Do bearded dragons bones heal?
Depending on the severity of the break and your reptile’s nutritional status, the bone can take from a few months to over a year to heal completely. Because of this, reptiles that suffer from bone or spinal injuries must be given special care.
Is metabolic bone disease common in reptiles?
Also called fibrous osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, osteoporosis, or rickets, Metabolic Bone Disease is perhaps the most commonly seen nutritional problem in reptiles.
What are the signs for metabolic bone disease?
Typical symptoms of metabolic bone disease include:
- Limping.
- Bowed legs.
- Hard lumps along the legs, spinal column, or jaw.
- Softening and unusual flexibility of the lower jaw.
- Difficulty raising the body off the ground.
- Decreased appetite.
How do you know if your bearded dragon is healthy?
Signs That Your Bearded Dragon is Sick
- Do you have a bearded dragon?
- Healthy lizards should breathe quietly and smoothly.
- Discharge from the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth can also be indications of sickness.
- Rapid weight changes are often a red flag in our animal companions.
- Your pet’s eyes should be clear and bright.
Does metabolic bone disease hurt?
In clinical terms, metabolic bone diseases may result in bone pain and loss of height (due to compression of vertebrae), and they predispose patients to fractures.
What should I feed my bearded dragon MBD?
Ensure your dragon is getting enough calcium by feeding it plenty of green leafy vegetables. Spring greens, lamb’s lettuce and Timothy Hay are particularly good sources. Avoid spinach, which can actually block the uptake of calcium.
Why does my bearded dragon have a bump on his back?
Abscesses. Abscesses, occasionally seen in bearded dragons, often appear as hard tumor-like swellings anywhere on the pet’s body. Abscesses can occur in any reptile and often go unnoticed until they are large and obvious. “Abcesses occur when bacteria (most commonly) or fungi are introduced into the tissue by trauma.”