MBD Questions

[cworrall]

Hi All, new to the forums, and new chameleon owner.

I have a 6-month male veiled who is well and active, and I'm following the guidelines in the "raising kitty the chameleon" blog in terms of vitamin supplementation, temp, misting, UV exposure, diet and cage. But I still am nervous about the prospect of MBD, because I would feel awful if my chameleon got it, and it seems to occur even to well-meaning pet owners. Early on I think I was overdoing the calcium with D3 a bit, and although my chameleon seems well now, I'm worried that he may develop problems later.

Sorry if these answers are out there... I looked a bit but haven't found them.

- Does MBD occur in chameleons of experienced owners? Or is it highly unlikely if you get the vitamin supplementation right from the beginning?
- Is MBD more likely if you are under-dosing or over-dosing calcium supplementation?
- Can MBD develop at any age? Is there a particular developmental period when appropriate calcium supplementation is most critical? (I would imagine correct calcium levels are most important during periods of rapid growth...)
- If inappropriate calcium supplementation is given for a period of time, but then corrected before any signs develop, is MBD still inevitable/likely?

Thanks so much,
cw

 

[Syn]

If a chameleon grows a lot at once without the necessary vitamins this causes MBD, I believe.
For the most part, MBD is caused without sufficient calcium and UVB light to ABSORB it.

 

[jojackson]

- Does MBD occur in chameleons of experienced owners? Or is it highly unlikely if you get the vitamin supplementation right from the beginning?

UV is critical to young reptiles, despite supplimentation. A reptiles first year is all growth, from hatching the first 6months especially are the most crucial as young bones develope.
Supplimentation is a wonderful help (it wasnt always avail) but should never be relied apon, even in conjunction with artificial UV, no matter how good the manufacturer of either claims it to be! Real sunlight and ofcoutrse the correct healthy diet have no substitute. Try to get your animal natural UV as much as possible during this time, along with artificial means.
My cham is 3 months and goes outdoors daily now, if only for 15 mins, despit 14 hrs of artificial UV and suppliments.

- Is MBD more likely if you are under-dosing or over-dosing calcium supplementation?

Again, If a little is good, alot must be better' is a common FALLACY. Overdosing will cause calcification and various problems aswell.

- Can MBD develop at any age? Is there a particular developmental period when appropriate calcium supplementation is most critical? (I would imagine correct calcium levels are most important during periods of rapid growth...)

You are correct! Also during/pre ovulation, and gestation.
See above. first 6 months crucial, first 12 very important.

- If inappropriate calcium supplementation is given for a period of time, but then corrected before any signs develop, is MBD still inevitable/likely?

It can be corrected but obvious damage to bone structure (breaks /calcification of joints) cannot. If no signs develope, how will you know theres a problem? UV is critical !!

Trust natures blueprint more than 'everyone says', Reptiles need Natural UV,(and correct diet) especially during early developement.
You dont see MBD much in wild reptiles, and they get no fancy suppliments!

 

[kinyonga]

You asked..."is it highly unlikely if you get the vitamin supplementation right from the beginning?"...calcium is a mineral (not a vitamin) that plays many important parts in the body including its part in bone health. Phosphorous, D3 and vitamin A are also important players in bone health and the 4 need to be in balance for good bone health. Exposure to UVB allows the body to produce D3 which allows it to use the calcium. Preformed vitamin A excesses can prevent the D3 from doing its job and lead to MBD. Excess D3 from supplements also can cause problems. Thus its important that there is a balance.

You said..."Is MBD more likely if you are under-dosing or over-dosing calcium supplementation?"...not getting enough UVB exposure or D3 will make it so the chameleon can't use the calcium so it would lead to MBD. Overdosing calcium slightly shouldn't cause any problems. Extreme overdosing will cause different problems.

You asked..."Can MBD develop at any age?"...yes, it can...not normally seen in the first few weeks of life though.

You asked..."Is there a particular developmental period when appropriate calcium supplementation is most critical? (I would imagine correct calcium levels are most important during periods of rapid growth...)"...rapid growth does put a demand that appropriate extra nutrients be supplied. Egg production puts a demand on the system for calcium too.

You asked..."If inappropriate calcium supplementation is given for a period of time, but then corrected before any signs develop, is MBD still inevitable/likely"...not sure how to answer this one. It would depend on how long it was that not enough calcium was supplied for.

Here's and excellent article about calcium...
http://chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=102

And another one...
http://chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=96

 

[summoner12]

You can also read up on UV needs here....

UV Guide

Just snoop around, you'll find a lot of great info!

 

[cworrall]

Thanks all. I'm pretty sure he is good on UVB (ReptiSun 5.0 for about 12 hours a day), and all the other stuff (temps in the cage range from 68 to 80 in his basking spot; the cage is all screen, lots of room to climb, etc.)... I just had those specific questions about MBD.

cw