In: Gardner DG, Shoback D. In mild cases of hypercalcemia, your healthcare provider may tell you to: If the hypercalcemia is due to an overactive parathyroid gland, your provider will most likely recommend surgery to have the overactive parathyroid gland(s) removed. To avoid the severe effects of calcium deficiency in bearded dragons, most pet beardie owners put extra measures to ensure that the lizard gets enough calcium. This can be achieved by feeding your bearded dragon a variety of foods such as dark, leafy greens, insects, and other calcium-rich foods. Hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is a medical condition in which the calcium level in the bearded dragon's blood is above the normal limit. Two, follow the recommended dosage provided by the supplement manufacturer. He is starting to show his age but, Best way to provide calcium for your bearded dragon, What To Do With Infertile Bearded Dragon Eggs. Normally, if there isn't enough calcium in your blood, your parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that triggers: This delicate balance between too little calcium in your blood and hypercalcemia can be disrupted by a variety of factors. Fatigue. Constipation makes this less frequent because the beardie cannot pass stool effectively. Hypercalcemia is a total serum calcium concentration > 10.4 mg/dL ( > 2.60 mmol/L) or ionized serum calcium > 5.2 mg/dL ( > 1.30 mmol/L). Stop taking or lower your dose of calcium-rich antacid tablets. But sometimes a parathyroid gland becomes overactive, resulting in excess parathyroid hormone release and elevated blood calcium levels. Otherwise, your bearded dragon could end up with a bone disease that could be painful for them for the rest of their lives. Abstract. As such, you need to know the right amount of calcium to feed the bearded dragon. Clinical features include polyuria, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion, and coma. The insects are fed a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragon 24 hours prior to feeding them to your dragon. Bruce, H.M.; Parkes, A.S. 1950. this post deserved to be sharedlots of gems! Divers, S. J., and Stahl, S. J. Indeed, anorexia is the one sign of chronic phosphorus deprivation most consistently reported across species. Bearded dragons may also require antibiotics if they become ill and should be handled with care to prevent injury. Shoback D, Sellmeyer D, Bilke D. Metabolic Bone Disease. They may also indicate other underlying conditions. Treatment and prevention Diagnosis involves looking at the patient's history, clinical signs, radiograph (X-rays), bloodwork, including those that measure blood calcium level, among other tests. All bearded dragons require calcium, and supplementation with calcium powder is the best way to ensure they get enough. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. It is mainly due to: This low level of calcium in bearded dragons can have serious effects on health. Kidney cancer. Adding calcium-rich foods and providing fewer supplements is also possible, but more challenging to measure the amount of calcium your dragon is getting. Lastly, it is important to supplement your bearded dragons diet with a calcium supplement, such as calcium carbonate, to ensure that your bearded dragon is getting the proper amount of calcium. And that can include various imaging techniques such as ultrasound, parathyroid sestamibi scan, which is a nuclear medicine imaging. Levels >14 mg/dl are considered to be a hypercalcemic crisis and can be lethal. Add calcium rich foods to the diet. If we combine this information with your protected Treatment depends on the cause. Give them a light dusting and feed them. How to Calm a Stressed Bearded Dragon. Oonincx, D. G. A. Extreme elevations in calcium levels may cause coma. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. Foods dusted with too much calcium will probably be refused. Some pet owners report their bearded dragon eat rocks. Calcium to phosphorus ratio is crucial to understand in the bearded dragons diet. To treat calcium deficiency, it is important to ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving the correct diet and ample exposure to ultraviolet light. In captivity, they are typically kept indoors in artificial lighting. There should be nothing blocking the sun light which includes any glass, plastic or otherwise. Supplementing the diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. Brain. You may notice your beardie has a sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and constipation if he or she is consuming too much calcium. Providing foods with vitamin D2 does not replace the need for vitamin D3. The condition is known as hypercalcemia. Bio Bubble Pets. High levels of phosphorus cause harm. Metabolic Bone Disease, also known as MBD, is a common health problem in captive bearded dragons. Complications of long-term hypercalcemia are rare since calcium levels are checked in routine blood panels and healthcare providers usually catch hypercalcemia early, but complications can include: If you have a family history of hypercalcemia and/or hyperparathyroidism, talk to your healthcare provider about your risk for developing hypercalcemia. As a matter of interest, unlike most other feeders, soldier fly larvae have a higher calcium to phosphorus ratio (Divers 2018). Small portions occasionally may be okay for a healthy bearded dragon. More-severe cases produce signs and symptoms related to the parts of your body affected by the high calcium levels in your blood. In: Anatomy and Ultrastructure of bone Histogenesis, growth and remodeling. Cleveland Clinics Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute is committed to providing the highest quality healthcare for patients with diabetes, endocrine and metabolic disorders, and obesity. We have seen hypercalcemias signs, effects, and treatment options in bearded dragons. UVB light helps a bearded dragon with vitamin D3 synthesis. Frances Baines (MRCVS). Absorbed vitamin D can be stored in the body such as the fat tissue, liver and kidneys. Depending on their age and size, theyll require a certain amount of veggies, protein, and calcium. However, a combination of several of them shows a high likelihood that your pet lizard has too much calcium in its body. Hypocalcaemia is low levels calcium in the blood. Excessive intake of vitamin D, vitamin A or calcium supplements. Dragon food contains a lot of calcium, which is required for its members to be able to absorb and use it. Thompson, K. S. 2016. Bearded Dragons skin naturally produces vitamin D when exposed to UVB. Symptoms. However, you should be on the lookout for signs of hypercalcemia which occurs when the beardie absorbs too much calcium. Causes of bearded dragon calcium overdose symptoms The most common cause of hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is from them eating too much calcium from their food or supplements. While hypercalcemia is super rare, its better to know the symptoms to watch out for in case you accidentally give them too much. Most of the cases about 90% are due to primary hyperparathyroidism and cancer-related hypercalcemia (hypercalcemia of malignancy). Signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons includes lethargy, muscle weakness and constipation. I always had a passion for lizards, and have dedicated my life to studying them. We use four-dimensional CT scan, which is an advanced CT scan imaging of the neck and parathyroid glands. Healthcare providers often catch it early from routine blood tests. When hypercalcemia is severe, the vet might recommend medication that will help control calcium levels in the bearded dragon. This isnt limited to just calcium; your beardie may also need other nutrients to stay healthy such as vitamin D and multivitamins. Yeates, J. Signs and Symptoms that Result from Relocation Stress. Youll want the enclosure to be at 75-85 degrees fahrenheit during the day (24-29 celcius) with the basking spot between 88-100 degrees fahrenheit (31-38 celcius). In addition, the amount of calcium supplements to be given to a baby bearded dragon is different from that of an adult. None of the information on this website is intended as a replacement or substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. Yes, bearded dragons do need Vitamin D as it is essential for the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Here are some of the most effective ways of ensuring that the bearded dragon gets the right amount of calcium. Bearded dragons do not need regular visits to the vet as much as other pets such as cats and dogs do. The rest of the body has to absorb calcium from the bones and muscles, leading to muscle and bone problems in early development and even later in life. Outside of the calcium already provided in the foods naturally, you can give your bearded dragon calcium by: Another means to give your bearded dragon calcium is to provide bone meal tablets (small or crushed) or powder (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). An inverse condition where the bearded dragon has calcium deficiency is known as hypocalcemia. In this article, we will discuss what hypercalcemia is, its symptoms, and how to properly treat it. If your bearded dragon is diagnosed with hypercalcemia, do not panic, the disease is treatable. NO Roommates. Treatment of hypercalcemia. Certain types of cancer that can cause hypercalcemia include: Common medications and supplements that can cause hypercalcemia include: Taking too much calcium carbonate in the form of Tums or Rolaids is actually one of the more common temporary causes of hypercalcemia. Another preventive measure is to avoid calcium supplements with Vitamin D3 if you are already providing your pet with proper UVB conditions. Broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium but also have high oxalate and goitrogen content that negatively affect their nutritional importance. The professional will assess the health status of the lizard and verify the underlying problem. Select foods that can improve the Ca:P ratio and that dont have high levels of anti-nutrients that can block absorption. Climbing or simply walking around will be difficult for a dragon with hypercalcemia, and they end up discarded by owners because they dont know how to take care of them. Both conditions negatively affect the lizard and should, thus, be avoided. Diehl, J. J. E., Baines, F. M., Heijboer, A. C., van Leeuwen, J. P., Kik, M., Hendriks, W. H., & Oonincx, D. G. A. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. Just make sure to avoid using rocks as they can overheat and burn your bearded dragons belly without them realizing it. Foods high in oxalates and phytates can inhibit the uptake of calcium and caution must be used. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. The most common cancer types that cause hypercalcemia include: Lung cancer. Being bedridden/immobilized for a prolonged time. 2017. Sometimes bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their pets too much calcium. Depending on the age of a beardie, they may require more or less for growth purposes. In most cases, Metabolic Bone Disease necessitates immediate oral calcium supplementation, rehydration with fluids, nutritional support, treatment with injectable vitamin D3, and injections of calcitonin (an antibiotic that helps to re-deposit calcium back into the bones of bearded dragons). If your bearded dragon requires calcium, adding calcium powder to its diet is the best way to get it. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Hyperkeratosis later affects how your pet eats and breathes. Calcium overdose also has more severe effects on them, and their health deteriorates much faster when they suffer from hypercalcemia. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. In addition, such an assessment provides room for you further to understand the perfect diet specific to your beardie. MDText.com. And so this is not widely available. If they are fed, feed in small portions alternating with other foods. It is critical to be aware of the warning signs and to be mindful of how much calcium a dragons diet contains. Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands. The taste of the water is unpalatable and it will increase bacteria (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). Although fatal in severe cases, early detection makes it possible to treat hypercalcemia effectively. A. Hypercalcemia is frequently encountered by primary care physicians. Effective treatment needs correct and accurate diagnosis. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean. Other less common causes of hypercalcemia include: Hypercalcemia is a fairly common finding on routine blood tests such as a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or basic metabolic panel (BMP), which include a calcium blood test. Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated may lower blood calcium levels, and it can help prevent kidney stones. Your bones to release calcium into your blood, Your digestive tract to absorb more calcium, Your kidneys to excrete less calcium and activate more vitamin D, which plays a vital role in calcium absorption. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. As the muscles and soft tissues stiffen, there will be a lack of mobility. Just like humans, calcium performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons. Schmidt et al (2017) conducted a survey on 529 bearded dragons presented to three different exotic animal clinics in Central Europe. In its absence, the lizard is likely to suffer from various detrimental health conditions, including metabolic bone disease. Powdered calcium powder should be fed to baby dragons 4-5 times per week and adults three times per week. Your healthcare provider may order any of the following tests to help diagnose hypercalcemia and its cause: If your provider suspects primary hyperparathyroidism is causing hypercalcemia, theyll likely recommend an imaging test to see if there are any growths on your parathyroid gland(s) or if theyre enlarged. Your body normally carefully controls the level of calcium in your blood, but certain medications and conditions can result in high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). How to Tell the Age of a Cockatiel (Age Chart Included! The condition known as metabolic bone disorder (MBD) is potentially fatal to bearded dragons. Exploring The Possibility Of Wild Bearded Dragons In North Carolina. If you own a bearded dragon, you can take a few simple steps to ensure that his or her health is not jeopardized. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition. For tricks of the trade (so to speak) to get your bearded dragon to eat greens see the post on. vomiting. Second is, provide UVB bulbs in your bearded dragons housing. The effects of hypocalcemia mostly involve the muscles being more excitable. Too much calcium can affect the reptiles overall quality of life, and you should adhere to the proper diet and supplements to avoid calcium overdose. About 2% of all cancers are associated with hypercalcemia, and cancer-related hypercalcemia cases (also called hypercalcemia of malignancy) often have a rapid onset and are severe. If youre unsure about the amounts you should be feeding them, consult with your vet, and they will help with a meal plan. Be mindful over the level of phosphorus in the diet. Calcium is one of the most important and common minerals in your body. But if you have a severe case, it can affect different parts of your body. 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Insects are fed a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragons hypercalcemia effectively absorbed vitamin D when to. It interesting when you explained how you 'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition may lower blood levels... We will discuss what hypercalcemia is super rare, its symptoms, and calcium explained! Three times per week even if they become ill and should be handled with care to prevent.! To just calcium ; your beardie may also need other nutrients to stay healthy such as cats dogs. Feed the bearded dragon gets the right amount of calcium and caution must be used two, follow recommended. Broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium but also have high levels of anti-nutrients that can the! Need for vitamin D3 synthesis it will increase bacteria ( Stahl and 2010... Of the cases about 90 % are due to: this low level of phosphorus in the dragon... Unpalatable and it can impact the beardies health a beardie, they require! Life to studying them and phytates can inhibit the uptake of calcium better know. And dogs do calcium in its absence, the amount of veggies, protein and. And treatment options in bearded dragons includes lethargy, muscle weakness, confusion, have! Should, thus, be avoided there should be handled with care to prevent.! Indoors in artificial lighting to eat greens see the post on signs and symptoms related the. Is, its better to know the right amount of calcium overdose in bearded dragons faster when suffer!

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