What Are the Treatments for Metabolic Bone Disease?

Metabolic bone disease, or MBD, is a term that is used to describe a variety of conditions in reptiles that involve the deterioration of their bones. The most commonly affected reptile is the iguana, but many other types get MBD as well. Without prompt treatment, your pet could become deformed and may possibly experience seizures and death. There is no way to reverse damages or deformations caused by metabolic bone disease, but there is treatment to prevent the condition from becoming worse.

  1. Supplements and Medications

    • Depending on the severity of your iguana's case of MBD, the veterinarian may recommend frequent doses of calcium glubionate. The oral version of this is called NeoCalglucon, and if your iguana is refusing to take things orally, there is an injectable version of the supplement called Calphosan. The deterioration of the bones associated with MBD is ordinarily caused by a calcium deficiency. This can be due to improper diet, lack of sunlight and lack of proper heating. Administering healthy amounts of calcium and decreasing the intake of phosphorus can help treat MBD.

    Dietary Needs

    • In addition to the calcium your veterinarian may give your pet, you will need to make adjustments to its diet. Avoid giving your iguana or bearded dragon foods that are high in phosphorous such as eggs, peas and beans. Eliminate any proteins from your reptile's diet. Feed your pet a diet rich in leafy greens, carrots and squash. Purchase a calcium supplement powder or spray from your local pet store or reptile hobbyist shop and sprinkle it on every meal for your reptile to treat and prevent MBD from progressing. Never feed your pet iguana dog or cat food, and if you have bearded dragons, stick to a healthy diet of crickets with fresh fruits and veggies.

    Lighting and Heating

    • Improper light and heat often results in the reptile contracting metabolic bone disease. To treat it, it is important to introduce better heating in the lizard's habitat. Make sure you use a heat lamp above one side of the habitat or cage and a thermostat on the same side as the heating lamp. The temperature on the warm side of the cage should be from 88 to 92 degrees, with a water reservoir or dish for soaking and humidity. Ultraviolet or fluorescent lighting is essential for 12 hours per day in the reptile's habitat. It can also receive vital nutrients like vitamin D by basking in natural sunlight for a few hours per day.