Limping Beardie

[irwinmahoney]

Hi All,

hoping someone may be able to provide some advice before we head of to the vet. Irwin (a female - long story!) is 4 years old and over the last couple of weeks developed a small lump on her elbow. She has not had any falls or accidents we have seen to cause it. She hasn't seemed bothered by it, her appetite has been unchanged and until now she has been running around freely as well as ever. Her appetite has never been massive, but regular and she is defecating daily. Today however we noticed she has developed a limp in the same leg with the lump on her elbow (front left). Upon inspection she does not react to it being examined. She is still trying to run around, but it is heartbreaking to watch. I'm worried that this may be the onset of something else. MBD seems to be the concern...

Any thoughts/advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks and regards,

Jon & Tricia


Thanks and regards,

Jon & Tricia

 

[Junebug0394]

What kind of supplements are you feeding her?
What kind of lighting are you using?
Looks like MBD, make sure she is getting the right light (UVB & UVA) and phosphorus free Calcium supplement with Vitamin D3. If she has been getting these things and this is still happening, you will need to take her to the vet, Especially since she has developed a lump on her arm.

 

[irwinmahoney]

Hi Junebug,

Thanks for the reply.

Lighting is a UVA/UVB 18% strip light, plus a standard basking light. Temp hot end 90, cool end 75.

Single Suppliment has calcium and D3 and advises not to use a further calcium suppliement without advice. May need to up the calcium... and a trip to the vet.

Is MBD manageable? Would be gutted to loose Irwin

Kind regards,

Jon

 

[Junebug0394]

Hello Jon,

MBD is manageable, you may not be able to reverse the effects of what it has already done but you can prevent it from getting worse. Sounds like you will need to take her to the vet asap. The vet will probably put her on a stronger calcium & D3 supplement, it may be either an oral supplement or possibly injections if she refuses to take it orally. How old are the lights? How is her diet? does she get lots of fresh fruits and veggies along with her Bugs?

 

[Junebug0394]

Also, I forgot to mention...
How is her poo? (Is it runny, hard, really smelly? anything odd about it?)
Sometimes Parasites can interfere with calcium absorption and if untreated, can cause MBD. So you may also want to get a fecal done just to make sure it is not parasites causing the MBD.

 

[gulfbrzdawn]

Along with the other questions June has asked could you also tell us the brand of of UVB you are using. It should be stamped right on the bulb.
Other possible causes of a lump could be an abscess or even a calcium deposit. Is the lump hard or soft to the touch?

 

[irwinmahoney]

Thanks again for your time both, much appreciated.

The Brand of light is Arcadia. The same as that used by the breeder we bought her from.

Poo is not too smelly and appears healthy if a little on the watery side.

The lump is more soft than hard. That said, I'm thinking that MBD is sounding more likely as her diet has never been ideal. We dust the bugs, but her intake of veg is minimal as she simply doesn't go for it (some times, but not often). We've tried force feeding, but it doesn't go down too well, although we do get some in. Sounds like it's not enough though. Will have to up the calcium...

Will be taking her to the vet and will have to see what the damage is. Hopefully not too severe...

Kind regards,

Jon

 

[Junebug0394]

Since the lump is more soft than hard, it must be either an abscess or MBD. But I agree that MBD is more likely due to the fact that she dosen't eat much veggies etc. and you had said that you have not seen her get injured. Hope all goes well at the vet :!: Please do give us an update on what happens. Hope she makes a quick recovery :!:

 

[irwinmahoney]

Thanks for the advice and sentiments. Will update the thread when we know more.

Kind regards,

Jon