What is Metabolic Bone Disease?
Our reptiles and amphibians are incredible, especially when we see how fast they grow. However, with this fast growth comes high nutritional and environmental demands, and without the proper support from good food and husbandry, they are at risk of developing Metabolic Bone Disease.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a painful, yet avoidable disease that can affect any reptile or amphibian but has been commonly seen in lizards. MBD is like a spiderweb, it can be caused by or linked with a number of health conditions.
Health Conditions Linked to Metabolic Bone Disease
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) – is caused by insufficient calcium, too much phosphorous and/or a lack of vitamin D3, and inadequate exposure to ultraviolet (UVB) light.
Osteoporosis – This is when an animal’s bone density is reduced, making it brittle and weak.
Osteomalacia – This is the failure of adult bones to calcify, and as a result, they become soft and weak and can cause muscle pain.
Rickets – Is the juvenile form of osteomalacia
Fibrous osteodystrophy – This is where an animal’s bones get reabsorbed and replaced with weaker fibrous tissue. You might know this as rubber jaw syndrome.
Hypocalcaemia – this is where an animal has low blood calcium levels.
These conditions are very serious and require intervention to stop them from progressing. MBD usually takes a while to develop and a longer time to correct in situations where it can be done. Many times, MBD will have permanent consequences.
What are the Signs and Symptoms
From the conditions mentioned above, we can see physical signs like:
- Abnormal bone growth and/or development e.g. bowing in the arms or legs,
- Abnormal shell growth in turtles and tortoises
- Fractures in the arms or legs
- Scoliosis of the spine, S-shape curve of the back
- Difficulty standing upright and moving around
- General weakness and/or collapse
- Swelling in the arms or legs
- The jawbone is weak and/or has an overbite or underbite
- Stunted growth
- Tremors in the fingers, toes, tongue and/or pupils
- Unable to eat but still hungry
- Unable to go to the toilet.
Preventing MBD can be boiled down to 3 simple rules
Rule 1. Give your animal the proper nutrients they require
A well-rounded diet that mimics a reptile’s natural intake helps maintain optimal metabolic function and bone health. Appropriate amounts of protein, fats, and other essential vitamins and minerals help support healthy bone growth, prevent deformities, and improve overall health. Vetafarm’s Lizard Food is formulated with a balanced nutrient ratio to ensure your lizard gets the calcium and vitamin D it needs. Multical Dust is ideal for insects or fresh vegetables. For additional vitamins and minerals, Vitamin Drops can be added topically to help prevent vitamin deficiencies.
Rule 2. Provide your reptile with UVB globes (be mindful to get the correct strength they need)
UVB light is vital for the synthesis of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 allows reptiles to absorb calcium from their diet, helping to maintain healthy bone structure. Without sufficient UVB exposure, reptiles cannot produce enough vitamin D3, leading to calcium deficiencies and weakened bones. Although some nocturnal reptiles only need vitamin D3 in their food, diurnal (daytime active) reptiles require it from the sun or UVB globes and their food. UVB bulbs that mimic natural sunlight are key to ensuring your reptile receives the right amount of light for optimal health. Ensuring proper lighting and a balanced diet supports your pet’s long-term well-being and helps prevent the risks of MBD.
Rule 3. Keep your reptile’s enclosure at the correct temperatures
Enclosure temperature directly impacts a reptile’s ability to digest food, absorb nutrients, and maintain overall health. Reptiles are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. If the temperature within the enclosure is too low, their metabolism slows, reducing their ability to process calcium and other essential nutrients properly. This can lead to calcium deficiencies and weakened bones, and the development of MBD can occur. Ensuring a proper temperature gradient within the enclosure allows reptiles to regulate their body heat, digest food effectively, and maintain optimal calcium levels, helping to support strong bones and long-term health.
We recommend using reliable heating equipment to create a suitable environment that promotes your reptile’s well-being and helps prevent MBD. Ensuring your reptile gets the correct temperature range is important, as they rely on their environment to metabolise nutrients like calcium effectively!