Underbite?

[christywoowoo]

I have concerns about Deja's underbite because many have associated an underbite with MBD or Metabolic Bone Disease. I am using calcium and uvb lighting. I just go her last Saturday and she is about 3 months old.

The guy I got her from seemed very experienced and told us that he got her from a breeder and that he needed to make room for his own breeding and so was practically giving away this gorgeous leatherback, a steal for $50 I am crazy in love with her. She is amazingly active and curious, so I'm just concerned as to why the underbite?
some pics

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Sorry your post got missed!
She is a beautiful girl. She may have a slight underbite, but at her age you may be able to get it reversed with some extra calcium while she is growing.
Which UVB light are you using right now & how close is it to her?

Tracie

 

[christywoowoo]

I am currently using a 13 watt exoterra desert uvb bulb and she will actually get extremely close to it on her climbing log, I'm not too sure if thats good or bad. We just renewed the bulb 2 weeks ago.
She's getting plenty of calcium and uvb.
The underbite actually seems a little more prominent now.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

The Exoterra bulb will need to be replaced/exchanged for either a Zoomed Reptisun 10 tube bulb or an Arcadia D3 12% tube bulb. Stay away from compact/coil lights as they are known to cause some eye issues.
The Reptiglo bulbs just don't emit the greatest UVB wavelength for D3 synthesis which could be why he is slowing developing an underbite. He is not able to absorb his calcium properly.

Is he eating well right now?

Tracie

 

[christywoowoo]

She is a great eater, I had my girl Rusty under the bulb her whole life and never had an issue. The only reason I ask is because I'm not doing anything different than I did with Rusty, and I had Rusty from 2 months she is now one year and hasn't had an issue... Why is it affecting Deja?

 

[AHBD]

Hi there.... if you just got her a few days ago, this had begun to develop before you got her. You might get it under control now with better care than she possibly had before...it just takes a bit to reverse. And it is not bad at all, looks more exaggerated because she has a pointy little face.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

It is hard to determine exactly why some develop calcium & bone issues & others don't. A lot of it is predetermined by genetics though so when things do happen it is best to get them taken care of quickly.
In this case I think you can get it reversed or at leastl halted if she is still growing.

Tracie