Metabolic bone disease (MBD), or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, is a complex disease and is probably the most common health problem of pet bearded dragons. It is most often seen in juvenile bearded dragons (less than 2 years old).

Can MBD be cured in bearded dragons?

It's not impossible for dragons to recover from moderate to advanced cases of MBD, but they may be permanently scarred or deformed, and the recovery process is very long and painful. Being aware of your dragon's normal behavior and providing attentive care on a daily basis is key in preventing this awful disease.

Can MBD be reversed?

Fortunately, if detected early enough, MBD can often be corrected and reversed through making changes and improvements to the husbandry of the animal by providing the needed or adequate levels of UV-A and UV-B lighting and heating, proper supplementation, and other nutrients.

How do I know if my dragon has MBD?

Early symptoms of MBD include bowed or swollen legs, arched spine, bumps along the bones of the legs, spine and tail, bilateral softening of the jaw (commonly referred to as rubber jaw), and softening of the carapace and plastron in turtles and tortoises.

How do you feed a bearded dragon MBD?

Ensure your dragon is getting enough calcium by feeding it plenty of green leafy vegetables. Spring greens, lamb's lettuce and Timothy Hay are particularly good sources. Avoid spinach, which can actually block the uptake of calcium.

MBD In Bearded Dragons

44 related questions found

How do you fix the MBD on a bearded dragon?

Metabolic bone disease usually requires immediate oral calcium supplementation, rehydration with fluids, nutritional support, treatment with injectable vitamin D₃, and injections of calcitonin (a drug which helps re-deposit calcium back into bearded dragons' bones).

Is metabolic bone disease painful?

In clinical terms, metabolic bone diseases may result in bone pain and loss of height (due to compression of vertebrae), and they predispose patients to fractures.

How long does MBD take to develop?

Some people may go as short as four months, so we say every four to six months,” says Sadar. “We typically tell people that it [UVB] doesn't penetrate glass and plastic so don't put those between the light and the reptile.”

How do I know if my bearded dragon is getting enough calcium?

Signs of Calcium Deficiency in Bearded Dragons

Lack of appetite. Lethargy and weakness. Stress. Constipation.

Can I give my bearded dragon a calcium bath?

Sometimes it's recommended you give your bearded dragon a 'calcium bath'. ... Adding a few drops of liquid calcium to a water source is fine, but the dragon will only hydrate or benefit if the water is drank orally. Bearded dragons do not hydrate via the skin or cloaca (vent area).

How much calcium does a bearded dragon need?

As a general rule, using four parts calcium supplement to one part multivitamin supplement sprinkled on the food three times a week is a good guideline. A multiple vitamin supplement provides several vitamins, amino acids and trace minerals.

What can I give my bearded dragon for pain?

Recent studies have shown that tramadol is an effective pain relief medication for most reptiles. It is generally used at 5-10mg/kg once or twice daily (dependent on species). Other opiods have also been used with varied success, including some promising studies on the use of fentanyl patches in snakes and lizards.

How much liquid calcium should a bearded dragon have?

Directions: Shake well before using. In water bowls, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) per 8 oz water offered daily. Add to food: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) three times per week.

What are symptoms of metabolic bone disease?

Typical symptoms of metabolic bone disease include:

• Limping.
• Bowed legs.
• Hard lumps along the legs, spinal column, or jaw.
• Softening and unusual flexibility of the lower jaw.
• Difficulty raising the body off the ground.
• Decreased appetite.

Why is my bearded dragon's legs twitching?

The main sign that your beardie is suffering from a lack of calcium or D3 is twitching and muscle tremors. If your dragon begins to twitch, it probably needs calcium immediately. Sometimes a lack of calcium will also cause dragons to become constipated. If this is the case, they can be given a gentle enema by your vet.

How do you treat MBD?

A balanced diet with adequate amounts of vitamin D and calcium and an adequate amount of physical activity are needed for normal bone metabolism. Your doctor may prescribe osteoporosis medications to help slow the rate of bone loss, and in some cases, to replace the lost bone structure.

Can bearded dragons eat egg shells?

Eggshells can contain harmful bacteria that will make your dragon sick. Dangerous to swallow. Eggshells would have to be ground to a powder to be consumed safely since the bits and pieces of egg shell can scratch your beardie's throat and cause choking or gut impaction. Too much calcium.

Do you put calcium in vegetables for bearded dragons?

Bearded dragons need calcium to grow and thrive. Greens with a lot of calcium are a vital part of your pet's diet. Calcium to phosphorus ratio. Phosphorus prevents calcium absorption, and calcium deficiency can cause metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons.

How often should I feed my bearded dragon?

Protein: Bearded dragons enjoy live mealworms, waxworms and crickets that have been “gut loaded,” which means fed lizard-friendly vitamins and nutrients. Young beardies should eat once a day; adults may only need to dine every two days. If beardies don't finish their entire meal, try feeding them less next time.

How do you treat MBD in reptiles?

Treatment of MBD depends on the severity of the disease. For very mild cases, a switch to a balanced diet and proper husbandry may be enough. Severe cases require intensive calcium and vitamin supplementation as well as an increase in high-intensity UVB rays under an exotics veterinarian's care.

How do you tell if a bearded dragon has a broken leg?

Symptoms of Fractures in Lizards

1. Visible trauma or bones piercing through the skin.
2. Leg dragging.
3. Swollen, deformed limb.
4. Unable to walk correctly.
5. Kinked spine.
6. Tail damage.
7. Distended abdomens.
8. Distended bones.

What is MBD disease?

Metabolic bone diseases are disorders of bone strength usually caused by abnormalities of minerals (such as calcium or phosphorus), vitamin D, bone mass or bone structure, with osteoporosis being the most common.

What is metabolic bone activity?

Bone metabolism is characterized by an intimate cooperation of bone cells including osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes in order to maintain bone tissue quantity and the integrity of bone structure.

What causes bones to harden?

Osteopetrosis (literally "stone bone," also known as marble bone disease or Albers-Schonberg disease) is an extremely rare inherited disorder where the bones harden and become denser. The disorder can cause osteosclerosis. The estimated prevalence of osteopetrosis is 1 in 100,000 to 500,000.

What are the signs of a sick bearded dragon?

Signs That Your Bearded Dragon is Sick

• Respiratory Issues. Healthy lizards should breathe quietly and smoothly. ...
• Secretion. Discharge from the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth can also be indications of sickness. ...
• Weight Loss. ...
• Eye Issues. ...
• Lethargy. ...
• Bathroom Issues. ...
• Discoloration. ...
• Strange Behavior.