Metabolic Bone Disease Pictures, Symptoms, and How To Prevent It

[Crazy4Herps]

When I got my beardie, Barbudo, he had MBD, Metabolic Bone Disease, which is caused by a deficiency in calcium or vitamin D3 (which is required to synthesize calcium). He is on liquid calcium every 12 hours, which is a lot more effective than dusting feeders.

Anyways, I thought I might share some pics showing symptoms of MBD, in case anybody is worried about their beardie.

Swollen-looking upper front and back legs that feel almost spongey.


Note how his legs are almost folded under him. A healthy beardie's legs should be in front of them.


Slight underbite (it's hard to see; at this point he was already recovering).


See the folded back hand


In this one, you can better see how his legs are bent under him. Again, legs should be supporting the upper body.


Walking awkwardly may be an effect of deformed/weak bones.


Note the curled fingers.






Budo's MBD was very mild, thank goodness. Severe MBD can result in major deformities of all bones, including the spine. These deformities cannot be reversed, but can be kept from getting worse.

MBD is a very, very sad disease that can be fatal. Such deformities can be extremely painful for a dragon. (Imagine walking on the backs of your hands!)

The worst (or best) part about it? It is 100% preventable. With a UVB-emitting light (of a brand that works!*) and calcium supplements of appropriate dosage for your dragon's age (also of a brand that works*), your dragon will not get MBD.

If anyone else has a beardie with MBD, feel free to post your own pictures / comments.




Beardies are wonderful, loving pets that do not deserve such a terrible disease. Do your research before you buy a beardie. If you think your beardie has MBD, seek vet attention.






*Keep in mind that many brands of UV lights and supplements can do more harm to your dragon than good. Research brands before you buy. Personally, I use Rep-Cal Calcium with D3 for supplements and a ReptiSun 10.0 for UV, but there are other options as well.

[blackcrystal22]

What other species does MBD apply to other than Beardies?

Very interesting thread, important too!
I vote sticky!

[Crazy4Herps]

What other species does MBD apply to other than Beardies?

Very interesting thread, important too!
I vote sticky!

As far as I know, all other lizards. I know tegus can get it, some types of geckos... I'm not sure about monitors.

[SoundUnsleep]

Very informative and good pics. Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad Barbudo is with someone who is this determined to help him.

[MinLynn]

Here is a pic of one of our beardies,Stump. We have him and his brother Tequila. They are both 1 year olds. You'll see the size difference obviously.
Stump can use his back legs,but,like the OP said they are folded beneath him and do not support his upper body at all. He doesn't move very quickly at all(of course he also only has 3 legs) and refuses to eat any protein that is not syringe fed to him. He will eat his greens however. We are doing our best to get this little guy better,but,are prepared that he may not make it much longer. I was appalled when I found out they were the same age and the previous owner told me "Oh,the vet said he just has a form of dwarfism.". MmmHmmm! Right! So now,Stump gets a special diet syringe fed to him as well as liquid calcium. He was also not kept under a UVB light. Only a UVA light. I will say he has perked up quite a bit since we got him and he is moving around more than he used to now that all his husbandry requirements are being met.

Stump:



Tequila(remember,these two are litter mates!)

[Crazy4Herps]

Wow, the size difference is incredible!! Poor little Stump. So good of you to be helping him.

Hope he continues to get better!