Emergency Guides

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HIGH URGENCY

Metabolic Bone Disease (Reptiles)

Calcium deficiency causing bone weakness — common in bearded dragons and iguanas

Signs & Symptoms
  • Soft or rubbery jaw and limbs
  • Tremors or muscle twitching
  • Inability to lift body off ground
  • Swollen limbs or jaw
  • Fractures from minor falls
  • Lethargy and loss of appetite
What To Do
  1. 1Ensure proper UVB lighting is working
  2. 2Dust food with calcium supplement immediately
  3. 3Handle minimally to avoid fractures
  4. 4Keep reptile warm and calm
  5. 5Schedule vet visit as soon as possible
What NOT To Do
  • Don't force feed
  • Don't handle excessively — bones are fragile
  • Don't ignore early signs — MBD is progressive
  • Don't use sand substrate that can cause impaction
Seek Veterinary Care When
  • Visible bone deformities
  • Tremors or seizures
  • Suspected fractures
  • Reptile cannot support its own weight

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