Bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount used. The condition known as metabolic bone disorder (MBD) is potentially fatal to bearded dragons. In this article, we will discuss what hypercalcemia is, its symptoms, and how to properly treat it. About 2% of all cancers are associated with hypercalcemia, and cancer-related hypercalcemia cases (also called hypercalcemia of malignancy) often have a rapid onset and are severe. And so this is not widely available. Add calcium rich foods to the diet. Rickets and osteoporosis in Xenopus laevis. They may even walk strangely and significantly less. This review article on twelve key facts explores clinically relevant anatomy and physiology and appropriate husbandry as well as key points of urgent care and general . It is crucial to adhere to the recommendation and take your pet for review once the period is over. Some invertebrates, such as crickets, cannot be kept alive on calcium gut loading diet for over 3 days as it causes impaction in the cricket and subsequently it dies (Thompson, 2016). You might not have signs or symptoms if your hypercalcemia is mild. Dehydration can decrease the level of nutrients absorbed. It is more common among captive bearded dragons than hypercalcemia. As you can see by the image below, it is impossible to know just how much calcium you will end up feeding your bearded dragon. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. Policy. Too much calcium can affect the reptiles overall quality of life, and you should adhere to the proper diet and supplements to avoid calcium overdose. Muscle weakness or twitches. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Therefore even if you must drive a long distance for a proper vet, itll be worth it in the end. We utilize multimodal imaging, meaning various types of imaging to identify where the abnormal parathyroid is located. The parathyroid glands lie behind the thyroid. Treatment depends on the cause. However, it is good to take the beardie to the vet for assessment, especially if you just got it. The nutritional demands of adults is 1.5:1 and in egg laying periods it reaches up to the level of 10:1. A microscopic view of metabolic bone disease Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in bearded dragons is a condition that causes their bones to form improperly. However, just like any other animal, bearded dragons can develop health problems, including hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia happens when you have higher-than-normal levels of calcium in your blood. Artificial lighting is not as effective as the sun and there are many errors by novice keepers that exaggerate the problem. As a result, providing your dragon with access to a variety of Ultra Violet light sources is critical because it enables them to synthesise their own Vitamin D3 and maintains their bones strength and integrity. Companion animal care and welfare: The UFAW companion animal handbook. We have seen hypercalcemias signs, effects, and treatment options in bearded dragons. You should sprinkle calcium powder lightly over their food every day, and you should keep an eye on their weight and activity level to ensure they get the amount of calcium they need. However, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis (i.e. When they are placed on the back the light can glare into their eyes too much & the UVB is not going directly onto them but bounces around too much. It may vary from one brand to another depending on the calcium contents in the products. Increased thirst or more frequent urination, due to changes in the kidneys. The best way to ensure that your dragons health remains optimal throughout its lifetime is to combine light, diet, and supplements. In the right environment, bearded dragons can move in and out of the UVB light as they need it. In turn, this makes the beardie absorb excess amounts of calcium into the blood, and some of the excess calcium causes calcification of the reptiles muscles. van den., Leeuwen J.P.T.M. Gut loading insects for bearded dragons is another useful method to feed a highly nutritious diet with calcium supplements. Divers, S. J., and Stahl, S. J. other information we have about you. Hypercalcemia can cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and constipation. The tighter the mesh, the less UVB it will allow through. (Eds.). Symptoms due to high calcium level may vary, depending on the cause and how long the problem has been present. There are eight species of Bearded Dragons, but the most popular one is the Inland or Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps), from the arid to semi-arid southeastern parts of Australia, and we will be discussing the Inland Bearded Dragon in this handout. While leopard geckos in the wild have been shedding their skin without any problem, the same can't be said about leos in captivity. Calcium is one of the most important and common minerals in your body. Donoghue, S. ARAV (2015) Companion Reptile Care Series. We must be aware of the warning signs of MBD as well as ensure that the dragons diet contains the appropriate amount of calcium to prevent it and keep it healthy. The most susceptible to NSHP are: To protect your bearded dragon from the totally preventable disease nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, see the linked post by Dr Buchanan (DVM). It is often coupled with a loss of appetite and is one of the initial signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons. Calcium is the most abundant cation found in the human body and plays an integral role in neural transmission, enzyme activity, myocardial function, coagulation and other cellular functions. Dont be afraid to ask your healthcare team questions about hypercalcemia and its management. Bearded Dragons skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB. Bearded dragons dont get calcium dusting in the wild but they are very good at converting UVB radiation (sunlight) into vitamin D3. Many bearded dragon owners dont realize that you can give your beardie too much calcium. The professional will assess the health status of the lizard and verify the underlying problem. Disastrous Things Happens when Bearded Dragons Dont Get Enough Calcium, Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D, Effect of UV exposure in calcium absorption, Get These Things Right for a Healthy Bearded Dragon, nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism (NSHP) or metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons, 6 ways to get your bearded dragon to eat vegetables, Bearded Dragons Drink Water (5 rehydration techniques), Do Bearded Dragons Feel? https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Avoid any calcium powder that has phosphorus in it. The disease may also drastically shorten their lifespan and quality of life. The following table shows this data with the amount of calcium to be fed as a percentage of the dry matter and the calcium to phosphorus ratios: How often you give your bearded dragon calcium with D3 greatly depends on the amount of UV light exposure. On the other hand, two or more symptoms are generally a sign that there is indeed a problem. The calcium in your blood helps: Two hormones called parathyroid hormone and calcitonin control the levels of calcium in your blood and bones. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your pet will act lazy and generally exhibit reduced movement and activity in the cage. If you experience swelling of the face, mouth, or back legs, lethargy, trembling limbs, muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual posture, or deformities, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. ). Supplementing the diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. Principal causes include hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D toxicity, and cancer. Different imaging tests for this purpose include: Treatment of hypercalcemia depends on whats causing it and how severe it is. Foods high in oxalates and phytates can inhibit the uptake of calcium and caution must be used. For bearded dragons kept indoors, buy calcium powders with cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3. Calcium is not going to be metabolized if there is no extra vitamin D3, so just make sure your calcium has no D3 and supplement D3 occasionally with multivitamins and provide UVB. Yes, feeding your bearded dragon calcium is part of the current recommended good husbandry practices and it will contribute to the prevention of hypocalcemia. 2017. Bearded dragons are popular, docile reptiles that can make excellent pets. Your dragon's beard should normally be flat. John Wiley & Sons. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken the bone s, create kidney stone s, and interfere with how the heart and brain work. Doing so ensures that the beardie lives an optimally healthy life. Vitamin D3 supports the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Together they are referred to as calcifediol. At the late stages of pregnancy, she will refuse food. Shoback D, Sellmeyer D, Bilke D. Metabolic Bone Disease. This can cause bone pain and muscle weakness. In addition, it affects the absorption of other essential nutrients and minerals such as zinc, iron, and phosphorus into the bearded dragons bloodstream. For urgent issues please use the Beardie ER forum. The amount of calcium that sticks to the food. Otherwise, your bearded dragon could end up with a bone disease that could be painful for them for the rest of their lives. Breast cancer. Calcium is vital to the growth, development, and overall health of a bearded dragon. (2005). The importance of giving a beardie enough amounts of calcium is well understood among most beardie pet owners. Lamps below 290 nm are of no use for bearded dragons. Divers, S. J., & Mader, D. R. Bearded dragons need full spectrum or high UVB reptile bulbs provided overhead. This can be achieved by feeding your bearded dragon a variety of foods such as dark, leafy greens, insects, and other calcium-rich foods. Minimize Sensory Overload. So we attempt to correct the imbalance with oral calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation. To avoid the severe effects of calcium deficiency in bearded dragons, most pet beardie owners put extra measures to ensure that the lizard gets enough calcium. (2019). Furthermore, calcium powder is a great supplement that they can add to their diet to ensure they get the calcium they need for strong bones. The condition known as metabolic bone disorder (MBD) is potentially fatal to bearded dragons. Symptoms. Normally, if there isn't enough calcium in your blood, your parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that triggers: This delicate balance between too little calcium in your blood and hypercalcemia can be disrupted by a variety of factors. Be mindful over the level of phosphorus in the diet. In addition, such an assessment provides room for you further to understand the perfect diet specific to your beardie. Getting a new diagnosis can be stressful. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, celery etc. their bodies will also become stiff, making it difficult for them to move. Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D3. In most cases, Metabolic Bone Disease necessitates immediate oral calcium supplementation, rehydration with fluids, nutritional support, treatment with injectable vitamin D3, and injections of calcitonin (an antibiotic that helps to re-deposit calcium back into the bones of bearded dragons). If youre unsure about the amounts you should be feeding them, consult with your vet, and they will help with a meal plan. Hypercalcemia is a medical condition in bearded dragons that results from excess calcium intake. Being able to identify unusual behavior is essential for noticing hypercalcemia. Vitamin D and ultraviolet B radiation considerations for exotic pets. Sadly, calcium under-dose also has a detrimental impact on the reptile. Environmental factors like UVB lighting and heating, Biological stage of the animal, i.e. Below, we will explore more on hypercalcemia in bearded dragons, its causes, signs, and more to help you as the pet owner know how to avoid it or detect it early enough and thus provide your pet with ultimate living conditions. Bearded dragons can suffer from calcium deficiency, which is caused by an insufficient diet and/or not enough exposure to ultraviolet light. The mineral aids in skeletal formulation, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and mineralization of the bones, among other functions. Use aviary wire mesh or similar on outdoor housing. Lethargy A bearded dragon can become lethargic for various reasons, including calcium overdose. These four tiny glands are situated in the neck, near the thyroid gland. Yes it is possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium where there is also an excess of vitamin D3. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/hypercalcemia), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000365.htm), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430714/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Dragons require high temperature for proper feed digestion so temperature of vivarium should be high enough to proper utilization of feed in intestine (heat lamps orlight generated heat source can be used as if needed) Should be given free access to water to avoid dehydration. Symptoms can include: Peeing frequently. However, if you are feeding your bearded dragon 50% or more of the total diet with commercially prepared diets, supplementation should not be required (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Reptile medicine and surgery. More severe and/or long-term cases of hypercalcemia may cause the following symptoms: More than 25 separate diseases, several medications and even dehydration can cause hypercalcemia. Getting calcium for bearded dragons right is crucial for good health. Bearded dragons do not need calcium every day. The condition is more common with bearded dragons with over-exposure to UVB light in their enclosures. If your bearded dragon requires calcium, adding calcium powder to its diet is the best way to get it. Provide artificial UVB bulbs for those housed indoors. Most cases of hypercalcemia arent life-threatening and many people dont have any symptoms. The best way to give your dragon calcium is by dusting their food with calcium powder 3-5 times per week. Vitamin D supports the immune system, development and maintenance of bones, cardiovascular heath, functioning of nerves and muscles, and reproduction. You may find that your dragon isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less. Prognosis, like treatment, depends on the cause and severity of hypercalcemia. Keep your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated. As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated may lower blood calcium levels, and it can help prevent kidney stones. Most of the cases about 90% are due to primary hyperparathyroidism and cancer-related hypercalcemia (hypercalcemia of malignancy). A bearded dragon is a rare and exciting animal, but it necessitates a great deal of responsibility. People who have hypercalcemia due to cancer often experience symptoms and require frequent hospitalizations. A very light dusting of vitamin supplements every other day or 2-3x a week is the recommended dosage. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you have a family history of high calcium, kidney stones or parathyroid conditions. The UVB tube length for your bearded dragon house should not cover the entire length of the house. Yes, bearded dragons do need Vitamin D as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. How to Keep Your Iguana Healthy, Happy and Safe! Quitting smoking, if applicable: Smoking can increase bone loss. As the muscles and soft tissues stiffen, there will be a lack of mobility. Some bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their beardies too much calcium, but others dont realize that they need to provide calcium at all. Constipation makes this less frequent because the beardie cannot pass stool effectively. Hypercalcemia will result in your bearded dragon becoming sick and, in some cases, it is fatal. (2018) Maders Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery- E-Book. Yes, bearded dragons can get calcium deposits. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. What they are are four little glands that regulate the calcium. Bearded dragons do not need regular visits to the vet as much as other pets such as cats and dogs do. The body cannot use calcium unless it has vitamin D3. Use a Pleasant Tone. Another preventive measure is to avoid calcium supplements with Vitamin D3 if you are already providing your pet with proper UVB conditions. Make your muscles squeeze together so you can move. 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