Changes

Extreme care should be taken when examining animals with MBD as their bones are weakened and easily [[Lizard Long Bone Fractures|fractured]].

Extreme care should be taken when examining animals with MBD as their bones are weakened and easily [[Lizard Long Bone Fractures|fractured]].

===Clinical signs===

==Clinical signs==

They include:

These include:

*Lethargy and reluctance to move

*Lethargy and reluctance to move

In some cases, hindlimbs may appear very muscular as a result of thickening of the bone cortex caused by marked fibrous osteodystrophy in the long bones. Palpation or [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] suffice to differenciate from healthy tissue. In addition, the costochondral junctions may appear enlarged and distorted.

In some cases, hindlimbs may appear very muscular as a result of thickening of the bone cortex caused by marked fibrous osteodystrophy in the long bones. Palpation or [[Lizard and Snake Imaging|radiography]] suffice to differenciate from healthy tissue. In addition, the costochondral junctions may appear enlarged and distorted.

===Diagnosis===

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis is dependent on:

Diagnosis is dependent on:

*Biochemistry - [[Calcium|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|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===

==Treatment==

Initial focus should be on improving [[Calcium|calcium]] intake  as well as access to appropraite UVB light. Parenteral injections of [[Calcium|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|calcium]] intake  as well as access to appropraite UVB light. Parenteral injections of [[Calcium|calcium]] or oral solutions can be used on animals with clinical hypocalcaemia (when renal failure has been ruled out).

Attempt only conservative repair of [[Lizard Long Bone Fractures|fractures]] by stabilizing bones with external coaptation .

Attempt only conservative repair of [[Lizard Long Bone Fractures|fractures]] by stabilizing bones with external coaptation .

===Prevention===

==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.