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Lizard Metabolic Bone Disease (view source)
Revision as of 15:33, 5 March 2010
, 15:33, 5 March 2010→Dealing with MBD
==Dealing with MBD==
==Dealing with MBD==
===Clinical signs===
They include:
They include:
[[Image:Lizard_thigh_mbd.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Enlargement of the thigh on the right due to fibrous osteodystrophy of the right femur''' (© RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
[[Image:Lizard_thigh_mbd.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Enlargement of the thigh on the right due to fibrous osteodystrophy of the right femur''' (© RVC and its licensors, Sean Bobbit, Sue Evans, Andrew Devare and Claire Moore. All rights reserved)]]
===Diagnosis===
Diagnosis is dependent on:
Diagnosis is dependent on:
*Biochemistry - calcium is generally within normal limits but may be low, especially in neurological cases; the calcifediol assay can be done on plasma to determine the status.
*Biochemistry - calcium is generally within normal limits but may be low, especially in neurological cases; the calcifediol assay can be done on plasma to determine the status.
===Treatment===
Initial focus should be on improving calcium intake as well as access to appropraite UVB light. Parenteral injections of calcium or oral solutions can be used on animals with clinical hypocalcaemia (when renal failure has been ruled out).
Initial focus should be on improving calcium intake as well as access to appropraite UVB light. Parenteral injections of calcium or oral solutions can be used on animals with clinical hypocalcaemia (when renal failure has been ruled out).
Attempt only conservative repair of fractures by stabilizing bones with external coaptation .
Attempt only conservative repair of fractures by stabilizing bones with external coaptation .
===Prevention===
MBD is prevented by providing correct housing and diet. However, caging and dietary requirements vary depending on the species of lizard.
MBD is prevented by providing correct housing and diet. However, caging and dietary requirements vary depending on the species of lizard.