Pets and Animals Forum - Reptiles and MBD

Relationships > Pets and Animals Forum > Reptiles and MBD

Q: Reptiles and MBD

asked by: lizbiz on June 16th, 2009

New User

Hello everyone, I noticed there aren't too many reptile owners around here, but if there are, have you ever encountered metabolic bone disease with your reptiles? As a longtime reptile owner I've seen how bad it can get. Ive seen it online and in person. It is one of the saddest things you will ever see apart from impaction. I would post pictures but not sure how.

If there is one thing I cannot stand, is careless people with a reptile that requires uvb lighting, not have them on one! Its unbelievable. Sometimes, however, its not exactly that they mean any harm or malice its just that they dont know. Which is another good reason I advocate how much new or prospecting reptile owners should research their herps thoroughly to get a full understanding of their needs.

A bearded dragon and a leopard gecko, for example, aren't going to have the same requirements. Leopard geckos are nocturnal, so its not necessary for them to have a uvb bulb since they aren't really exposed to much sun in their natural habitat. Bearded dragons, however, are diurnal. This means that they are active in the day and sleep at night. They would definitely depend on uvb lighting in order to process calcium and prevent mbd. A beardie with no uvb is spiraling down towards that path. I've seen it happen. To prevent this beardies would need calcium, d3, and a uvb light. There are a lot of good bulbs out there ranging from mercury vapors, to the typical fluorescent uvbs. These include reptisun 10.0s, zilla 50, and even Arcadia 12% (more popular in other countries). I personally have zilla 50s for my beardies, and let me tell you that having uvb is ESSENTIAL. One of my rescue beardies was very lethargic when I got him. As soon as I put him under the bulb, he perked up and did a full turn around. So again, researching on your reptiles is very crucial. You don't want to end up with a reptile and mbd, impaction or any other health problem. And even if you're already familiar with reptiles, research anyway if you're getting a new one. Who knows what new information might crop up.

Replies(2)

rippedjeans

replied on July 17th, 2009

New User

That thing about new information cropping up is so true. Whats going to happen when new studies are done? As for the carelessness of people, I've been there and seen it happen so many times that its not even funny. Its actually quite heart wrenching. I always feel a deep sadness for the animals. I've seen a lot with mbd, too, although mainly on the internet. Its sad when I, too, notice that people had inadequate lighting or none at all! I use the zilla lights for my reptiles as well. They're really good.

southeastbelle

replied on July 31st, 2009

New User

Researching before buying a reptile is so important. Thanks for writing about that! Many people just dont get it. But its the first step in being an animal owner. One thing that many don't quite understand is that reptiles, unlike other warm bloods, require a lot more attention. And they don't wimper, cry, or meow when they're hurt. So its harder to take care of them in that sense. Unlike most conventional pets, some reptiles require uvb lighting, heating, live food, etc. I also agree that even those who are already knowledgeable in reptile husbandry, should continue to study and research. For example, those lights by zilla, were in the uvb study done a few years back. Now the zilla bulbs are fine, I'd say. I have tried them, know people who have and have heard critiques. They're fine, but people are still in the dark because the study fell in dark because of how outdated it is. I don't even want to imagine what bulbs our there are harmful today, that were deemed "fine" yesterday.

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc