Mbd?

[tony97]

So my uvb bulb broke like two weeks ago and I havent been able to get a new one. I've also been very inconsistent with his feedings and dustings and I've been noticing that he shakes really bad when he walks. His limbs still seem fine but im scared he'll develop it. Can I still prevent it or am I too late?

 

[Olimpia]

Yes, you can still turn it around. Why haven't you been able to get him a UVB bulb yet? Taking him outside for several hours would be a great alternative until you can purchase one, but you can't not provide one or the other.

Also, make sure that he's getting his calcium regularly, multiple times a week. You'll have to figure out how to make a time to feed him on the days he should be eating (depending on his age) and to dust those meals. Make sure your gutloading is strong as well, not just a cheap product like Fluker's cricket food.

If the shaking you're seeing really is from a deficiency then he must have been sort of teetering on the edge for a while, because 2 weeks of no UVB and here and there calcium wouldn't cause dramatic symptoms so quickly (I would think!) if he's in great shape otherwise. So whether it's that his bulb was old before it broke, or your gutloading is low in high-calcium foods, I don't know but it's worth giving your husbandry a thorough once-over to make sure everything is as good as it could be.

 

[tony97]

Thanks! I'm most likely going to buy a reptisun today but you're right about gut-loading. I usually just give the crickets potatoes and carrots with some pieces of cabbage, so yeah not that good huh?

 

[jamjam]

id definitely check out sandrachamleons gutloading blogs/posts to help spark some ideas

 

[Juliaf3]

Thanks! I'm most likely going to buy a reptisun today but you're right about gut-loading. I usually just give the crickets potatoes and carrots with some pieces of cabbage, so yeah not that good huh?

There are commercial gut loads that are significantly better then just potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Super easy to make, and efficient. I do a little of both. I have my commercial gut load that I also put some greens and things in. Its called Repashy Bug Burger. I'm sure several site sponsors have it available online. I buy mine from Kammerflage Kreations (chameleons only) who are site sponsers. I'd definitely purchase that asap as well as the UVB. Both are imperative to keeping a healthy chameleon in captivity.

When you talked about your gut load, it made me think of another crucial aspect of chameleon keeping. Do you have the proper supplements?

I would suggest a Vet visit. Preferably one with experience in reptiles. Could be a number of things going on with your guy. Like Olimpia said, two weeks of no UVB would not cause MBD to become apparent that quickly. He could have some major health issues you are not aware of

 

[Olimpia]

That's true Julia, I didn't even ask about the supplements. OP, what supplements do you currently have?

Gutloading and supplementing (especially with plain calcium) is important because a lot of our insects are very high in phosphorus and low in calcium. Which is bad, the body needs these two things to be more like 1:1, so to correct it we gutload with foods rich in calcium and supplement with calcium. Everything (gutloading, feeders, supplements, lightings, etc.) is tied together. Look into some commercial gutloads, Bugburger like Julia mentioned, or Superload, Cricket Crack, Dinofuel, etc. These have great ingredients.

 

[tony97]

Thank you so much. I've never properly gutloaded and never taken him to the vet in the six months I've had him. I'll buy the uvb bulb and the gutload today and ill try to find a good vet for him. He's starting to get reall nice turquoise and yellow and I dont want him to end up getting really sick. Thanks again I appreciate it.

 

[Djturna4thakidz]

Now is always better than never. I hope you are able to improve your husbandry and better your little guys living conditions.