top slide is from a bearded dragon with normal skeleton
density. Bottom slide is from another with MBD; note the
distal limb bones are invisible and the pathological fracture
in thedistal humerus. Both Xrays were taken on the same
exposure settings.
Treatment is with Calcium and Vit D supplements, correction of dietary deficiencies and UV provision. Fractures are treated by immobilisation of fractured bones.
Prevention is by;
dusting of ALL food with a Calcium powder. Once a week this should be replaced with a REPTILE mineral and multivitamin powder.
provision of adequate UV in species requiring it.
top slide is from a bearded dragon with normal skeleton
density. Bottom slide is from another with MBD; note the
distal limb bones are invisible and the pathological fracture
in thedistal humerus. Both Xrays were taken on the same
exposure settings.
monitor lizard- no longer a lean mean hunting machine
Obesity is a problem seen most ofte
Dietary requirements can be fully researched on the internet. The most frequent nutritional problems are; METABOLIC BONE DISEASE. (MBD). This problem is most frequently seen in diurnal lizards such as green iguanas,
water dragons and bearded dragons but can also be seen in nocturnal lizards and
chelonians. There are 2 factors predisposing reptiles to this problem. Firstly, most
feedstuffs that we use come from intensive agriculture where plants are heavily fertilized
with phosphates. This leads to many foodstuffs being relatively phosphate rich and calcium
poor- the opposite of the mineral balance required by reptiles. The second problem in
diurnal reptiles is the relatively poor levels of uv light from artificial sources;
uv light in diurnal reptiles is needed to manufacture vitamin D3 which is essential for
proper bone calcification. Animals present with a variety of complaints from general lethargy and poor
appetite to skeletal deformities and fractures. During examination, the bones can
frequn in snakes and
carnivorous lizards. In the wild, these animals expend a lot of energy in hunting but in
the captive environment a lack of this activity contributes towards obesity. In addition,
laboratory rats, often used as food sources tend to have a very high fat content. Obese reptiles tend to suffer from liver, digestive and
heart complaints. The solution is to feed leaner, less nutritious prey items
such as mice and gerbils and try to provide enough space and opportunity for excercise. this is a common problem in large constrictors as in this Burmese Python which died of heart failure. post mortem slide
from the python showing body cavity full of fat. HERBIVORE REPTILES. This includes the Mediterranean tortoises and the green
iguana. It is important to feed herbivorous reptiles on the correct diet- a rich
variety is important based on green leafy material- 80% of the diet should be green
leaves. A good weedy garden lawn is ideal. Only about 20% should be diced/shredded
vegetables and fruit only in small quantities as an occasional treat. These animals cannot
cope with high protein in the diet and should never be given animal protein. 
NUTRITION.
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