Changes

[[File:Green Iguana.jpg|Green Iguana|right|thumb|200px|Green Iguanas are the most commonly affected species (Wikimedia Commons)]]

[[File:Green Iguana.jpg|Green Iguana|right|thumb|200px|Green Iguanas are the most commonly affected species (Wikimedia Commons)]]

Metabolic bone disease affects reptiles in captivity, particularly '''young [[Green Iguana|green iguanas]]'''. The condition is caused  by a '''diet low in [[Calcium|calcium]] and high in [[Phosphorus - Reptiles|phosphorous]] ([[Hyperparathyroidism|secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism]]), [[Calcium|vitamin D]] deficiency (due to poor lighting)''', certain toxicities and diseases of the [[Kidney - Anatomy & Physiology|kidneys]], [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] or rarely, the [[Category:Parathyroid Glands - Pathology|parathyroid gland]].

Metabolic bone disease affects reptiles in captivity, particularly '''young green iguanas'''. The condition is caused  by a '''diet low in [[Calcium|calcium]] and high in [[Phosphorus - Reptiles|phosphorous]] ([[Hyperparathyroidism|secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism]]), [[Calcium|vitamin D]] deficiency (due to poor lighting)''', certain toxicities and diseases of the [[Kidney - Anatomy & Physiology|kidneys]], [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]] or rarely, the [[Category:Parathyroid Glands - Pathology|parathyroid gland]].

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

As the condition is normally caused by nutritional and management factors it is important to take a detailed history of the animals diet and husbandry.

As the condition is normally caused by nutritional and management factors it is important to take a detailed history of the animals diet and husbandry.

'''Radiographs''' of the patient should be obtained. The skeleton shows '''reduced density''', and '''[[Fractures|pathological fractures]]''' may be present, particularly in the '''long bones''' of the hindlimbs. Large quanitites of radiopaque material may be seen in the intestines following the ingestion of calcareous material.  

'''Radiographs''' of the patient should be obtained. The skeleton shows '''reduced density''', and '''[[Fractures|pathological fractures]]''' may be present, particularly in the '''long bones''' of the hindlimbs. Large quantities of radiopaque material may be seen in the intestines following the ingestion of calcareous material.  

'''Haematology and biochemistry''' should be performed to measure '''calcium levels''' and assess kidney function. '''Renal failure''' is a common complication and a poor prognostic indicator.  

'''Haematology and biochemistry''' should be performed to measure '''calcium levels''' and assess kidney function. '''Renal failure''' is a common complication and a poor prognostic indicator.  

'''Insectivorous''' reptiles should be fed a variety of insects such as earthworms, locusts and fruitflies. However as many insects do not provide reptiles with the appropriate calcium:phosphorous balance, '''supplementation''' is required. This can be provided by''' dusting insects''' with a supplement before they are fed to the reptile, or by feeding the insects themselves a '''diet with a high calcium:phosphorous ratio''' for an appropriate time before they are fed to the reptile.   

'''Insectivorous''' reptiles should be fed a variety of insects such as earthworms, locusts and fruitflies. However as many insects do not provide reptiles with the appropriate calcium:phosphorous balance, '''supplementation''' is required. This can be provided by''' dusting insects''' with a supplement before they are fed to the reptile, or by feeding the insects themselves a '''diet with a high calcium:phosphorous ratio''' for an appropriate time before they are fed to the reptile.   

'''Herbivores''' should be offered a '''variety of fresh fruit and vegetables''' with appropriate levels of calcium, phosphorous and fibre. '''Carnivorous''' reptiles should be fed on '''lean whole mammals'''. Providing a '''reptile-specific dietary supplement''' is highly recommended in both herbivore and carnivore diets. Additional sources of calcium include fish, collard leaves, and algae.

'''Herbivores''' should be offered a '''variety of fresh fruit and vegetables''' with appropriate levels of calcium, phosphorous and fibre.  

 

'''Carnivorous''' reptiles should be fed on '''lean whole mammals'''. Providing a '''reptile-specific dietary supplement''' is highly recommended in both herbivore and carnivore diets.  

 

Additional sources of calcium include fish, collard leaves, and algae.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Rowland, M (2009) '''Veterinary care of bearded dragons''' ''In Practice 2009 31: 506-511''

Rowland, M (2009) '''Veterinary care of bearded dragons''' ''In Practice 2009 31: 506-511''

[[Category:Parathyroid Glands - Pathology]]

[[Category:Parathyroid Glands - Pathology]]

[[Category:To Do - Major]]

[[Category:Lizard Musculoskeletal Diseases]]

[[Category: To Do - Siobhan Brade]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Exotics]]

[[Category:To Do - Manson review]]