by Dennis Stein

Created on: June 30, 2008   Last Updated: August 05, 2009

Proper Care of Reptile Pets to Avoid Metabolic Bone Disease:

Most reptile species kept in captivity need access to natural sunlight, to allow their body to convert Calcium and Phosphorous into vitamin D3. Without this, and a lack of calcium/Phosphorous vitamin supplements, many reptiles will develop MBD or Metabolic Bone Disease. A softening of the animal's bones occurs, as the animal draws the necessary minerals out of its own bone matrix, resulting in deformed and spongy joints, and in the case of Iguanas especially, an over or under bite, hindering the reptile's ability to even eat.

To avoid the onset of such a nasty affliction, reptile owners should ensure that their pets have a proper UVA/UVB emitting bulb in the animals enclosure, separate from their heat lamp, and placed within 12 inches of where the pet sits to bask in the heat. Over time, the fluorescent bulbs used will lose their ability to provide UVA/UVB, so a good rule of thumb is to change it every six months. In addition, a timer should be used, to provide between 10 and 14 hours of photo-period per day, simulating a natural day/night cycle.

Providing Calcium and Phosphorous can usually be done in the form of vitamin supplement powder, having a 2:1 calcium/phosphorous ratio. This should be sprinkled very lightly over the reptile's food at every other feeding. Too much, and the animal will develop Kidney problems later on, too little, and he or she will not get enough to convert through irradiation into much needed vitamin D3.

Nocturnal animals such as leopard geckos should still be feed supplements of Calcium and Phosphorous, as their body uses a different mechanism to convert them into D3. But for diurnal reptiles, it is a MUST. Your pet will lose its ability to climb branches, their grip, and break bones easily. A good plan during summer months is to provide a screened outdoor enclosure, equipped with shaded areas so that the animal can thermo-regulate its body temperature. This will give them real UVA/UVB in the most natural of settings. For indoor enclosures, special fluorescent bulbs from ZooMed, and Zilla will provide good lighting, and now come in handier compact fluorescent designs.

Metabolic Bone Disease is not reversible once problems begin, but can be halted, even in animals which have already shown signs of the disease. These tips, along with regular visits to a reptile vet, will ensure a healthy reptile for years to come.

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