Metabolic Bone Disease
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
También conocido como: Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, NSHP, Fibrous Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Rickets
En resumen
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, is a common and serious condition in captive reptiles and turtles. Caused by a lack of dietary calcium, improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, or insufficient UVB light, it leads to weak, deformed bones and muscle tremors. Learn how to recognize the signs, how veterinarians diagnose and treat it, and how proper husbandry can prevent this debilitating disease.
TL;DR. Trastorno prevenible en reptiles y tortugas por falta de calcio o UVB: huesos blandos, deformidades y temblores.
La luz UVB es esencial para sintetizar vitamina D3 y absorber calcio.
¿Qué es?
Metabolic bone disease in captive reptiles/turtles is usually nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism: insufficient calcium or UVB leads to soft bones, fibrous reinforcement of limbs/jaws, and muscle tremors. Calcium is pulled from bone to keep blood calcium safe.
Causas y factores de riesgo
Husbandry errors: inadequate UVB (290-315 nm), low dietary calcium, poor Ca:P ratio (aim near 2:1), cold enclosures impairing digestion. Fast-growing species (iguana, bearded dragon, veiled chameleon, young red-eared slider) are highest risk.
Signos a vigilar
- Rubber jaw; soft/warped shell in chelonians (cardinal)
- Swollen firm limbs, pathological fractures, lethargy, anorexia, tremors (common)
- Paresis/paralysis from spinal deformity (occasional)
Mandíbula acortada y patas hinchadas son signos clásicos avanzados.
Cómo lo diagnostican los veterinarios
Husbandry review. Radiographs (gold): demineralized ghost bones, hidden fractures. Ionized calcium; biochemistry for kidney and phosphorus (renal secondary hyperparathyroidism possible).
Las radiografías muestran huesos desmineralizados y fracturas ocultas.
Opciones de tratamiento
Oral or injectable calcium salts; phosphate binders (chitosan and calcium carbonate) if phosphorus high; cautious calcitriol after calcium stabilizes. Fix UVB, heat gradient, diet; soft housing to prevent further fractures.
Pronóstico
Excellent if early before severe deformity. Permanent shape changes may remain after bones harden. Poor with paralysis or severe kidney disease.
Prevención
Linear UVB (replace every 6-12 months), calcium (± D3 indoors), gut-load insects, Ca-rich greens, correct thermal gradient.
Cuándo llamar al veterinario
Emergency: continuous tremors/seizures, inability to lift body, soft jaw/shell, visible fractures, extreme lethargy or prolonged anorexia.
Fuentes
- Mader's Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery, 3rd Edition, pages 315-321, 811-814.
- BSAVA Manual of Reptiles, 3rd Edition, pages 102-105, 210-212.
My highlights & notes
Signos y síntomas
Cómo se diagnostica
- RadiographyEstándar de referencia
- Plasma Biochemistry Panel
- Plasma Ionized Calcium
Enfoques de tratamiento
El tratamiento debe recetarlo un veterinario colegiado según tu mascota. Las dosis concretas no se muestran a propósito.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is Metabolic Bone Disease?
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), or nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, is a common and serious condition in captive reptiles and turtles. Caused by a lack of dietary calcium, improper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, or insufficient UVB light, it leads to weak, deformed bones and muscle tremors. Learn how to recognize the signs, how veterinarians diagnose and treat it, and how proper husbandry can prevent this debilitating disease.
What are the symptoms of Metabolic Bone Disease?
Soft, deformed carapace or plastron、Soft, pliable mandible or maxilla (rubber jaw)、Loss of appetite、Lethargy and weakness、Muscle tremors or twitching、Pathological fractures、Swollen, firm limbs、Paresis or paralysis
How is Metabolic Bone Disease diagnosed?
Radiography、Plasma Biochemistry Panel、Plasma Ionized Calcium
How is Metabolic Bone Disease treated?
El tratamiento debe recetarlo un veterinario colegiado según tu mascota. Las dosis concretas no se muestran a propósito.
Este artículo es educación general y no sustituye el consejo veterinario profesional. Si tu mascota está mal, consulta a un veterinario.
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