Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a complex disease that is associated with derangement of the metabolism of [[Calcium - Reptiles|calcium]], [[Phosphorus|phosphorus]] and vitamin D3, poor husbandry and other diseases.

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a complex disease that is associated with derangement of the metabolism of [[Calcium - Reptiles|calcium]], [[Phosphorus - Reptiles|phosphorus]] and vitamin D3, poor husbandry and other diseases.

MBD is the most common disease in captive lizards, especially [[Green Iguana|green iguanas]]; it is usually a result of poor husbandry. For example, deficiency in Vitamin D3 and/or UVB in combination with [[Calcium|calcium]] deficiency leads to metabolic bone disease.  Associated terms include fibrous osteodystrophy, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, osteomalacia and rickets.

MBD is the most common disease in captive lizards, especially [[Green Iguana|green iguanas]]; it is usually a result of poor husbandry. For example, deficiency in Vitamin D3 and/or UVB in combination with calcium deficiency leads to metabolic bone disease.  Associated terms include fibrous osteodystrophy, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, osteomalacia and rickets.

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]].

When juveniles have been affected during growth, they may have poorly mineralized and pliable mandibles which is a sign of prolonged MBD. This results in distorted jaw bones and a characteristic facial 'smile'. In [[Chameleon|chameleon]] species, MBD causes difficulty protruding or retracting the tongue.

When juveniles have been affected during growth, they may have poorly mineralized and pliable mandibles which is a sign of prolonged MBD. This results in distorted jaw bones and a characteristic facial 'smile'. In [[Chameleon|chameleon]] species, MBD causes difficulty protruding or retracting the tongue.

Tremors, muscular fasciculations, paresis and seizures usually develop in more severe cases of MBD with developed hypocalcaemia. However in most cases, [[Calcium|calcium]] and phosphate levels usually appear normal.  

Tremors, muscular fasciculations, paresis and seizures usually develop in more severe cases of MBD with developed hypocalcaemia. However in most cases, [[Calcium - Reptiles|calcium]] and phosphate levels usually appear normal.  

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.

*[[Lizard Physical Examination|Physical examination]]  

*[[Lizard Physical Examination|Physical examination]]  

*Radiography - hypomineralisation of skeleton, pathological fractures, fibrous osteodystrophy. Radiographs are very effective in confirming the diagnosis; indeed, radiolucent transverse processes in the caudal vertebrae are pathognomonic of MBD in lizards.

*Radiography - hypomineralisation of skeleton, pathological fractures, fibrous osteodystrophy. Radiographs are very effective in confirming the diagnosis; indeed, radiolucent transverse processes in the caudal vertebrae are pathognomonic of MBD in lizards.

*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 - Reptiles|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==