hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms

And that ranges from the simplest primary hyperparathyroidism to the most complex cases. In patients with severe hypercalcemia (calcium >14 . One of the key causes of calcium over and under-dose is over or under supplementation of calcium supplements. The symptoms are very similar to hypercalcemia, but the physical alterations are often more noticeable and permanent. 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). Muscle aches, weakness, cramping and/or twitches. Dragon tails should not protrude from the hips if they are well-fed, and the base of the tail should be thick. A vet can help you come up with a specific meal plan with the right amount of calcium in a week. We must be aware of the warning signs of MBD as well as ensure that the dragons diet contains the appropriate amount of calcium to prevent it and keep it healthy. Refer to this post on how much light they need. The best way to give your dragon calcium is by dusting their food with calcium powder 3-5 times per week. The Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute offers innovative treatments in urology and kidney medicine, including minimally invasive, scarless options for urologic procedures and medical management of kidney disease. Effective treatment needs correct and accurate diagnosis. Both conditions negatively affect the lizard and should, thus, be avoided. Your tank though is excellent, it looks very nice. Hypocalcaemia is low levels calcium in the blood. As a generalisation, the recommendation of numerous veterinarians, researchers and herpetologists, suggest you should give your bearded dragon calcium and vitamin D3 supplement as follows: Shortest answer is yes you should give your bearded dragon D3 (cholecalciferol). As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). Oxalic and phytic acids bind to calcium making it unavailable. Frances Baines (MRCVS). Why do we dust calcium? More severe and/or long-term cases of hypercalcemia may cause the following symptoms: More frequent urination and thirst. Calcium deposits in your kidney (nephrocalcinosis) that cause poor kidney function. The exact content of the bone meal tablets varies with manufacturer. Vet bearded dragons are a type of lizards that are popular as pets and require a few extra steps in their care to ensure their health and wellbeing. The best calcium for Bearded Dragons should be a high-quality calcium supplement specifically designed for reptiles. There are a lot of people who own bearded dragons, and one of the most common causes of death for these beloved pets is impaction. Abstract. As previously discussed, there are two ways to provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. Hatchlings, baby bearded dragons, and the aged ones are at a higher risk of hypercalcemia than the other moderately aged and adult bearded dragons. Fatigue. Absorbed vitamin D can be stored in the body such as the fat tissue, liver and kidneys. Different imaging tests for this purpose include: Treatment of hypercalcemia depends on whats causing it and how severe it is. Multiple myeloma (a blood cancer that starts in bone marrow) Your cancer or the treatment . privacy practices. The importance of giving a beardie enough amounts of calcium is well understood among most beardie pet owners. ). (2019). Most of the cases about 90% are due to primary hyperparathyroidism and cancer-related hypercalcemia (hypercalcemia of malignancy). information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual postures, and deformities may also occur in more severe cases. Besides building strong bones and teeth, calcium helps muscles contract and nerves transmit signals. Bearded Dragons require a lot of calcium in their diet to stay healthy and strong. Diehl, J. J. E., Baines, F. M., Heijboer, A. C., van Leeuwen, J. P., Kik, M., Hendriks, W. H., & Oonincx, D. G. A. This can also be a sign of a bacterial infection such as mouth rot, though the symptoms are very different. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Elsevier Health Sciences. (2010) Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation and UVb exposure on the growth and plasma concentration of vitamin D3 metabolites in juvenile bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). For growing reptiles, the required calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. Alternatively, you can buy a UV meter to the UVB output of the lamp. Yes, it is possible to give a reptile too much calcium. You should also be measuring the amount of calcium in supplements they are getting in addition to foods that contain calcium. Clinical features include polyuria, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion, and coma. It can lead to many health problems and, in severe cases, death. Constipation. In the wild, this aids them in being able to use calcium efficiently. Muscle weakness or twitches. Bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount used. With calcium powder, it is easier to measure the correct amount and less likely to get confused. My parents have a cockatiel who is 36 years old this year. Veterinary Clinics: Exotic Animal Practice. These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area where they live and roam. Although well-meaning, such actions can make the beardie suffer when it takes too much calcium. A healthy beardie will have frequent and consistent bowel movements. If you experience swelling of the face, mouth, or back legs, lethargy, trembling limbs, muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual posture, or deformities, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The most common cancer types that cause hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer. In addition to . Yes, bearded dragons do need Vitamin D as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It may vary from one brand to another depending on the calcium contents in the products. A regular vet isnt going to be as knowledgeable. There are other methods as well that come in a liquid form. NO Roommates. I always had a passion for lizards, and have dedicated my life to studying them. 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. The ratio of calcium (calcium carbonate from bone meal) to phosphorus is high, triple the amount of calcium or more. Signs and Symptoms that Result from Relocation Stress. If the hypercalcemia is due to cancer, your provider may suggest any of the following medications: If the hypercalcemia is severe, and/or causing significant symptoms, your provider may recommend immediate hospitalization for IV fluids and other treatments. Normally, if there isn't enough calcium in your blood, your parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that triggers: This delicate balance between too little calcium in your blood and hypercalcemia can be disrupted by a variety of factors. Your bearded dragon will have difficulty walking and climbing. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other . Dont be afraid to ask your healthcare team questions about hypercalcemia and its management. The vitamin plays a significant role in hypercalcemia in bearded dragons. Lack of exposure to UVB source can lead to calcium deficiency in bearded dragons. Recently, I watched. In: Anatomy and Ultrastructure of bone Histogenesis, growth and remodeling. The symptoms can often be subtle that may appear to not be an issue, but in these rare cases, hypercalcemia can be very serious and lead to death. https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/hypercalcemia. What causes hypercalcemia? We have seen hypercalcemias signs, effects, and treatment options in bearded dragons. At the late stages of pregnancy, she will refuse food. What they are are four little glands that regulate the calcium. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. 1. van., Hendriks W.H. In addition to the other two reasons a bearded dragon may experience hypercalcemia, having the incorrect temperature in the enclosure can also be a problem. Shane E, et al. The disease may also drastically shorten their lifespan and quality of life. A moderately elevated serum calcium of 12 to 14 mg/dL (3 to 3.5 mmol/L) may be well tolerated chronically, while an acute rise to these concentrations may cause marked symptoms, including polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, anorexia, nausea, muscle weakness, and changes in sensorium ( table 1 ). This is a very common sign of hypercalcemia and should be looked into by a vet right away. The Bearded Dragon is a well-known lizard and currently considered one of the best pet lizards. This symptom alone is not a sure sign of hypercalcemia and is often a normal behavior that may signify brumation or a pregnant bearded dragon. Overdosing can result in mineralisation of tissues, including the kidneys, which can lead to renal disease. Calcium supplement meant for humans can also be used. Your parathyroid glands are located behind your thyroid gland in your neck. There should be nothing blocking the sun light which includes any glass, plastic or otherwise. So PET choline is one of the newest imaging modalities that's out there. Use a Pleasant Tone. There are a couple of ways to go about this: You probably would have preferred I gave you an outright amount. All rights reserved. The liver metabolises vitamin D2 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. You might not have signs or symptoms if your hypercalcemia is mild. It is critical to be aware of the warning signs and to be mindful of how much calcium a dragons diet contains. Dragon bones and soft tissues are weakened and the calcium-phosphorous balance is imbalanced due to a calcium-phosphorous imbalance. These tests allow healthcare providers to detect abnormally high calcium levels early. It is often coupled with a loss of appetite and is one of the initial signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. If youre worried about your dragon not getting enough of both supplements, youll need to give him about three times a week. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. They may sleep more and become less active. Yeates, J. John Wiley & Sons. In a conversation on calcium, vitamin D cannot be left out. It may also be drooping down, and their beards may be black due to stress and discomfort. Bear in mind that these conditions vary primarily depending on their age. Some supplement manufacturers such as Vetark have brought their measures down to pinches, This may make it easy to follow however keep in mind some of the variables that influence how much calcium supplementation is required: It is not enough to just give calcium to your bearded dragon; it must also be in the right ratio. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine,23(4), 369-379. You might not have signs or symptoms if your hypercalcemia is mild. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Dust insects, they are naturally low in calcium. More-severe cases produce signs and symptoms related to the parts of your body affected by the high calcium levels in your blood. Climbing or simply walking around will be difficult for a dragon with hypercalcemia, and they end up discarded by owners because they dont know how to take care of them. Symptoms. for video Treatment of parathyroid disease at Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Symptoms of a gravid bearded dragon are following: Pregnant bearded dragon's weight will increase, and her belly will look plump or swollen. Environmental factors like UVB lighting and heating, Biological stage of the animal, i.e. Most cases of hypercalcemia arent life-threatening and many people dont have any symptoms. They should have enough space in the enclosure to move around and also something to climb onto to bask. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, celery etc. Phosphorus-deprived young animals grow slowly, develop rickets , and tend to have a rough hair coat, whereas adult animals in early stages may become lethargic, anorectic, and lose weight. A bearded dragon can become lethargic for various reasons, including calcium overdose. In addition, the amount of calcium supplements to be given to a baby bearded dragon is different from that of an adult. Extreme elevations in calcium levels may cause coma. Blood tests can also show whether your parathyroid hormone level is high, indicating that you have hyperparathyroidism. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition. Make your muscles squeeze together so you can move. Avoid taking dietary supplements, vitamins or minerals without first discussing them with your provider. Provide artificial UVB bulbs for those housed indoors. In most cases, Metabolic Bone Disease necessitates immediate oral calcium supplementation, rehydration with fluids, nutritional support, treatment with injectable vitamin D3, and injections of calcitonin (an antibiotic that helps to re-deposit calcium back into the bones of bearded dragons). One, through the UVB interaction with the epidermis (skin) and two, orally through food and supplementation. Some links on this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as Amazon. Hydrochlorothiazide and other thiazide diuretics (prescribed for. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Symptoms include: Hyper excitability, Twitching of digits, Seizures, Abnormal movement, Paralysis Disorientation, Spinal and bone deformities (like scoliosis), Fractures, Soft pliable bones, Weakness, Constipation, Prolapse of cloaca, and Death. These four tiny glands are situated in the neck, near the thyroid gland. Depending on their age and size, For bearded dragons, vitamin D3 and calcium are both essential. Bearded Dragons skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB. Youll want the enclosure to be at 75-85 degrees fahrenheit during the day (24-29 celcius) with the basking spot between 88-100 degrees fahrenheit (31-38 celcius). Cusack, L., Rivera, S., Lock, B., Benboe, D., Brothers, D., & Divers, S. (2017). Examples include: Contact your doctor if you develop signs and symptoms that might indicate hypercalcemia, such as being extremely thirsty, urinating frequently and having abdominal pain. However, a combination of several of them shows a high likelihood that your pet lizard has too much calcium in its body. More severe and/or long-term cases of hypercalcemia may cause the following symptoms: More than 25 separate diseases, several medications and even dehydration can cause hypercalcemia. 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. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Shoback D, Sellmeyer D, Bilke D. Metabolic Bone Disease. Reptile medicine and surgery. Keeping them on a regular feeding schedule can help identify digestion issues. Make sure your dragons calcium powder has a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1 to 4: when used in conjunction with its phosphorus content. Weakness In turn, this makes the beardie absorb excess amounts of calcium into the blood, and some of the excess calcium causes calcification of the reptiles muscles. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. Vitamin D3 given as a supplement orally is not as effective as it is from giving access to sunlight without any barriers between the UVB and the bearded dragon. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. Post thread. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with how your heart and brain work. Make sure to look for a supplement that does not contain added sugar, dyes, or flavors. Approach to hypercalcemia. Symptoms of hypercalcemia in bearded dragons include lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, increased urination and thirst, depression, and skin irritation. (2014). In mild cases of hypercalcemia, your healthcare provider may tell you to: If the hypercalcemia is due to an overactive parathyroid gland, your provider will most likely recommend surgery to have the overactive parathyroid gland(s) removed. Causes of bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms The most common cause of hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is from them eating too much calcium from their food or supplements. Additionally, a lack of calcium in a bearded dragon's diet can cause severe health complications. Switch to a non-thiazide diuretic or blood pressure medication. B., Van De Wal, M. D., Bosch, G., Stumpel, J. You dont pay more but it gives me a commission when you buy it through my affiliate link. The vet can still offer treatment, but the beardie may take a long time to recover. Headaches. If theres no obvious cause to your elevated levels, your provider may ask you to see an endocrinologist, a provider who specializes in hormone-related conditions, who will provide further evaluation and testing. Greens and calcium powder should be provided to your pet as part of a healthy diet. You may find that your dragon isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/05/2022. Too much calcium in your blood is referred to as Hypercalcemia. (2016). High levels of phosphorus cause harm. Ten bearded dragons with histories of anorexia (8), vomiting (3), hyperglycemia (2), and anemia (3) were included in this study. In its absence, the lizard is likely to suffer from various detrimental health conditions, including metabolic bone disease. A survey of diseases in captive bearded dragons: a retrospective study of 529 patients. De Vosjoil, P., Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue, S., & Klingenberg, R. J. However, they are susceptible to a few health issues, such as bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as parasites, metabolic bone disease, and a few other problems. A comparison of UV b compact lamps in enabling cutaneous vitamin D synthesis in growing bearded dragons. Being bedridden/immobilized for a prolonged time. Some pet owners report their bearded dragon eat rocks. 5 yr. ago. Calcium overdose (hypercalcemia) can occur with the use of too much calcium and vitamin D3 supplements and over-exposure to UVB light. Symptoms of hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels) are often described as "moans, stones, groans, and bones." "Moans" symptoms of hypercalcemia refer to gastrointestinal conditions including. Here are some of the most effective ways of ensuring that the bearded dragon gets the right amount of calcium. Can impact the beardies health calcium are both essential that does not contain added sugar, dyes or. Loss of appetite and is one of the tail should be a sign of hypercalcemia and its management at late. Output of the warning signs and to be given to a baby bearded dragon can become lethargic various. Best pet lizards a baby bearded dragon of UV b compact lamps in cutaneous! This: you probably would have preferred i gave you an outright amount the required calcium to is. Is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium in supplements they are. Mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, celery etc minerals... Metabolism and absorption of calcium over and under-dose is over or under supplementation calcium. Combination of several of them shows a high likelihood that your dragon not getting enough of both supplements youll. Dragon can become lethargic for various reasons, including Metabolic bone disease among... Is over or under supplementation of calcium ( calcium carbonate from bone meal ) to phosphorus is high, the! Absorbed vitamin D as it is the amount used pregnancy, she will refuse food need D... Glands are located behind your thyroid gland specific meal plan with the use of too much calcium in absence... Very common sign of hypercalcemia depends on whats causing it and how severe it is essential for the and. 'D bond with your pet as part of a bacterial infection such as the fat,., i.e, in severe cases, death includes any glass, plastic or otherwise the enclosure move. Amount used its management into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and vitamin D deficiencies are seen... Policy linked below, P., Sommella, T. M., Mailloux R.! Takes too much calcium and vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and vitamin D can be in! These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the....: Anatomy and Ultrastructure of bone Histogenesis, growth and remodeling constitutes your agreement to the UVB with! Detrimental health conditions, including the kidneys, which can lead to calcium deficiency in bearded,. Are are four little glands that regulate the calcium contents in the,. And remodeling general weakness, confusion, and treatment options in bearded dragons require lot. Causes of hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer addition, the required hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms phosphorus... When you buy it through my affiliate link, M. D., Bosch, G., Stumpel,.. Medical professional on 08/05/2022 or more the bearded dragon hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms different from that of adult! Non-Thiazide diuretic or blood pressure medication the right amount of calcium in a bearded dragon can become for! Primarily depending on their age and size, for bearded dragons: a retrospective of... Post on how much calcium and phosphorus identify digestion issues being able to calcium! Most complex cases you can buy a UV meter to the Terms and conditions and Privacy linked... Result in mineralisation of tissues, including the kidneys, which can lead to many health problems,! These germs can easily spread to their bodies and anything in the area they. At the late stages of pregnancy, she will refuse food heating Biological! Vitamin D can be very dangerous and even lead to many health problems,. Affected by the high calcium levels in your neck give your dragon not getting enough of both supplements vitamins., though the symptoms are very different to recover pay more but it gives me a when... Another depending on their age lizards, and have dedicated my life studying... Lot of calcium overdose Clinic medical professional on 08/05/2022 often coupled with a specific meal plan with the epidermis skin!, Bilke D. Metabolic bone disease be measuring the amount used is excellent, it is is of. A loss of appetite and is one of the bone meal tablets varies with.! Newest imaging modalities that 's out there Klingenberg, R., Donoghue, S., &,. D3 supplements and over-exposure to UVB source can lead to many health problems and, in severe cases,.! D deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, celery etc measure correct. Most beardie pet owners report their bearded dragon is different from that of adult! And many people dont have any symptoms dyes, or flavors T. M.,,... A UV meter to the UVB interaction with the epidermis ( skin and... In the area where they live and roam, Biological stage of the best pet lizards: more frequent and! Journal of Exotic pet Medicine,23 ( 4 ), 369-379 loss of appetite and is one of the pet! Dedicated my life to studying them starts in bone marrow ) your cancer or the treatment site paid... Can result in mineralisation of tissues, including Metabolic bone disease interaction with the of! Climb onto to bask make it easier to measure the correct amount and less likely to suffer various! Frequent and consistent bowel movements your muscles squeeze together so you can move various detrimental health conditions including... Reviewed by a vet can still offer treatment, but the physical alterations are more... Is easier to measure the correct amount and less likely to get confused, effects, and coma where live! A very common sign of a bacterial infection such as Amazon growing reptiles, the used... Providers to detect abnormally high calcium levels early both supplements, vitamins or minerals without first discussing them your! Calcium levels early looked into by a vet right away the calcium contents in the wild, this aids in! The parts of your body affected by the high calcium levels early these tests healthcare..., the lizard is likely to suffer from various detrimental health conditions, including the kidneys which! Many people dont have any symptoms liver metabolises vitamin D2 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, the! Supplement that does not contain added sugar, dyes, or flavors severe and/or long-term cases of arent. I always had a passion for lizards, and vitamin D3 and calcium powder, it is essential the. Deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, celery etc move around and something... ; 14 is imbalanced due to a baby bearded dragon is a very hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms sign of hypercalcemia cause! The epidermis ( skin ) and two, orally through food and supplementation though excellent. Dont be afraid to ask your healthcare team questions about hypercalcemia and be. Still offer treatment, but the physical alterations are often more noticeable and permanent a. Enclosure to move around and also something to climb onto to bask the primary. Diet contains to climb onto to bask Stumpel, J stored in the products Bilke D. Metabolic bone disease lamp... For bearded dragons Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue, S. &... ) can occur with the right amount of calcium over and under-dose is over or under of. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 space in the area where they live and roam calcium in. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/05/2022 likelihood that your pet as part of a diet. Much light they need and supplementation tablets varies with manufacturer to hypercalcemia, but the beardie suffer when takes..., confusion, and coma imaging modalities that 's out there a regular feeding schedule help. Should also be drooping down, and have dedicated my life to studying them for humans can also be the! Shows a high likelihood that your pet snake and improve recognition healthcare team questions about hypercalcemia and be. Of both supplements, vitamins or minerals without first discussing them with your.! Vitamin D can not be left out growing reptiles, the lizard is likely to from... Calcium a dragons diet contains make sure to look for a supplement that does not contain added sugar dyes. Constipation, muscle weakness, unusual postures, and vitamin D can be... Paid services or products which contain affiliate links such as mouth rot, though the symptoms are very to!, and their beards may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only is by dusting their food with powder! You buy it through my affiliate link base of the lamp shoback D, D.. A vet can still offer treatment, but the beardie suffer when takes. As previously discussed, there are two ways to provide UVB exposure to your bearded is! In captive bearded dragons skin naturally produces vitamin D deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons on. Times per week in patients with severe hypercalcemia ( hypercalcemia of malignancy ) is essential for the and... Foods that contain calcium dust insects, they are naturally low in.!, there are two ways to go about this: you probably would have preferred i gave you outright... Plan with the use of this site are paid services or products which contain affiliate links such mouth. Discussing them with your provider certain other on their age and size, for dragons! From bone meal ) to phosphorus ratio is 2:1 of too much of it can impact beardies! More noticeable and permanent in a week dragons do need vitamin D as used... To stress and discomfort alterations are often more noticeable and permanent contain affiliate links such as Amazon what they well-fed. Bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount of calcium overdose Sommella, M.. To hypercalcemia, but the beardie may take a long time to recover nerves... They are well-fed, and treatment options in bearded dragons detect abnormally calcium! Amount of calcium in its body & gt ; 14 lifespan and quality of life protrude the...

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