Slight mouth gape = Ca deficiency?

Status
Not open for further replies.
I read somewhere that a slight mouth gape while not overheated can be a sign of calcium deficiency but now I can't find that information. Am I right, is it a sign of another problem, or am I totally out to lunch?

Thanks!
Clifford & owner
 

diamc

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
Perhaps you're talking about the mouth deformity (overbite) that can be exhibited when a beardie has metabolic bone disease?
 

Taterbug

BD.org Addict
MDB can cause deformed bones, as mentioned. Usually it's an overbite but the bones can warp in other ways too. In such case the jaw bones might feel soft or rubbery and the mouth not able to close smoothly.

Gaping can also be from open mouth breathing - and a symptom of URI.

Does your dragon have a gape?
 

DragonsForBreakfast

Member
Original Poster
He has a slight underbite (2mm) and a slight gape (2-3mm).
I replaced his UVB light 3 months ago although I have been slacking a little on calcium dusting the past 2 months - 1-2 time a week instead of 3-4. Is that enough to cause a problem?
I just checked and I can't feel any lumps, bumps, or deformations besides that little underbite, but it is new.

xoxo
 
Mine is doing same thing! Noticed it the other day...I was putting calcium on his greens instead of crickets...going back to dusting crickets...other than the gap mine seems perfectly fine...going to keep watch on this thread in case some one has more info...and if I find anything I will post here..
 

Drache613

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
Hello,

Not getting enough calcium can definitely affect their bones over time.
Which UVB are you using now & is it a tube or a compact/coil light?
Is he eating well also?
How old is Clifford?
If he is younger than one year calcium is needed 4-5 times per week.

Tracie
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Staff online

Members online

Latest resources

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

I just set Swordtail's timer for his bath and paused it so I could actually fill his soaking bowl up and he crawled over my phone and canceled the timer 🤣
Mirage came out of brumation on April 26. He was doing great. On May 2 he started acting funny. We just redid his tank, and he keeps going into one of his hides. He just lays there. He shows no intrest in food. HELP!
is tape safe for fixing something in my leopard geckos hide?
Day 3 of brumation. It's a struggle. I really miss my little guy. 😔
Mirage entered brumation yesterday, I'm gonna miss hanging out with my little guy.

Forum statistics

Threads
156,321
Messages
1,260,083
Members
76,178
Latest member
camila
Top Bottom