Does my chameleon look like it has MBD
- Thread starter Brian06
- Start date
JaguarShark
Member
The short answer is yes, it does look like that.
More information would be useful, especially your supplement schedule. It doesn't look like there is much foliage in there, but it could just be the close up pictures. Can you post some that show the whole enclosure?
Filling out this form would be helpful - https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/
More information would be useful, especially your supplement schedule. It doesn't look like there is much foliage in there, but it could just be the close up pictures. Can you post some that show the whole enclosure?
Filling out this form would be helpful - https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/how-to-ask-for-help.66/
Here is a full picture of its habitat.
As far as supplements I powder its crickets with Rep-Cal phosphorus free calcium with vitamin D once a week and have a UVB light. My first concern was that he was just outgrowing the vines in the habitat but then I began to notice he also seemed to shake a lot when moving his legs and has almost fallen several times. He has fallen one time that I know of. He has also hissed at me a lot more when I've cleaned out his habitat.
As far as supplements I powder its crickets with Rep-Cal phosphorus free calcium with vitamin D once a week and have a UVB light. My first concern was that he was just outgrowing the vines in the habitat but then I began to notice he also seemed to shake a lot when moving his legs and has almost fallen several times. He has fallen one time that I know of. He has also hissed at me a lot more when I've cleaned out his habitat.
bobcochran
Chameleon Enthusiast
Yes, it looks like MBD. Soft or broken bones in his legs, and shaking are symptoms of MBD. You're not giving him enough calcium. It's recommended to give calcium without D3 everyday, calcium with D3 twice a month and vitamin supplements twice a month. I'm don't know what kind of UVB light you're using but UVB is essential for calcium uptake. Make sure he's getting enough UVB. Real sun light would be beneficial at this point, along with a visit to the vet-maybe some liquid calcium.
Chameleon Info:
Cage Info:
Current Problem - Possible MBD because of odd behavior such as having trouble moving and a decrease in the amount eaten.
- Your Chameleon - My chameleon is a male veiled chameleon. It has been in my care for about 4 months.
- Handling - I handle him about once a week.
- Feeding - I feed my Chameleon crickets and meal worms. I feed him about 10 crickets every evening. I feed the crickets potatoes.
- Supplements - I give my chameleon Rep-Cal calcium supplement once a week.
- Watering - I have a dripper in my tank and mist my Chameleon twice a day for about a minute and a half.
- Fecal Description - Its feces is brown but sometimes has a small white part.
- History - I bought the Chameleon from pet-co when it was about 4 inches long. It has seemed to be very healthy until now. This is also my first chameleon and first reptile for that matter.
Cage Info:
- Cage Type - I have a screen cage.
- Lighting - I use a zoo med lighting fixture which includes a heat lamp and a UVB light. I keep the UVB light on form 6 to 10.
- Temperature - I keep the habitat at about 73 degrees and check the thermometer several times a day.
- Humidity - I use a humidity gauge to measure the humidity inside the habitat and try to keep it at 65-70% humidity by misting the enclosure.
- Plants - I use plastic plants and vines. I have one longer skinny vine and a large vine going through the center of the habitat. I also have two plastic plants connected to the vines.
- Placement - I keep the chameleon downstairs since this is usually the warmest and most humid part of the house. I also keep it on a shelf about 3 feet off the ground.
- Location - I am located in Connecticut
Current Problem - Possible MBD because of odd behavior such as having trouble moving and a decrease in the amount eaten.
bobcochran
Chameleon Enthusiast
You need to check out the care sheets for veils at the top of this page under resources. You're husbandry needs some improvements. MBD fractures and bends cannot be straightened, but with proper supplementation his bones can be strengthened and he can lead a relatively normal life. Being that you are fairly new to chameleon care I would take him to the vet. Be sure to find a vet experienced with reptiles/chameleons.
carol5208
Chameleon Enthusiast
Aside from the advice you have been given, please check out some of our enclosure threads with examples on how cages should be set up. He really has no where to hide and feel secure. You need to add much more foilage to the cage especially toward the top half of the cage
ispeedonthe405
Established Member
Reading the care sheets as others have suggested should be the first thing you do. Your supplementation is incorrect and the coil type UVB lights are generally considered weak & inadequate. He's not getting nearly enough calcium and in combination with the weak light this will lead pretty directly to MBD.
The animal needs to be seen by a vet. He's been starved for calcium, and as a result his little bones are thin, bent, and easily fractured. The good news is the progress of the disease can be halted with proper care.
The animal needs to be seen by a vet. He's been starved for calcium, and as a result his little bones are thin, bent, and easily fractured. The good news is the progress of the disease can be halted with proper care.
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