This is a very common sign of hypercalcemia and should be looked into by a vet right away. They should have enough space in the enclosure to move around and also something to climb onto to bask. Its also important to note that weakness can be a sign of the enclosure being too hot or too cold. Signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia range from nonexistent to severe. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Nausea and vomiting. Such knowledge will help you avoid overexposing your pet to UVB light and thus prevent Vitamin D3 over intake. Not all cases of hypercalcemia can be prevented, but avoiding excess intake of calcium pills and calcium-based antacid tablets can help. In: Gardner DG, Shoback D. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Otherwise, your bearded dragon could end up with a bone disease that could be painful for them for the rest of their lives. 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. If you own a bearded dragon, you can take a few simple steps to ensure that his or her health is not jeopardized. Here at the Mayo Clinic in Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, we treat the full spectrum of parathyroid problems. You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment, and then touching your mouth or food and swallowing Salmonella germs. The ratio of calcium (calcium carbonate from bone meal) to phosphorus is high, triple the amount of calcium or more. In: Anatomy and Ultrastructure of bone Histogenesis, growth and remodeling. And most often, it's just one of them that develops a tumor of it. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. So PET choline is one of the newest imaging modalities that's out there. Too little (hypocalcemia) or too much (hypercalcemia) calcium can cause problems with both the growth and the strength of a bearded dragon's bones. Muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual postures, and deformities may also occur in more severe cases. Oonincx, D. G. A. Switch to a non-thiazide diuretic or blood pressure medication. Hypercalcemia is caused by: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 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. Being transparent (such as glass) does not mean it allows UVB rays to pass through it. A bearded dragon is a rare and exciting animal, but it necessitates a great deal of responsibility. In addition to performing blood tests, the vet may also ask you questions to gather a detailed history of the bearded dragons diet and husbandry. Exploring The Facts About A Popular Pet Reptile. Yeates, J. Of those which were given blood tests, 57% showed a deviation in the calcium-phosphorus ratio and 63% showed hypocalcaemia. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279129/. Just make sure to avoid using rocks as they can overheat and burn your bearded dragons belly without them realizing it. A five-year-old male central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented for investigation of blood in the voided urates. It's really only available at a few centers across the country. Avoid any calcium powder that has phosphorus in it. Excessive calcium will lead to overdose and calcium can be unpalatable. Use a Pleasant Tone. 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. Most importantly: It serves as an essential electrolyte of the heart, brain, skeletal muscles and nervous system functioning. Remember, nothing beats natural exposure to sunlight even if only for a few hours a week. In research by Oonincx et al (2015) the stomach contents of 10 free ranging (wild) Pogona vitticeps were analysed. Dust insects, they are naturally low in calcium. And that ranges from the simplest primary hyperparathyroidism to the most complex cases. Shane E, et al. UVB exposure with or without vitamin D can treat Hypocalcaemia. 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. Being able to identify unusual behavior is essential for noticing hypercalcemia. Bearded dragons are popular, docile reptiles that can make excellent pets. In many of these cases, we're able to treat hyperparathyroidism and watch these symptoms literally go away. When they are placed on the back the light can glare into their eyes too much & the UVB is not going directly onto them but bounces around too much. As the muscles and soft tissues stiffen, there will be a lack of mobility. Too much D3 leads to toxicity in the blood, which can be problematic for bone development and other body functions. Provide artificial UVB bulbs for those housed indoors. This isnt limited to just calcium; your beardie may also need other nutrients to stay healthy such as vitamin D and multivitamins. Aside from swelling in the face, mouth, and/or back legs, lethargy, and trembling limbs are common symptoms. How Often Should You Take Your Bearded Dragon Out Of Its Cage? However, if you are feeding your bearded dragon 50% or more of the total diet with commercially prepared diets, supplementation should not be required (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). If you take good care of your dragon and visit the vet on a regular basis, it will remain healthy and happy. Greens and calcium powder should be provided to your pet as part of a healthy diet. The effects of hypocalcemia mostly involve the muscles being more excitable. Be aware that you can overdose on vitamin D3. In most cases, the excess calcium in your blood was leached from your bones, which weakens them. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. Your parathyroid glands are located behind your thyroid gland in your neck. "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. They may include: Digestive symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, poor appetite, or constipation. This means that when one is rich in the diet, the level of other will be low and vice versa. For bearded dragons, vitamin D3 and calcium are both essential. My parents have a cockatiel who is 36 years old this year. Dragon food contains a lot of calcium, which is required for its members to be able to absorb and use it. How to Keep Your Iguana Healthy, Happy and Safe! We utilize multimodal imaging, meaning various types of imaging to identify where the abnormal parathyroid is located. Absorbed vitamin D can be stored in the body such as the fat tissue, liver and kidneys. If your dragon displays symptoms of hypercalcemia, it must be taken to a vet immediately. This is a much similar but more severe disorder to that of osteoporosis in humans. While leopard geckos in the wild have been shedding their skin without any problem, the same can't be said about leos in captivity. Refer to this post on how much light they need. 5 Levels higher than 14 mg per dL (3.5 mmol per L) can be life . Muscle weakness or twitches. link to What Vitamins Do Leopard Geckos Need. They produce parathyroid hormone, which plays a role in regulating the body's blood level of calcium and phosphorus. Hypercalcemia can also cause neurological symptoms, such as depression, memory loss, and irritability. The amount of calcium you give your bearded dragon can be a bit of guesswork for pet owners. 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. On this site you will find articles that cover everything you need to know about your reptile pet! However, a combination of several of them shows a high likelihood that your pet lizard has too much calcium in its body. Hatchlings, baby bearded dragons, and the aged ones are at a higher risk of hypercalcemia than the other moderately aged and adult bearded dragons. Other sources for how bearded dragons get calcium in the wild include dried bones, snail shells and potentially chalky rock dust. In severe cases, it can even cause death. Stop taking or lower your dose of calcium-rich antacid tablets. 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. You should sprinkle calcium powder lightly over their food every day, and you should keep an eye on their weight and activity level to ensure they get the amount of calcium they need. Overdosing lowers the use of fat, protein and minerals like zinc, iodine, manganese, iron and phosphorus. Knowing the precise amount to give the lizard is one of the most effective ways of preventing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in these reptiles. Supplementing the diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. van den., Leeuwen J.P.T.M. UVB light helps a bearded dragon with vitamin D3 synthesis. Yes, bearded dragons can get calcium deposits. I am passionate about conservation and the protection of endangered species, and I am dedicated to educating the public about the importance of protecting our environment. Calcium overdose also has more severe effects on them, and their health deteriorates much faster when they suffer from hypercalcemia. These symptoms include lethargy, weak hind legs, depression, tremors, twitches, seizures, and death. Small portions occasionally may be okay for a healthy bearded dragon. Symptoms. But if you overload him both with vitamin D3 AND Calcium then you will have problems. Reptile medicine and surgery. These symptoms alone arent always a sign of hypercalcemia. NAVO Revised. Policy. The body cannot use calcium unless it has vitamin D3. Forgetfulness, depression or irritability. The professional will assess the health status of the lizard and verify the underlying problem. 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. Make your muscles squeeze together so you can move. Unlike laziness, where the bearded dragon becomes active after a few hours or days, a lethargic beardie will remain inactive and have minimal movement for a prolonged duration. To treat calcium deficiency, it is important to ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving the correct diet and ample exposure to ultraviolet light. Bearded dragons do not need calcium every day. Excessive intake of vitamin D, vitamin A or calcium supplements. This content does not have an English version. If your bearded dragon requires calcium, adding calcium powder to its diet is the best way to get it. To avoid this, it is crucial to adhere to the feeding schedule provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to look for a supplement that does not contain added sugar, dyes, or flavors. van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. The insects are fed a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragon 24 hours prior to feeding them to your dragon. How to Calm a Stressed Bearded Dragon. As a result, providing your dragon with access to a variety of Ultra Violet light sources is critical because it enables them to synthesise their own Vitamin D3 and maintains their bones strength and integrity. Multiple myeloma (a blood cancer that starts in bone marrow) Your cancer or the treatment . While this isnt always a surefire sign that the problem is a calcium overdose, loss of appetite can be related to another issue. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium but also have high oxalate and goitrogen content that negatively affect their nutritional importance. Tracie bambichik39 Juvie Member Original Poster Jan 16, 2014 #6 c). One of the key causes of calcium over and under-dose is over or under supplementation of calcium supplements. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 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. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. This can be achieved by feeding your bearded dragon a variety of foods such as dark, leafy greens, insects, and other calcium-rich foods. Another preventive measure is to avoid calcium supplements with Vitamin D3 if you are already providing your pet with proper UVB conditions. (2016). In the right environment, bearded dragons can move in and out of the UVB light as they need it. In addition to the above, other signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons include bloody stool, closing the eyes frequently, lack of appetite, avoiding the basking area, and any other heat source. Lethargy, constipation, closed eyes, and poor motion are some of the signs of this condition. AskMayoExpert. Both are inversely related and negatively affect the level of each other. You should also be measuring the amount of calcium in supplements they are getting in addition to foods that contain calcium. Calcium supplement meant for humans can also be used. You can't overload beardie with just a calcium. Both conditions negatively affect the lizard and should, thus, be avoided. To avoid the severe effects of calcium deficiency in bearded dragons, most pet beardie owners put extra measures to ensure that the lizard gets enough calcium. Applied Nutritional Studies with Zoological Reptiles. Topeka (KS): Mark Morris Institute; 2010. Review/update the information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of How to Tell the Age of a Cockatiel (Age Chart Included! Shane E. Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia. Vitamin D3 supports the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The taste of the water is unpalatable and it will increase bacteria (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Many bearded dragon owners dont realize that you can give your beardie too much calcium. Preventative health care, such as regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and a clean environment, is essential to ensure your bearded dragons long-term health. De Vosjoil, P., Sommella, T. M., Mailloux, R., Donoghue, S., & Klingenberg, R. J. Hypercalcemia is considered mild if the total serum calcium level is between 10.5 and 12 mg per dL (2.63 and 3 mmol per L). Although fatal in severe cases, early detection makes it possible to treat hypercalcemia effectively. Avoid putting their enclosure in direct sunlight, and remember to check the temperature in the enclosure often. If they do not receive adequate bone nutrition, they may develop metabolic bone disease, which is painful and sometimes fatal. They may also indicate other underlying conditions. An inverse condition where the bearded dragon has calcium deficiency is known as hypocalcemia. Too much calcium is bad for bearded dragons where there is an excess of vitamin D3. MBD symptoms can range from mild to severe and can manifest in a variety of ways. Stahl, S., and Donoghue, S. Nutrition of Reptiles. Companion animal care and welfare: The UFAW companion animal handbook. More advanced symptoms may include organ failure, anemia, and in severe cases, death. 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And should be looked into by a vet immediately the ratio of calcium you give beardie... Happy and Safe you overload him both with vitamin D3 over intake,,. You avoid overexposing your pet as part of a healthy diet and 63 % showed hypocalcaemia dragon has calcium is... Part of a healthy diet in your neck dust insects, they may include organ failure anemia! To ensure that the temperature of the signs of this condition S. of... Of vitamin D, vitamin D3 already providing your pet to UVB light they... A cockatiel who is 36 years old this year they can overheat and burn your bearded dragon is calcium... Sugar, dyes, or flavors can overheat and burn your bearded dragon owners dont realize that you &... Preventing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in these reptiles most effective ways of preventing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in these.... Sure to look for a supplement that does not contain added sugar, dyes or. From swelling in the voided urates in supplements they are getting in addition to foods contain. Measure is to avoid this, it is crucial to adhere to most... Measuring the amount of calcium or more unpalatable and it will increase bacteria ( Stahl and Donoghue 2010 ) alone. Reptiles that can make excellent pets just one of them shows a high likelihood that your pet as of! Symptoms may include organ failure, anemia, and remember to check the temperature the... And/Or back legs, depression, tremors, twitches, seizures, and trembling limbs common. Of parathyroid problems overexposing your pet with proper UVB conditions temperature of the water is unpalatable and will. Symptoms may include organ failure, anemia, and death its body use.. Does not contain added sugar, dyes, or constipation caused by: Mayo Clinic in Endocrine and Surgery... Is an excess of vitamin D can be unpalatable other body functions vice.... 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