Metabolic Bone Disease

[Meggaloo87]

Okay, so we have been to the vet 2x now for MBD. We have the right lights, set up, everything per our vet - so I hope we can save the conversation of that element.

My question is how realistic should I be that our girl can overcome this?

Took her in 4-5 weeks ago as she was sluggish and acting off. Confirmed it was MBD with x-rays. Boosted her Calcium intake substantially. She was sliding around odd on her belly so we took her back in today. She has gained weight and IS STILL ACTIVE in her cage. She is eating and drinking and overall does not have a "glazed look" over her eyes. However, today's x-ray proved 2 BROKEN LEGS.

I am heart broken and trying to prepare myself and my family if this is a disease that never really improves? Vet seemed optimistic but then being the pessimist I am I am wondering how honest he is being that we can possible overcome this.

Anyone deal with this disease and prevailed? Any extra tips/tricks besides everything we are doing now.

She is on a medication now to help boost her calcium growth and bones. And To date has received TWO calcium shots.

 

[EsmeraldasMother]

In my experience, if a vet can catch it super early and get them started on calcium shots, they have a very good chance of being able to "overcome" it. My first dragon had the starting stages of it, and is good now. He doesn't pick himself super high off the ground, but he's not dragging himself either, and he's a couple years old.

From everything I know, there isn't a way to reverse what's happened with the disease, only to try and stop further negative changes to the dragon. I'm sure there are people more experienced on here that can tell you what the true chances of overcoming the disease.

I'm actually currently fighting off MBD with my youngest baby and, if your vet is an experienced reptile vet who knows what they're talking about, I think there's a possibility of coming back from it.

I think if you continue getting calcium into her, and make sure that she's got ample exposure to UVB (without the mesh blocking it if it's not a T5 HO bulb), it'll definitely help her.

 

[Meggaloo87]

We currently are using a zoo med ReptiSun 10 desert UVB bulb which was suggested by the vet. Plus the standard heat UVA bulb and ceramic heat lamp.

What is the other kind you are recommending and why is it better than the one we have? willing to try anything but also want some history too. TIA!

 

[Meggaloo87]

Yes our vet is a good reptile vet and actually has two exotics at this location - seemed super knowledgeable but they never like to give "cure" suggestions or timelines.

 

[EsmeraldasMother]

Either the Reptisun 10.0 Fluorescent light or Arcadia seem to be the most recommended. Is it a strip, or coil bulb that you're using? If it's the Reptisun 10.0 coil, I recommend replacing it for a Fluorescent bulb, and making sure that it's under the lid of your tank, where there is nothing blocking your dragon from getting as much UVB as possible. That I know of, the only light strong enough to get through the metal mesh that's found on most tanks is a T5 HO bulb.

I think it's super great that your vet is a reptile vet! I just found one in my area that has completely blown me away with the level of service and knowledge they have!!

 

[AHBD]

I agree with Esmeralda, check what type bulb you have ASAP and adjust if needed. And can you post pics of her + her set up ? And a video of her walking if possible ? When you say she slides on her belly, is this all the time now ? And can you post pics of the xrays by chance ? BTW how old is she ?

 

[Meggaloo87]

She is under 2.

We are using the reptisun for about a month, per the vets suggestion.

She's been on her belly due to the two new broken bones is my guess.

She eats. Poops. Active. Just not "normal"

 

[EsmeraldasMother]

There are several different types under the brand of Reptisun. There’s the compact coil bulbs, the T5 fluorescent bulbs in 2 different sizes and the T8 in 2 different sizes. Is it a fluorescent bulb or coil bulb? If it’s a fluorescent bulb, is it a T5 or T8?

The photos AHBD mentioned is just so that we can properly assist and try to help in the situation. I have found, with my baby who’s got MBD, that even the easiest ramps that you wouldn’t think they could fall off of are a danger to them falling. While MBD makes the bones easier to break, and much more fragile, I would think that a fall, or jump, would cause the broken bones. I cannot logically picture how her legs got broken without either of those two instances.

To be perfectly clear, I don’t think you’re to blame for her legs being broken but I’ve seen my baby take a fall that I truly thought was impossible. As such, especially if she’s having difficulties with fragile bones, a reorganization of her tank may be in order.

 

[Meggaloo87]

This is the one our vet said to get. The lid does have a metal top but light def goes in.

 

[Meggaloo87]

Her cage is so bare now. The only thing she truly loves lately is lounging in her hammock. We lowered it tho so it's very close to the ground and has "steps"

 

[Meggaloo87]

 

[AHBD]

Poor girl, hopefully she's not in too much pain. One thing you can do is put down layers of folded newspaper to cushion the hard floor, and you can use a rolled up towel or large rolled piece of felt as a basking/perching area. It will be much easier to navigate and no chance of snagging her nails like the hammock .

The bulb is not the correct one. You'll need a Reptisun 10.0 t5 long tube which is sold online at places like Dr. Foster + Smith or Arcadia 12% D3. You might also look in to the Megaray mercury vapor bulb [ heat + uvb all in one ]

What type of heat lamp do you have and what are her temps. ?

 

[Meggaloo87]

My old girl has no issues. Do we need to adjust hers too or just my little girl with MBD?

Good idea on the towel. Also looking at solid hammock options.

 

[Meggaloo87]

Should I take out tiles and transition to sand for now?

 

[EsmeraldasMother]

No, don’t transition to sand. I agree with AHBD on changing the light to a fluorescent. However, I recommend mounting it inside the tank. It’s much easier to mount it if you get a cheap fluorescent bulb holder from somewhere like Lowe’s or Home Depot if you have one around.

Also, do you have a red light shining over her tank? Just asking due to the pink/red colors in the photos.