Various conditions that cause bone deformities in iguanas are collectively known as metabolic bone disease. This condition never affects wild iguanas. This disease is tyipically caused by incorrect care given by the owner. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about metabolic bone disease in iguanas.
Causes
One or more factors can contribute to MBD. The most common is a lack of calcium in the diet. When there isn’t another source available, the body will start leeching it from bones. The bones will weaken dramatically which can cause your iguana to sustain a fracture easily.
Some iguanas develop the disease because the ratio of calcium to phosphorus in their diet isn’t right. Inadequate exposure to UV light can also contribute. Iguanas need vitamin D to metabolic calcium. If they don’t receive enough UVB light, they will be unable to manufacture their own vitamin D. The risk of MBD also increases because of various diseases and improper temperatures in the enclosure.
Signs
You won’t be able to see the primary sign of MBD. The lower jaw bone will feel spongy or soft. It may also start to swell and make it difficult for your iguana to eat. This usually leads to loss of appetite. As mentioned earlier, your iguana will easily suffer broken bones as a result of this disease.
If the disease is allowed to progress, your iguana may start having episodes of tremoring and twitching. Tremoring usually occurs in the leg and toe muscles. When your iguana walks, he may also have a jerky gait.
Treatment
The severity of the condition will affect treatment options. The good news is that metabolic bone disease in iguanas can usually be treated when detected early. If your iguana has suffered any broken bones, they will need to be allowed to heal. If calcium deficiency is the underlying cause, then a strong calcium supplement may be prescribed. If other aspects of improper care were to blame, then they will need to be corrected immediately.
There is much you probably need to learn about caring for iguanas. Green-iguana-care.com is a great resource for owners to learn everything they need to know. Come by today to learn how to keep a happy and healthy iguana.
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