When I got my beardie, Barbudo, he had MBD, Metabolic Bone Disease, which is caused by a deficiency in calcium or vitamin D3 (which is required to synthesize calcium). He is on liquid calcium every 12 hours, which is a lot more effective than dusting feeders.
Anyways, I thought I might share some pics showing symptoms of MBD, in case anybody is worried about their beardie.
Swollen-looking upper front and back legs that feel almost spongey.
Note how his legs are almost folded under him. A healthy beardie's legs should be in front of them.
Slight underbite (it's hard to see; at this point he was already recovering).
See the folded back hand
In this one, you can better see how his legs are bent under him. Again, legs should be supporting the upper body.
Walking awkwardly may be an effect of deformed/weak bones.
Note the curled fingers.
Budo's MBD was very mild, thank goodness. Severe MBD can result in major deformities of all bones, including the spine. These deformities cannot be reversed, but can be kept from getting worse.
MBD is a very, very sad disease that can be fatal. Such deformities can be extremely painful for a dragon. (Imagine walking on the backs of your hands!)
The worst (or best) part about it? It is 100% preventable. With a UVB-emitting light (of a brand that works!*) and calcium supplements of appropriate dosage for your dragon's age (also of a brand that works*), your dragon will not get MBD.
If anyone else has a beardie with MBD, feel free to post your own pictures / comments.
Beardies are wonderful, loving pets that do not deserve such a terrible disease. Do your research before you buy a beardie. If you think your beardie has MBD, seek vet attention.
*Keep in mind that many brands of UV lights and supplements can do more harm to your dragon than good. Research brands before you buy. Personally, I use Rep-Cal Calcium with D3 for supplements and a ReptiSun 10.0 for UV, but there are other options as well.
Anyways, I thought I might share some pics showing symptoms of MBD, in case anybody is worried about their beardie.
Swollen-looking upper front and back legs that feel almost spongey.
Note how his legs are almost folded under him. A healthy beardie's legs should be in front of them.
Slight underbite (it's hard to see; at this point he was already recovering).
See the folded back hand
In this one, you can better see how his legs are bent under him. Again, legs should be supporting the upper body.
Walking awkwardly may be an effect of deformed/weak bones.
Note the curled fingers.
Budo's MBD was very mild, thank goodness. Severe MBD can result in major deformities of all bones, including the spine. These deformities cannot be reversed, but can be kept from getting worse.
MBD is a very, very sad disease that can be fatal. Such deformities can be extremely painful for a dragon. (Imagine walking on the backs of your hands!)
The worst (or best) part about it? It is 100% preventable. With a UVB-emitting light (of a brand that works!*) and calcium supplements of appropriate dosage for your dragon's age (also of a brand that works*), your dragon will not get MBD.
If anyone else has a beardie with MBD, feel free to post your own pictures / comments.
Beardies are wonderful, loving pets that do not deserve such a terrible disease. Do your research before you buy a beardie. If you think your beardie has MBD, seek vet attention.
*Keep in mind that many brands of UV lights and supplements can do more harm to your dragon than good. Research brands before you buy. Personally, I use Rep-Cal Calcium with D3 for supplements and a ReptiSun 10.0 for UV, but there are other options as well.
