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Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles

Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles. A disruption of calcium metabolism which causes a host of related problems When the calcium level is relatively low the body tries to compensate by taking calcium from wherever it can, for example the bones.

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Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles

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  1. Metabolic Bone Disease in Reptiles

  2. A disruption of calcium metabolism which causes a host of related problems • When the calcium level is relatively low the body tries to compensate by taking calcium from wherever it can, for example the bones. • This leads to a softening of the bones, making them susceptible to fractures and also leading to a deposition of fibrous tissue as the body tries to strengthen the bone in an absence of available calcium

  3. Causes • MBD results from an improper calcium to phosphorus ratio in the body. • this ratio should be around 2:1 calcium: phosphorus

  4. Calcium also impacts a number of other physiological systems including muscle contraction and blood clotting. • Vitamin D (especially D3) is also vital to calcium metabolism, and because some reptiles do not absorb vitamin D that well they need ultraviolet light exposure to manufacture their own vitamin D.

  5. Causes • Too little calcium or too much phosphorus • Substances in the diet that impair the absorption of calcium • Deficiency of vitamin D • Lack of exposure to UVA and UVB • Inadequate protein • Kidney or liver disease (which impair conversion of vitamin D to it's active from), small intestinal disease (disrupts absorption), and disease of the thyroid or parathyroid glands (produce hormones which affect calcium metabolism). • Cool temperatures impair digestion and therefore calcium absorption

  6. Symptoms Vary depending on the severity and length of time over which the condition has developed. Most of the signs and symptoms are related to bone and muscle effects. These include:

  7. bowed, or swollen legs, or bumps on the long bones of the legs • arched spine or bumps along bones of spine • softening and swelling of the jaw (bilateral) • receded lower jaw • in turtles, softening of the carapace or plastron (the shell) • tremors • jerky movements-twitching in the muscles of the legs and toes • lameness • anorexia • constipation • fractures of the bones due to bone weakness • lethargy • weakness and even partial paralysis (sometimes unable to lift body off ground)

  8. diagnosis • diagnosis is usually made based on the symptoms, physical exam, and discussion of husbandry. • Radiographs (X-rays) may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and monitor treatment.

  9. Treatment • Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. • For very mild cases a switch to a balanced diet and proper husbandry may be enough • many cases require intensive calcium and vitamin supplementation under a veterinary supervision

  10. Prevention The following are important in both prevention and treatment: • diet balanced in calcium and phosphorus, protein, energy and other nutrients • exposure to UVA/UVB for diurnal reptiles - need fluorescent bulbs that are rated to provide UVA and UVB • heat gradients (day and night) • light/dark cycles • adequate enclosure/room to exercise

  11. Any Questions?

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