Post by Ronald on Oct 9, 2010 18:28:02 GMT -5
Unfortunately, this problem is both very common and quite serious, especially when lizards are housed indoors without sufficient exposure to ultraviolet light. Another factor, particularly in young, growing lizards, is too little calcium in their diet. This deficiency eventually leads to a weakening of the bones.
The signs: soft, pliable bones • distortion of the backbone • weakness and inability to lift itself • paralysis of hind limbs • eyeballs slipping out of malformed orbital rim • tremors and seizures.
We'll probably be able to diagnose this disease through a physical examination but may also need radiographs and blood calcium tests to be sure. Treatment begins with either weekly calcium injections for four to six weeks or oral supplements for two to three months. At the same time you should be correcting your lizard's diet, adding more whole-prey items, dark green, leafy vegetables or calcium powder. Exposure to unfiltered sunlight is the best way to promote production of Vitamin D. And you should ensure your lizard is housed so that it can not climb and possibly injure itself.
The signs: soft, pliable bones • distortion of the backbone • weakness and inability to lift itself • paralysis of hind limbs • eyeballs slipping out of malformed orbital rim • tremors and seizures.
We'll probably be able to diagnose this disease through a physical examination but may also need radiographs and blood calcium tests to be sure. Treatment begins with either weekly calcium injections for four to six weeks or oral supplements for two to three months. At the same time you should be correcting your lizard's diet, adding more whole-prey items, dark green, leafy vegetables or calcium powder. Exposure to unfiltered sunlight is the best way to promote production of Vitamin D. And you should ensure your lizard is housed so that it can not climb and possibly injure itself.