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Metabolic Bone Disease in lizards

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All lizards are susceptible to Metabolic Bone Disease including this Tokay gecko

Metabolic Bone Disease, what it is
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is used as a blanket term to describe a number of different conditions caused by a nutritional imbalance affecting the bones of lizards. It is also known as:

  • Fibrous osteodystrophy
  • Osteomalacia
  • Secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism
  • Osteoporosis
  • Rickets

At one time it was believed to be the result of simple calcium deficiency but we now realize that is not usually the case.

Causes of MBD
In general terms it is caused by giving your lizard a diet that has too much phosphorus relative to the amount of calcium it eats. The normal ratio of calcium:phosphorous is 2:1 for a lizard. However due to inadequate feeding many times there is far more calcium than phosphorus and the lizards body begins to leech calcium away from other sources, e.g. the bones. When bones lose calcium they become soft. The body also deposits extra tissue around the bones in an effort to make them stronger.

While the 2:1 ratio might seem easy to accomplish there are other factors that play into it. For instance vitamin D3 plays a major role in how calcium is metabolized by the body. An insufficient amount of ultra-violet lighting, even when calcium is plentiful can lead to MBD. It is very much like rabbit starvation where men would starve to death eating rabbits to their hearts content. Having food is not in and of itself enough. There must be the proper balance and external conditions for that food to be nutritious to a lizards body.

Preventing MBD
It’s simple to prevent MBD if you do so from the beginning before it has a chance to take hold.

  1. Make sure to feed your lizard a balanced diet. You need to know the types of food your pet can eat, but try to give it a healthy variety of those foods
  2. If you’re lizard is not nocturnal and requires supplemental UVA/B lighting ensure it has it available. Also remember that not all lighting is created equal
  3. There are several over the counter supplements to add to your lizards food. Zoomed makes several different ones that are worth checking out
  4. Also ensure you are offering a heat gradient and the proper day/night lighting cycles

Treating MBD
If your lizard has MBD and it is just starting you can normally get the diet right, ensure the husbandry in the tank is correct; it should begin to correct itself. Cases where the disease has progressed to moderate or severe levels should be referred to a qualified reptile vet. It will take special calcium supplementation and some other more advanced treatments than most people can provide without guidance.

Metabolic bone disease in lizards does not have to be a death sentence if it is properly taken care of. The goal however should not be treatment, but prevention because with a little effort it is simple to avoid.

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