Metabolic Bone Disease, or MBD for short, is common in reptiles. It is a very serious disease, and can often lead to death. MBD is often caused by lack of calcium intake, and in balance between calcium and phosphorus.  MBD should not be taken lightly, and any animal that displays symptoms should be taken to a vet immediately.

What to watch for:

• Twisted legs, sometimes broken bones
• Misshaped, arched spine
• Jaw softening, often swelling. This is referred to as “rubber jaw”
• Turtle’s will often have a softer shell
• Tremors or seizures
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Weakness, sometimes paralysis
• Rubbery Limbs
• Weight loss

How can you prevent MBD?

• Balance diet in calcium/phorsphorus
• Dust food with calcium supplements daily
• Offer Calcium with D3 at least twice a week
• Proper heat and lighting
• Provide UVB/UVA for those reptiles that are diurnal

Options for treatment?

The best option for treatment is going to the vet.  The vet will perform a physical exam, and if needed an ultrasound, or blood work. If MBD is determined, they will usually issue medications, one of which will be liquid calcium. Make sure to follow all directions given by the vet, as giving too much or too little can cause more harm.

Things you can do at home to help treatment

• Cage rest
• Separate from other geckos, make sure the cage is not too large
• Remove all surfaces for climbing
• Rarely handle the gecko, except for treatment
• Warm water soaks can often help if a limb has become broken during the process
• Follow all directions given by the vet

Hopefully your animal can bypass MBD if it has been diagnosed. If you have never had  problems with  MBD, make sure to follow the preventions in order to never have to deal with it. It is a nasty problem and should never be taken lightly.

This post has been made in honor of Awesome, a female leopard gecko who is currently suffering from MBD due to egg laying. Thankfully she was diagnosed early enough to be placed on medication and is in hopes for a full recovery.