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MBD Issue

Snakewhisperer

Snakewhisperer

Reptiholic
So, my friend recently lost her baby frilly due to "unknown causes", according to her, and blames our excellent exotic vet for not knowing what it was. That being said, both the vet and I said it was metabolic bone disease. She says no, because she dusted his veggies.

Now, I've raised several beardies, and I'm pretty sure baby lizards are 95%+ insectivores, and would need their crickets dusted. This is also the person who was taking care of Daenerys' beardy when it died, and I thought it was MBD.

I'm looking to discuss this issue, not any sympathies :headbang:
 
MBD is caused from long term calcium deficiency causing the bones to soften and twist first, and with time affecting heart function, kidney, and liver function when untreated for long periods. The first sign is usually tail kinking and if untreated the lizard will eventually twitch, be unable to climb, eat, drink, lift their head, or close their own mouth. You are correct all insects and veggies should be dusted with calcium and small amounts of D3 to aide absorption if UV lighting is not being used. With UV lighting only calcium powder is necessary. A simple vsual exam can easily determine MBD though most vets will do an xray to confirm:)
 
Not trying to defend her, but not all cases of MBD is caused by neglect on the part of the keeper. When hubby and I raised and bred veiled chameleons, we lost a couple of females that broke their legs while trying to dig their nest holes or had their holes collapse on them. We dusted their crickets and worms daily and they had plenty of UV light, but X-rays showed calcium deficiency anyway. I think that in some cases, it's going to happen no matter what. On a side note, when we added wild-caught insects to their diet (when we first started and then the last couple of years), we didn't have any issues with weak bones. It was only when they were strictly on crickets and mealworms that we had a problem.
 
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