Twitching in all four limbs?!

[jacqui778]

Ok, so, I'm kind of freaked out.

I came home after a long day out just minutes ago to find that MoMo's limbs were twitching. All four of them. It literally looks like something is crawling under her skin, or like something is bubbling. Her toes and fingers are also twitching. Immediately, I put her in a sinkful of water, to see if it would help (which only did a minimal amount, she drank some water and the twitching has become less violent). She doesn't seem to be phased by it, she's running across the keyboard now, and the twitching has momentarily stopped, but I know better than to be fooled for the moment.

We DID just recently upgrade to adult sized crickets, since she's big enough for them now, and it's easier for me to get a large amount of adults than a mixed amount of adults and smaller ones. Yesterday, she refused to eat more than a couple crickets, even with them running around in her tank (they're still there), and she was bloated and seemed full of air this morning. I didn't think much of it. Now, though, she's all thin and her limbs are twitching. Could it be impaction, or a bad batch of crix?

I've also been using a SunGlo MVB for the past few months. I know, they've been recalled, and I have ReptiSuns on the way! However, this means that she could have the beginnings of MBD. Could this cause the twitching?

I searched the forums, but didn't find anything like this, where all four limbs twitch. :?

Jacqui

 

[Drache613]

Hello Jacqui,

Are you using the Solar Glo or the Sun Glo? There is a HUGE difference between the two.
If you are using the Sun Glo, then that is just a basking bulb, with absolutely no UVB emissions. If that is the case, then your dragon is most likely exhibiting severe symptoms of metabolic bone disease & needs a blood test & probably a calcium booster from the vet, along with some liquid calcium.
GREAT to hear you have the Reptisun 10 tube bulb on the way already. Be sure to place it 6-8 inches from your dragon, with no screen or plastic blocking the light.
Do you have a vet you can get her to?
Do you use calcium currently?

Tracie

 

[jacqui778]

Hello Jacqui,

Are you using the Solar Glo or the Sun Glo? There is a HUGE difference between the two.
If you are using the Sun Glo, then that is just a basking bulb, with absolutely no UVB emissions. If that is the case, then your dragon is most likely exhibiting severe symptoms of metabolic bone disease & needs a blood test & probably a calcium booster from the vet, along with some liquid calcium.
GREAT to hear you have the Reptisun 10 tube bulb on the way already. Be sure to place it 6-8 inches from your dragon, with no screen or plastic blocking the light.
Do you have a vet you can get her to?
Do you use calcium currently?

Tracie

Hi Tracie.
My bad, I am using a SolarGlo MVB. Had a moment of ignorance there. I used the SolarGlo for about 3 months, and a PowerSun before that, could she have MBD that severely? I would hate for her to become handicapped like Gem.

Will a vet be absolutely necessary? I have one, yes, but my family is having such a hard time financially I have been looking into rehoming MoMo. I can't exactly afford one.

Yes, I am using JurassiCal without D3 for MoMo.

Jacqui

 

[Drache613]

Hello Jacqui,

Ok, that is fine. Unfortunately, the Solar Glo in the past, recently, has not been very good for UVB emissions. I am sorry it has been such a horrible year for lights this year!
The Powersun is an "ok" light, but it too, has had some problems as well so possibly between the use of both lights her calcium stores have become depleted which will happen if the UVB wavelengths are not correct for D3 synthesis.
The twitching is the early indication & symptoms of metabolic bone disease. She is most likely very low in calcium & when that happens, their neuromuscular control is lost & they cannot control their muscular contractions which is why the twitching is occurring.
The powdered calcium without D3 is ok normally, but when they become low in calcium, liquid calcium is absorbed more efficiently. If you don't have the money for a vet, then getting some liquid calcium could help her out a lot, along with getting her underneath of a good UVB light like the Reptisun 10. The combination of them should pull her out of the negative calcium stores.
If you want to get some liquid calcium, let me know. I have a little reptile supply store online, & have recently added an extra liquid calcium with 2 types of calcium in it, instead of just 1 calcium.

I hope that she is feeling better soon.

Tracie