Metabolic Bone Disease
Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism
Também conhecido como: Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, NSHP, Fibrous Osteodystrophy, Osteomalacia, Rickets
Em resumo
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. Condição prevenível em répteis e tartarugas por falta de cálcio ou UVB: ossos moles, deformidades e tremores.
A luz UVB é essencial para sintetizar vitamina D3 e absorver cálcio.
O que é?
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 e fatores de risco
Husbandry errors: inadequate UVB (290-315 nm), low dietary calcium, poor Ca:P ratio (aim near 2:1), cold enclosures. Fast-growing species are highest risk.
Sinais a observar
- Rubber jaw; soft/warped shell in chelonians (cardinal)
- Swollen firm limbs, pathological fractures, lethargy, anorexia, tremors (common)
- Paresis/paralysis from spinal deformity (occasional)

Maxilar encurtado e membros inchados são sinais avançados clássicos.
Como os veterinários diagnosticam
Husbandry review. Radiographs (gold): demineralized ghost bones, hidden fractures. Ionized calcium; biochemistry for kidney and phosphorus.

Radiografias mostram ossos desmineralizados e fraturas ocultas.
Opções de tratamento
Oral or injectable calcium salts; phosphate binders if phosphorus high; cautious calcitriol after calcium stabilizes. Fix UVB, heat gradient, diet.
Prognóstico
Excellent if early before severe deformity. Permanent shape changes may remain. Poor with paralysis or severe kidney disease.
Prevenção
Linear UVB (replace every 6-12 months), calcium (± D3 indoors), gut-load insects, Ca-rich greens, correct thermal gradient.
Quando chamar o veterinário
Emergency: continuous tremors/seizures, inability to lift body, soft jaw/shell, visible fractures, extreme lethargy or prolonged anorexia.
Fontes
- 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
Sinais e sintomas
Como é diagnosticado
- RadiographyPadrão-ouro
- Plasma Biochemistry Panel
- Plasma Ionized Calcium
Abordagens de tratamento
O tratamento deve ser prescrito por um veterinário licenciado. As doses específicas não são mostradas de propósito.
Perguntas frequentes
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?
O tratamento deve ser prescrito por um veterinário licenciado. As doses específicas não são mostradas de propósito.
Este artigo é educação geral e não substitui orientação veterinária. Se o pet estiver mal, consulte um veterinário.
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