Metabolic Bone Disease

This disease syndrome affects any reptile but most especially those reptiles with a very fast growth rate including but not limited to:  Sulcata tortoises, Leopard Tortoises, Bearded Dragons, Leopard Geckos, Chameleons, frogs, Thai Water Dragons, and of course Green Iguanas. It is purely a disease of inadequate husbandry Your reptile has been diagnosed with a metabolic condition that took many months to develop. It is critically deficient in calcium and/or vitamin D 3. Young reptiles have a tremendous need for calcium as they grow. When calcium is not available to them, they start to remove calcium from their own bones. This causes them to become soft and rubbery. They fracture easily. Muscle also needs calcium to function properly. A calcium deficient reptile will tremor, have difficulty eating, walking, defecating, and urinating. Diet, as well as environment have both contributed to creating this disease state.  The recovery process may take months.  Many pets recover completely.  Some are left with permanent deformities or nervous deficits.  Some will die.  During the recovery process, your reptile will need you to help feed it and nurse it back to health.  Some reptiles take weeks before they start to gain weight and eat well on their own.  Their recovery hinges on providing the correct environment and nutrition.  This handout will help you through the critical stages of recovery.