Introduction to Bearded Dragon Metabolic Bone Disease
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a well-known disorder affecting most domesticated reptiles but is especially prevalent in bearded dragons. This disorder affects a bearded dragon’s skeletal and muscular structure, resulting in deformities and weakness. It can severely impact a reptile’s health and cause life-long issues.
Anatomy and Physiology of Bearded Dragon Bones
A bearded dragon’s bone structure is similar to humans and serves the same purposes. Like most reptiles, their skeleton consists of several bones that work together to support movement and protect important body parts.
They have spines, rib cages, and leg and tail bones covered with layers of muscles and nerves, much like ours. Their bones are made of the same composites as humans, like collagen, calcium, and phosphorus.
Calcium is the most important building block for healthy bones in bearded dragons. It strengthens them and ensures healthy bone development, growth, and maintenance. It also aids in the muscular system by helping to regulate muscle contraction. This is why its very important to ensure your bearded dragon has enough calcium to support their skeletal and muscular systems, which they rely on for most body functions.
Causes and Risk Factors of Bearded Dragon Metabolic Bone Disease
The 3 main causes of metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons include:
Imbalanced Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratio
The ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in a bearded dragon’s body is 2:1. This simply means that they need twice as much calcium as phosphorus in their diet to maintain healthy bones. These minerals work together to metabolize properly and form calcium phosphate, which gives bone its hardness.
Too much phosphorus in a bearded dragon’s diet can interfere with how their body uses calcium, leading to a calcium deficiency. Alternatively, low levels of dietary calcium can lead to an imbalanced ratio and contribute to metabolic bone disease.
Improper UVB Lighting
Bearded dragons need UVB lighting to regulate the production of vitamin D3 in their bodies. They need vitamin D3 to absorb calcium effectively; otherwise, they can suffer from low calcium levels. In the wild, bearded dragons bask in the sun for essential UV rays. However, this isn’t possible in captivity, which is why they need artificial UVB light in their enclosure. Reptiles don’t always absorb enough vitamin D3 from their diet, so they still require UV lighting and a healthy diet.
Inadequate Calcium Intake
When the calcium levels in a bearded dragon’s body are too low, they can develop hypocalcemia. This condition makes them produce excess parathyroid hormone, which causes their bodies to take calcium from the bone to maintain normal blood levels. Calcium is important for muscle function and bone development, which is why deficiency can lead to metabolic bone disease and other serious health issues.
Signs and Symptoms of Bearded Dragon Metabolic Bone Disease
Bearded dragons suffering from metabolic bone disease show various physical, behavioral, and physiological symptoms.
- Bowed limbs: It’s common for the hind legs to become swollen and bowed. This happens when the body tries to strengthen the weak bones with fibrous tissue.
- Softening of the jaw/face: The jaw becomes soft and swollen, sometimes referred to as “rubber jaw.”
- Bone fractures: The bones become soft, brittle, and prone to fractures. Fractures can happen during handling or even from minor falls.
- Spinal deformities: The spine can develop a prominent curve or kink.
- Lack of appetite: Most bearded dragons will be in too much pain and discomfort to be interested in eating.
- Stunted growth: The lack of calcium affects the bone and muscle development in young bearded dragons, resulting in stunted growth.
- Tremors: Tremors, twitching, and seizures are serious symptoms that occur when the lack of calcium affects the muscles and nerves.
- Difficulty moving: Bearded dragons may be reluctant to move with their painful, deformed bones and swollen joints.
Some of the earliest signs of MBD in bearded dragons are a lack of appetite, muscle tremors, and softening of the jaw. The symptoms only get worse the longer this disorder goes untreated. In severe cases, bearded dragons can suffer from seizures, cloacal prolapses, and eventually death.
Diagnosing Bearded Dragon Metabolic Bone Disease
Early diagnosis is crucial to help manage your bearded dragon’s symptoms to ensure they have a successful recovery. If your bearded dragon shows signs of this disorder, they must be taken to an exotic veterinarian who is experienced in treating reptiles. Metabolic bone disease can be fatal to bearded dragons, so it must be treated immediately.
The vet will diagnose your bearded dragon based on a physical examination, clinical signs, and diagnostic tests. They will likely ask you questions about your bearded dragon’s history, previous health issues, diet, and living conditions. This can help them determine if improper husbandry could be responsible for your bearded dragon’s symptoms.
Metabolic bone disease can also be diagnosed with X-rays to check for structural issues and bone density. Blood tests are used to check the calcium and phosphorus levels in your bearded dragon, which can indicate a deficiency.
Treatment Options for Bearded Dragon Metabolic Bone Disease
In mild cases, the metabolic bone disorder is treated by switching to a balanced diet with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements. This helps correct a deficiency and ensures your bearded dragon gets adequate levels of calcium and vitamin D3 to maintain healthy bones and muscle function.
UVB light therapy is important for bearded dragons with metabolic bone disorder. These reptiles need UVB light to synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. The UVB light converts an inactive form of vitamin D into its active form of vitamin D3 in a bearded dragon’s skin.
Severe cases require more intensive treatment options. Veterinarians may administer vitamin D3 injections (calcitonin) to treat severe calcium deficiencies. This medication helps to re-deposit calcium into the bones.
Hydration is crucial while bearded dragons are recovering from MBD. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of MBD by interfering with nutrient absorption. Fluid therapy helps to keep them hydrated and is used in addition to dietary supplements, medications, and UVB light therapy.
Unfortunately, not all bearded dragons recover from metabolic bone disease. It can be fatal in the late stages and cause irreversible damage to the bones and muscles. Some veterinarians may recommend euthanasia for bearded dragons who have severe symptoms that cannot be managed or treated effectively.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Bearded Dragon MBD
Although metabolic bone disease is so common amongst reptiles, it’s relatively easy to prevent with proper care.
Proper Diet and Nutrition
A healthy, species-appropriate diet is the best way to prevent MBD in bearded dragons. Their diet should consist of insects and plant-based foods with vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation.
Live feeder insects like dubia roaches and crickets are an excellent protein source and provide traces of calcium and phosphorus for bone health. Insects should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement daily for young bearded dragons and at least three times a week for adults.
Leafy green vegetables like dandelion greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens are rich in calcium and low in phosphorus, making them ideal for preventing MBD. You want to avoid foods high in oxalates, which inhibit proper calcium absorption.
UVB Exposure and Lighting Requirements
Make sure your bearded dragon has a UVB light in their enclosure to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin. UVB lights should be on for at least 6 to 12 hours a day for maximum exposure, ideally where your bearded dragon basks under their heat lamp. It’s important to regularly replace UVB lights because most bulbs become less effective over time.
Bearded Dragon MBD Rehabilitation and Long-Term Management
Unfortunately, not all bearded dragons successfully recover from metabolic bone disease and may require intensive rehabilitation to manage their symptoms. In the advanced stages of MBD, a veterinarian may recommend surgery to correct any deformities, fractures, or necrosis. This is usually done as a last resort and in addition to dietary changes, calcium supplements, and UVB light therapy.
If these different rehabilitation treatments don’t improve the bearded dragons’ quality of life, some veterinarians might consider euthanasia. All of these considerations should be discussed with a veterinarian and will be based on your bearded dragon’s recovery process.
Depending on your bearded dragon’s response to treatment, the vet may schedule several follow-up appointments to closely monitor their health and adjust the care plan if necessary.
Supporting Bearded Dragons With MBD
You can support your bearded dragon as they recover from MBD by making slight adjustments to their environment to enhance mobility and comfort. Bearded dragons will be in pain from MBD, so they won’t be as mobile as they were before. They might struggle to climb and explore and are more susceptible to injuries in their fragile condition. It’s a good idea to remove any tall platforms or decorations that they can fall from.
Place their essential items, such as food and water bowls, at a low level of the enclosure for them to easily reach. Their basking spot and UV light should be easy to access near one end of the enclosure. Make sure they have a cooler side to thermoregulate properly so that they don’t overheat.
Educating Owners About Bearded Dragon MBD
As a responsible bearded dragon owner, it’s crucial to become educated on this serious yet preventable disorder. Proper care and diet are the best ways to prevent this disorder and keep your bearded dragon healthy.
If you have any questions or concerns about MBD in bearded dragons, it’s best to consult with an exotic veterinarian for professional advice. You can also read more about this disorder on veterinary websites.
Conclusion
Metabolic bone disease is a serious yet preventable disorder that commonly affects bearded dragons. It’s primarily caused by a calcium deficiency resulting from an improper diet and an imbalanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. You can prevent your bearded dragon from developing MBD by feeding them a balanced diet with calcium supplements and ensuring they have UV light in their enclosure to synthesize vitamin D3 for proper calcium absorption.
