Metabolic bone disease

MBD

A serious condition from calcium, vitamin D3 or UVB deficiency that weakens and deforms bone and shell.

MBD develops when a reptile cannot get or use enough calcium, usually from missing or aged-out UVB, no D3, or a poorly balanced diet. Signs include soft or lumpy jaw and limbs, a bumpy or soft shell, tremors, weakness and difficulty walking.

It is preventable with correct UVB, calcium (and D3 where appropriate) and a species-right diet, and it is a veterinary matter once suspected, advanced cases cause permanent deformity. If you see early signs, review UVB and diet and see an exotics vet.

Related terms

baskr turns the fundamentals into practice, log temperature, humidity and weight and it scores each animal against species ideal ranges, flagging problems early.

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General husbandry guidance, not veterinary advice. Always confirm details for your species with an up-to-date care sheet, an experienced keeper or an exotics vet.