A saying in animal science, is "as goes phosphorus, so goes calcium". What this means is that for every gram of phosphorus ingested in the diet, the body must match that with another gram of calcium before the phosphorus can be absorbed through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. If the required calcium is not available from the diet, the body will obtain it from wherever it can---such as from the storage depots in the bones.
This is where the Ca
ratio is so important in the gutload of feeders and the fruits and veg you offer your cham. It is also important in the supplements you dust your feeders with. The 2:1 ratio needs to be kept as close as possible in this range.This is especially important in the first year when your cham is growing rapidly. It would be very easy to have an inverted calcium-phosphorus ratio (less calcium being ingested than phosphorus). Over the lifetime of a chameleon, this may contribute to a decrease in bone density, as well as may decrease calcium availability for muscular contraction during exercise. The result being metabolic bone disease (MBD).
The only way to prevent MBD is to ensure your chameleon gets both Calcium and UVA/UBV lighting (at least 12 hours a day). In order for the intestinal tract to absorb the calcium, it requires activated Vitamin D3 to be present. Vitamin D needs to be exposed to UV radiation (light) in order to become activated. This is why it is crucial to have full spectrum UV light in your cham's environment!
Symptoms: Thickened jaw line and/or ankles, bumps along spine, poor color, brittle/broken/misaligned bones, lack of coordination, weakened grip or tendency to fall.
Treatment: Liquid calcium daily to fortify bones (see your vet for dosage, based on your chameleons weight. You cannot reverse the effects you can only prevent further deterioration. Your vet may recommend a series of calcium injections. Calcium Sandoz is available at any drug store.
This is where the Ca
ratio is so important in the gutload of feeders and the fruits and veg you offer your cham. It is also important in the supplements you dust your feeders with. The 2:1 ratio needs to be kept as close as possible in this range.This is especially important in the first year when your cham is growing rapidly. It would be very easy to have an inverted calcium-phosphorus ratio (less calcium being ingested than phosphorus). Over the lifetime of a chameleon, this may contribute to a decrease in bone density, as well as may decrease calcium availability for muscular contraction during exercise. The result being metabolic bone disease (MBD). The only way to prevent MBD is to ensure your chameleon gets both Calcium and UVA/UBV lighting (at least 12 hours a day). In order for the intestinal tract to absorb the calcium, it requires activated Vitamin D3 to be present. Vitamin D needs to be exposed to UV radiation (light) in order to become activated. This is why it is crucial to have full spectrum UV light in your cham's environment!
Symptoms: Thickened jaw line and/or ankles, bumps along spine, poor color, brittle/broken/misaligned bones, lack of coordination, weakened grip or tendency to fall.
Treatment: Liquid calcium daily to fortify bones (see your vet for dosage, based on your chameleons weight. You cannot reverse the effects you can only prevent further deterioration. Your vet may recommend a series of calcium injections. Calcium Sandoz is available at any drug store.
