamin and mineral supplements can also be added to their diet, although these should always be used in moderation.
It is also important to provide high-quality UV lighting for lizards with MBD. The UV lighting should be on for 10-14 hours each day. Finally, create a warm and humid environment for the lizard by misting the habitat regularly and making sure the temperatures in the habitat range from 75-85°F (24-29°C).
Although MBD can be reversed with proper care, it is important to ILE be aware that the condition can lead to long-term and sometimes irreversible damage, so it is best to take your lizard to a vet if there is any concern.
Is MBD reversible?
MBD stands for methyl-binding domain and is a type of domain found on proteins. It is generally considered to be irreversible because it contains a methyl group that cannot be broken down, and it helps to lock proteins into their proper conformation and composition.
In some cases, however, MBDs can be degraded, thereby also allowing for them to be reversed. For instance, some MBDs have been found to be sensitive to protease digestion. Other MBDs have been so sensitive to harsh treatments, such as high temperatures and extreme pH conditions, that they can actually break down when unduly exposed to them.
In addition, certain enzymes that normally convert proteins from one form to another have been found to work on MBDs, thereby allowing them to be altered in some situations. So, although it is not usually reversible, it is possible for MBDs to be reversed in some cases.
Do bearded dragons bones heal?
Yes, bearded dragons do have bones that heal. Just like humans, the process for healing is the same; when an injury occurs, the body works to heal the affected tissue by forming new tissue and reconnecting existing connective tissues.
This healing process can take anywhere from weeks to months depending on the severity of the injury.
In order to promote healing, it’s important to provide your beardie with an optimal healing environment; this includes good nutrition, hydration, avoiding stress, limiting exercise, and providing humane cage conditions, among other things.
If you believe your beardie has suffered a broken bone – or any other injury – it’s best to take them to the vet as soon as possible. At the vet, your beardie can receive a thorough examination, x-rays, and treatment plan to help them heal, if necessary.
It’s also important to note that they may not heal to the same degree as before due to age, genetics, and any underlying health conditions, even with the best of care. If you notice your bearded dragon is having difficulty moving an injured limb, you may want to consider a custom splint or brace as these may help immobilize the limb and stabilize the joint to promote healing.
In certain cases, surgery may be recommended in order to provide the best outcome.