Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is the most common diet related illness of pet reptiles. It is especially a problem in herbivores like green iguanas and tortoises. It is a preventable problem that is almost all the time fatal if not dealt with in a timely manner. By providing your pet reptile the best husbandry you can ensure that your pet does not develop MBD.
Now you may ask what is MBD......it is an improper balance of calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D. The normal ratio should be 1:2:1. If this formula is out of sorts then the body may take calcium from the bones causing them to become soft, and prone to breakage. The causes include lack of dietary calcium, improper ratio, vitamin D deficiency, incorrect temperature, lack of exposure to UV light or some diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid or parathyroid gland.
Some of the signs include:
• Bowed or swollen limbs (often appear well-muscled)
• Soft and swollen jaw (“rubber jaw)
• Receding or deformed lower jaw
• Spinal deformities
• Twitching limbs
• Broken bones due to bone weakness (mainly legs)
• Lameness
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Inability to support body weight on limbs
• Tortoises/turtles have softening or deformities of the shell
• Green iguanas will become brown colored
To diagnose this problem your veterinarian will ask for a history, diet, do a physical exam, and possibly an xray to guage the severity of the problem. Blood tests may also be taken to rule out other disease processes. Treatment can be as simple as a change in diet, proper husbandry like a temperature change, excercise. In more severe cases an owner may have to force feed their reptile with a calcium supplement or give calcium injections.
Metabolic bone disease is a difficult disease to treat, and can ultimately prove fatal for your pet. Reptile owners should have their pets examined by a veterinarian once a year, whether it shows signs of illness or not. You should consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you are feeding your pet an adequate diet and keeping it in its proper environment. Early preventative measures will provide your pet with a longer, healthier, and happier life.