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Metabólicas y nutrición

Metabolic bone disease (reptiles)

Weakening of the bones due to a lack of calcium, vitamin D3 or ultraviolet light. It is THE most common disease in captive reptiles, and it is almost always caused by incorrect husbandry.

Severe🦎 Reptiles

Symptoms to watch for

  • • Soft bones, deformities (jaw, spine, limbs)
  • • Tremors, weakness
  • • Difficulty moving or holding up the body
  • • Fractures from minor trauma
  • • Loss of appetite, lethargy
  • • A soft or deformed shell in tortoises

Causes

A lack of calcium in the diet, absence of UVB light (needed to produce vitamin D3 and absorb calcium), an inadequate terrarium temperature, or excess phosphorus. It is a husbandry problem.

Diagnosis

Examination plus X-rays that reveal the low bone density and the deformities.

Treatment

Correct the husbandry URGENTLY: adequate UVB light, correct temperature, calcium supplements and a suitable diet. Advanced cases require intensive veterinary treatment. Deformities that have already formed cannot be reversed.

Prevention

Correct UVB lighting, replaced periodically, a temperature gradient suited to the species, a diet with the correct calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, and supplementation according to the species.

When should you see the vet?

See an exotics vet if your reptile has tremors, weakness, deformities or soft bones. Check the UVB light and the terrarium temperature straight away.

Consult a vet

WetAi guides you and takes you to the vet; it does not diagnose.

Notice: this information is for general guidance and educational purposes only. It does NOT replace diagnosis or treatment by a registered veterinary surgeon. If you notice any symptoms, always consult a professional. Wallapets accepts no responsibility for the use of this information without veterinary supervision.

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