How to diagnose MBD?

[northface75]

I got my two girls in September 09, at that point I believe they were 8 weeks old. I got all the stuff required for them, 55 gal tank, uvb bulb, heat light etc. I knew they needed a calcium supplement, unfortunately at first I just used the same supplement I used for my anoles, Tetrafauna Reptocal. Of course after doing some investigation I realized this had phosphates that were bad for beardies, but this was too little too late. After using Reptocal regularly for just over a month, my smaller dragon Lyra started to have twitching spasms, which eventually led up to a full blown seizure. Obviously her having a seizure scared me to death and thats when I did the research on reptocal. I immediately switched to T-Rex brand "Repashy Superfoods Bearded Dragon calcium plus supplement", which has worked great for the past 6 months or so. anyways, enough background:

When I pick up Leela, she just looks up at me, and doesn't fidget unless I don't have enough legs supported of course. Lyra, on the other hand, when I pick her up, she is quick to...hard to explain, sort of "stutter" in her movement, like her legs are unsupported, even though they are. I'm afraid using that Reptocal garbage did permanent damage but I don't know for sure, so I thought I'd ask you guys.

 

[renich]

Hmm. I'm not sure if using it for a month did any damage or not. MBD typically occurs when inproper UV lighting is used and not enough of D3 is provided in their diets. Some of the signs of MBD are hard bumps on their back, tails, legs, swollen jaw, or no use of their back legs.

MBD cannot be corrected, but it can be stopped if treated properly.

What is the make and model of your UV light?
Is she using her hind legs?

If you are concerned about her, you may want to consider getting in to see a herp vet. If it is not MBD, it could be parasite or another issue. Beardies are silent creatures and by the time signs of something being wrong occurs, it is usually late in the course of things.

 

[northface75]

I use a reptisun 5.0 uvb, and I have replaced it within the past 3 months. she uses her hind legs and has no negative symptoms. Her actions really dont worry me too much, I just didnt know what to look for in MBD. Basically I was afraid the seizures she incurred from using reptocal did permanent damage.

She hasn't had any seizures or anything like that since I switched to T-Rex. I just needed reassurance that her actions weren't a symptom of an underlying problem. She runs around and plays and seems as healthy as could be.

But better safe than sorry you know? Figured I might as well take advantage of the wealth of knowledge you guys have!

 

[renich]

Well, the 5.0 really doesn't produce enough UV for bearded dragons. They require a high level of UV light. For a tube, the ReptiSun 10.0 is the best on the market right now. You may want to consider upgrading.

It's really hard to diagnose over the internet. We can give a ball park, but basically, if she's eating, pooping and acting fine, there should be no worries.

 

[northface75]

well, I'll have to upgrade to the 10.0 asap.

I of course understand its hard to diagnose over the internet but for all I knew that action was a red flag, so like I said, no reason not to ask.

She's acting fine as usual. I just give them a bath and she was so funny swimming around. I would say shes healthy.

Once the bloody weather around here improves I'm really looking forward to taking them outside to enjoy some unfiltered sunlight. Only about 50 degrees in New York right now :-\.

 

[northface75]

Is this the correct bulb? I've looked at a bunch of different ones and there seems to be more variety than there should be...

http://www.petguys.com/-097612343240.html?productid=-097612343240&channelid=FROOG

and yes 24" is the size I have. Do you guys recommend buying somewhere else? This was the cheapest I could find

 

[corrine]

yep that's the right one. Try petmountain.com that's where I got mine.

 

[zebraflavencs]

Yep, that's the one !
Now you may want to look at this:
http://www.petmountain.com/product/...bs/504983/zoo-med-reptisun-10.0-uvb-bulb.html
And this:
http://www.mybeardie.com/bearded-dragon-reptile-supplies.php?itemdetail=507368

Both are cheaper.. The last one is from My Beardie store. Helps to support this site as well as getting a top notch bulb.
Hope that helps out !
Janie

 

[northface75]

hah, I actually saw this little ad in the upper corner for the bulb on this site and had a *duh* moment. Yea, I'll definitely buy from this site, least I can do

 

[northface75]

bah, mybeardie's store actually just forwards you to petmountain when you click "buy now", and they are sold out :-\

 

[zebraflavencs]

Pet mountain is sold out ? jee.
Well, get that where you can. I would lay in for one now... and keep an eye on our link to mybeardiestore, then buy again from that.
Remember, they need to be replaced every 4-6 months.
Hope that helps out !
Janie

 

[Vesta]

I just ordered 3 Reptisun 36" 10.0 's on Friday from Pet Mountain. Total bill....$67.81.

They were $20.45 a piece, $4.47 shipping( I thought that was great) plus tax and then they gave me a $5.00 discount.

I checked several places and could find them non cheaper than that. Even "That Fish Place" in Lancaster couldn't beat that price and they were having a BIG sale. 20% off. There's were selling for $27.99. Used to be ALOT cheaper than that!!! : ( By the time I figured in gas it was not worth the trip(45 minute drive)

 

[ladyknite]

I'm afraid using that Reptocal garbage did permanent damage but I don't know for sure, so I thought I'd ask you guys.

temporary yes. Permanent, unlikely as long as you follow some precautions to ensure her levels and storage are adequate for growth.

I'm familiar with Repashy supplements. Remember to follow the instructions and give as directed.
I personally prefer rep cal calcium because I don't believe my dragons need vitamins daily especially if they eat their salad.

Are you concerned about their stance, hunting ability, or ability to be mobile? Do you notice twitches or jerking in their movements?

 

[renich]

bah, mybeardie's store actually just forwards you to petmountain when you click "buy now", and they are sold out :-\

Yes, mybeardie.com is affiliated with Pet Mountain. All proceeds from placing your order within the site supports the site with server maintenance, etc. The prices should be the same as going directly to Pet Mountain.

 

[Vesta]

OH NO RENEE!! I did not know that and I am not sure if I clicked on here or not. I see no mention of this site on my receipt.

I will order everything from them from now on!!! So sorry!! : (

 

[renich]

No, worries. Thanks, Vesta!

 

[Craiger]

bah, mybeardie's store actually just forwards you to petmountain when you click "buy now", and they are sold out :-\

Yes, mybeardie.com is affiliated with Pet Mountain. All proceeds from placing your order within the site supports the site with server maintenance, etc. The prices should be the same as going directly to Pet Mountain.

I didn't realize this, either. Even though I already order from Pet Mountain, I'll be sure the site gets supported with my purchase. Thanks for the info.

 

[fergie]

I agree, repti-sun 10.0 especially if you have it hung on a tight mesh screen, as well, check the interior temp using a more accurate method by purchasing a small hand held thermo gun, you can get these at hobby shops for around $15, well worth it as I find most temp gauges are less than 50% accurate and our beardies need more heat than not. I keep our viv around 99-102 and she loves it, and the most important thing, helps them digest food and while it does not eliminate parasites, helps to reduce the occurrence when combined with proper cleaning, etc.

Also, make sure they either have a base heater or a good thermo heater for nite time as well, temp drops of 10-15 degrees are normal, but make sure it doesn't drop more than that tho.

I hope your beardie is ok and you have been able to help her/him.

 

[Craiger]

Also, make sure they either have a base heater or a good thermo heater for nite time as well, temp drops of 10-15 degrees are normal, but make sure it doesn't drop more than that tho.

From what I've read, been told by some of my more experienced herp friends, as well as my own personal experience, as long as the temp doesn't go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be just fine. I don't have any overnight heating and I've had my beardies for 3 and 4 years.

Granted, I don't know that our house sees more than 10-15 degree drop (St. Louis metro area)....so maybe that's why things have been hunky-dory.

 

[northface75]

I certainly dont use night heating. no need. only during the winter does my temps drop enough to warrant night heating, spring now and temps certainly dont go below 65