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Lizard Metabolic Bone Disease (view source)
Revision as of 21:09, 1 March 2010
, 21:09, 1 March 2010no edit summary
*Softening, swelling and deformities of bones e.g. soft mandibles
*Softening, swelling and deformities of bones e.g. soft mandibles
*Pathological fractures
*Pathological fractures
*Muscle fasiculations and seizures
*Muscle fasciculations and seizures
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 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 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 hypocacaemia. However in most cases, calcium and phosphate levels usually appear normal.
'''Diagnosis'''
'''Diagnosis'''
*History - dietary and environmental evaluation
*History - dietary and environmental evaluation
*Physical examination
*Physical examination
*Radiography - hypomineralisation of skeleton, pathological fractures, fibrous osteodystrophy
*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 is generally within normal limits but may be low, especially in neurological cases
*Biochemistry - calcium is generally within normal limits but may be low, especially in neurological cases