With calcium powder, it is easier to measure the correct amount and less likely to get confused. All bearded dragons require calcium, and supplementation with calcium powder is the best way to ensure they get enough. Hydrochlorothiazide and other thiazide diuretics (prescribed for. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. vomiting. When hypercalcemia is severe, the vet might recommend medication that will help control calcium levels in the bearded dragon. Greenstick fractures (bones appear bent/folded but not broken) Paralysis Seizures and tremors Swollen jaw These symptoms are an indication that your bearded dragon has been suffering from MBD for a long period. Accessed Jan. 23, 2020. Shane E, et al. Gut loading insects for bearded dragons is another useful method to feed a highly nutritious diet with calcium supplements. Mayo Clinic; 2019. As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). Avoid taking dietary supplements, vitamins or minerals without first discussing them with your provider. Bear in mind that these conditions vary primarily depending on their age. Excessive intake of vitamin D, vitamin A or calcium supplements. Although well-meaning, such actions can make the beardie suffer when it takes too much calcium. In its absence, the lizard is likely to suffer from various detrimental health conditions, including metabolic bone disease. Shane E. Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia. Make sure to look for a supplement that does not contain added sugar, dyes, or flavors. @Elise, yes I'm pretty sure that's normal I'm no professional and have not had one yet but I just have, My friend is considering adopting a unique pet he could showcase to his guests when they visit. Hypercalcemia will result in your bearded dragon becoming sick and, in some cases, it is fatal. Hypercalcemia is considered mild when the total serum calcium level is between 10.5 and 12 mg/dl. Otherwise, your bearded dragon could end up with a bone disease that could be painful for them for the rest of their lives. (Baines, 2017). When a healthy dragon is basking, it transforms into a brighter color. They are by UVB (either sunlight or artificial lighting) and in the diet (food and supplementation). Broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium but also have high oxalate and goitrogen content that negatively affect their nutritional importance. Rickets and osteoporosis in Xenopus laevis. However, it is good to take the beardie to the vet for assessment, especially if you just got it. Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia range from nonexistent to severe. 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. Give Them a Warm Bath. These tests allow healthcare providers to detect abnormally high calcium levels early. Learn how your comment data is processed. Schmidt et al (2017) conducted a survey on 529 bearded dragons presented to three different exotic animal clinics in Central Europe. The amount of calcium that sticks to the food. (2016). 4. Minimize Sensory Overload. As the muscles and soft tissues stiffen, there will be a lack of mobility. 2017. Yes it is possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium where there is also an excess of vitamin D3. A very small portion of indigestible material (2.3% of stomach content) was found in the stomach, some of which included degraded bone as was attributed to potentially aiding the intake of dietary calcium. memory loss. Bearded dragons may be fed calcium with or without vitamin D3. Environmental factors like UVB lighting and heating, Biological stage of the animal, i.e. The rest of the body has to absorb calcium from the bones and muscles, leading to muscle and bone problems in early development and even later in life. Klaphake, E. (2010). Youll want to ensure your beardie has a good basking spot and a place to get away and cool down. The prefix hypo- means low or not enough. Hypocalcemia means you have lower-than-normal levels of calcium in your blood. Being able to identify unusual behavior is essential for noticing hypercalcemia. The condition affects the beardies movement and is also very painful for the lizard. Discuss health questions, issues, problems, etc! They may even walk strangely and significantly less. Symptoms due to high calcium level may vary, depending on the cause and how long the problem has been present. Dust insects, they are naturally low in calcium. Effective treatment needs correct and accurate diagnosis. Foods dusted with too much calcium will probably be refused. And so this is not widely available. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. A fresh look at metabolic bone diseases in reptiles and amphibians. Levels >14 mg/dl are considered to be a hypercalcemic crisis and can be lethal. Schmidt-Ukaj S., Hochleithner M., Richter B., Hochleithner C., Brandstetter D., Knotek Z. Hypercalcemia is a medical condition in bearded dragons that results from excess calcium intake. Almost 19% of the bearded dragons had musculoskeletal disorders with the most prevalent being osteodystrophy and limb fractures. Hypercalcemia. Treatment and prevention Diagnosis involves looking at the patient's history, clinical signs, radiograph (X-rays), bloodwork, including those that measure blood calcium level, among other tests. The condition is known as hypercalcemia. Bearded Dragons skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB. 5 Levels higher than 14 mg per dL (3.5 mmol per L) can be life . c). In a conversation on calcium, vitamin D cannot be left out. Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D3. If you have cancer and experience any symptoms of . 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. Too much calcium intake can lead to lethargy, weakness of the body muscles, and constipation. For bearded dragons, vitamin D3 and calcium are both essential. In the serum, about 45% of calcium is bound to proteins, 45% exists . Vitamin D supports the immune system, development and maintenance of bones, cardiovascular heath, functioning of nerves and muscles, and reproduction. You might not have signs or symptoms if your hypercalcemia is mild. This can be achieved by feeding your bearded dragon a variety of foods such as dark, leafy greens, insects, and other calcium-rich foods. They may also indicate other underlying conditions. Supplementing the diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. They may also tire easily and need to rest more often than usual. Applied Nutritional Studies with Zoological Reptiles. Calcium supplement meant for humans can also be used. There is a serious health risk associated with MBD for bearded dragons, and they should be kept well away from it. Foods high in phosphorus should generally be avoided. Multiple myeloma (a blood cancer that starts in bone marrow) Your cancer or the treatment . https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/hypercalcemia. At night, keep the enclosure at around 70-75 degrees fahrenheit (21-24 celcius). (2018). Dr Amna Ahmad is a Doctor of Veterinary Science graduated from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. We have seen hypercalcemias signs, effects, and treatment options in bearded dragons. Hyperkeratosis later affects how your pet eats and breathes. Reptiles Time is a free comprehensive resource for all reptile owners. The effects of hypocalcemia mostly involve the muscles being more excitable. Thompson, K. S. 2016. Blood vitamin D3 metabolite concentrations of adult female bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) remain stable after ceasing UVb exposure. For bearded dragons kept indoors, buy calcium powders with cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3. 1. With mild cases of hypercalcemia, the vet will recommend a diet specific to the beardie. include protected health information. Your healthcare provider may order any of the following tests to help diagnose hypercalcemia and its cause: If your provider suspects primary hyperparathyroidism is causing hypercalcemia, theyll likely recommend an imaging test to see if there are any growths on your parathyroid gland(s) or if theyre enlarged. Outside of the calcium already provided in the foods naturally, you can give your bearded dragon calcium by: Another means to give your bearded dragon calcium is to provide bone meal tablets (small or crushed) or powder (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). They also need to be fed a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as monitored for parasites, such as mites. This article describes a newly recognized highly malignant neoplastic entity in young bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas, which readily metastasize. Its also best to check with a vet who will be able to determine the right amount. If you have mild hypercalcemia, you may not notice signs or symptoms. Most cases of hypercalcemia arent life-threatening and many people dont have any symptoms. 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. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. For growing reptiles, the required calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. De Vosjoil, P., Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue, S., & Klingenberg, R. J. Make sure that what you feed them doesnt contain more calcium than they need. Shoback D, Sellmeyer D, Bilke D. Metabolic Bone Disease. There should be nothing blocking the sun light which includes any glass, plastic or otherwise. Hypercalcemia can also cause neurological symptoms, such as depression, memory loss, and irritability. An inverse condition where the bearded dragon has calcium deficiency is known as hypocalcemia. MDText.com. Some pet owners report their bearded dragon eat rocks. The vet can still offer treatment, but the beardie may take a long time to recover. Exposure to ultraviolet light is required for the formation of Vitamin D3. Your pet will act lazy and generally exhibit reduced movement and activity in the cage. Just make sure to avoid using rocks as they can overheat and burn your bearded dragons belly without them realizing it. If youre experiencing symptoms of hypercalcemia, contact your healthcare provider. The body cannot use calcium unless it has vitamin D3. Gravid females (due to their egg laying nature). Bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount used. Examples include: Kidneys. Dehydration can decrease the level of nutrients absorbed. Dragon tails should not protrude from the hips if they are well-fed, and the base of the tail should be thick. Getting calcium for bearded dragons right is crucial for good health. Most of the calcium is found in the bones as calcium phosphate while a small percentage is found in the cells and extracellular fluids. Complications of long-term hypercalcemia are rare since calcium levels are checked in routine blood panels and healthcare providers usually catch hypercalcemia early, but complications can include: If you have a family history of hypercalcemia and/or hyperparathyroidism, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for developing hypercalcemia. This condition is more pronounced in baby dragons as need more amount of calcium to build their developing and growing skeleton. Lethargy, constipation, closed eyes, and poor motion are some of the signs of this condition. Hormone Health Network. 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? 1. Bearded dragons dont poop too often, to begin with, but as their owner, youre likely aware of how often your beardie defecates on a regular basis. Calcium is needed for a bearded dragon to develop properly. You might not have signs or symptoms if your hypercalcemia is mild. Tracie bambichik39 Juvie Member Original Poster Jan 16, 2014 #6 Some products on the market contain both calcium and vitamin D3. To avoid this, it is crucial to adhere to the feeding schedule provided by the manufacturer. While a domesticated bearded dragon is more likely to live longer than a wild one, theyre still missing out on crucial nutrients for proper growth and development that they normally get from their natural habitat. Reptile medicine and surgery. Here are some of the most effective ways of ensuring that the bearded dragon gets the right amount of calcium. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. It is a rare occurrence that requires the bearded dragon to also have excess Vitamin D3. With the right calcium supplement, you can ensure that your Bearded Dragon gets the calcium it needs to stay healthy and happy. van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. A. Hypercalcemia is frequently encountered by primary care physicians. The UVB tube length for your bearded dragon house should not cover the entire length of the house. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Exploring The Facts About A Popular Pet Reptile. Prognosis, like treatment, depends on the cause and severity of hypercalcemia. Bearded dragons dont get calcium dusting in the wild but they are very good at converting UVB radiation (sunlight) into vitamin D3. UVB light helps a bearded dragon with vitamin D3 synthesis. Being bedridden/immobilized for a prolonged time. Calcium is essential for bearded dragons but must only be used in moderation. Refer to this post on how much light they need. Some links on this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as Amazon. Just like humans, calcium performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons. 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 can occur from well-meaning intentions by the bearded dragon owner. And so with this type of scan, we can find parathyroid glands that are otherwise missed by traditional imaging techniques. And most often, it's just one of them that develops a tumor of it. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. Other less common causes of hypercalcemia include: Hypercalcemia is a fairly common finding on routine blood tests such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or basic metabolic panel (BMP), which include a calcium blood test. Diet with calcium supplements dyes, or flavors experiencing symptoms of primarily depending on the market both. 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