Hypercalcemia happens when you have higher-than-normal levels of calcium in your blood. You might not have signs or symptoms if your hypercalcemia is mild. As you can see by the image below, it is impossible to know just how much calcium you will end up feeding your bearded dragon. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition. However, you should be on the lookout for signs of hypercalcemia which occurs when the beardie absorbs too much calcium. memory loss. Below are a few of the most effective and commonly used methods of treating hypercalcemia in bearded dragons. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Supplementing the diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. Decide what foods and times you want to feed your dragon supplements. growing, gravid, The amount of calcium that sticks to the food, Ineffective or absent gut loading of insects, Amount of phosphorus o Level of anti-nutrients that can bind calcium (oxalates) or decrease absorption (phytic acid), Keep diets low in phosphorus and calcium binding oxalates and phytates. Some invertebrates, such as crickets, cannot be kept alive on calcium gut loading diet for over 3 days as it causes impaction in the cricket and subsequently it dies (Thompson, 2016). In addition to the above, other signs of calcium overdose in bearded dragons include bloody stool, closing the eyes frequently, lack of appetite, avoiding the basking area, and any other heat source. The best way to ensure that your dragons health remains optimal throughout its lifetime is to combine light, diet, and supplements. If theres no obvious cause to your elevated levels, your provider may ask you to see an endocrinologist, a provider who specializes in hormone-related conditions, who will provide further evaluation and testing. Calcium is needed for a bearded dragon to develop properly. (Baines, 2017). Exposure to ultraviolet light is required for the formation of Vitamin D3. Calcium overdose also has more severe effects on them, and their health deteriorates much faster when they suffer from hypercalcemia. A regular vet isnt going to be as knowledgeable. If we combine this information with your protected Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inadequate UVB exposure and heat for calcium absorption, Excessive levels of vitamin A which competes with vitamin D, High phosphorus diet or improper calcium to phosphorus ratio. Your tank though is excellent, it looks very nice. Avoid taking dietary supplements, vitamins or minerals without first discussing them with your provider. Muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual postures, and deformities may also occur in more severe cases. (2018). Your bearded dragon will have difficulty walking and climbing. The effects of hypocalcemia mostly involve the muscles being more excitable. A healthy beardie will have frequent and consistent bowel movements. 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). Gut loading insects for bearded dragons is another useful method to feed a highly nutritious diet with calcium supplements. Check the ingredients of the food before supplementing. Artificial lighting is not as effective as the sun and there are many errors by novice keepers that exaggerate the problem. other information we have about you. Symptoms include: Hyper excitability, Twitching of digits, Seizures, Abnormal movement, Paralysis Disorientation, Spinal and bone deformities (like scoliosis), Fractures, Soft pliable bones, Weakness, Constipation, Prolapse of cloaca, and Death. The diet aims to regularize the calcium levels in the bearded dragons blood. Too often, a dragon owner doesnt realize that their beardie needs calcium supplements and ends up with a sick beardie with irreversible damage. Spinal and bone deformities (like scoliosis), Juveniles typically facing low dietary calcium intake or Calcium deprivation. Stahl, S., and Donoghue, S. Nutrition of Reptiles. For bearded dragons, vitamin D3 and calcium are both essential. Depending on their age and size, Oonincx, D. G. A. Broccoli, Kale and Bok Choy are rich in calcium but also have high oxalate and goitrogen content that negatively affect their nutritional importance. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Frances Baines (MRCVS). This means that when one is rich in the diet, the level of other will be low and vice versa. Vitamin D3 supports the metabolism and absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Your dragon could obtain too much D3 from food and sunlight. Maintaining your dragons health and wellbeing is critical, just as it is for any other pet. Hypercalcemia is considered mild if the total serum calcium level is between 10.5 and 12 mg per dL (2.63 and 3 mmol per L). Clinical features include polyuria, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion, and coma. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. Avoid any calcium powder that has phosphorus in it. Weakness High levels of phosphorus cause harm. Buying calcium powder both with and without cholecalciferol will provide options for alternate dusting. Bones and muscles. Oonincx, D.G.A.B., Stevens, Y., Borne J.J.G.C. In general, bearded dragons other than hatchlings dont need to take calcium daily. Use a Pleasant Tone. Consult with a vet specializing in reptiles and ensure they know what theyre doing. (2010) Effects of vitamin D3 supplementation and UVb exposure on the growth and plasma concentration of vitamin D3 metabolites in juvenile bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). There are 2 ways to get vitamin D3. The following table shows this data with the amount of calcium to be fed as a percentage of the dry matter and the calcium to phosphorus ratios: How often you give your bearded dragon calcium with D3 greatly depends on the amount of UV light exposure. The symptoms are very similar to hypercalcemia, but the physical alterations are often more noticeable and permanent. This article describes a newly recognized highly malignant neoplastic entity in young bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas, which readily metastasize. Once that step is complete, then the patient can very confidently move towards the next step, which is treatment. Schmidt-Ukaj S., Hochleithner M., Richter B., Hochleithner C., Brandstetter D., Knotek Z. Reducing its intake will help reduce the amount of calcium the beardie absorbs into the bloodstream. Add calcium rich foods to the diet. Not all cases of hypercalcemia can be prevented, but avoiding excess intake of calcium pills and calcium-based antacid tablets can help. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other . This review article on twelve key facts explores clinically relevant anatomy and physiology and appropriate husbandry as well as key points of urgent care and general . 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279129/. Prognosis, like treatment, depends on the cause and severity of hypercalcemia. Bearded Dragon Accessories and Enriching Life, 7 Tips to get Bearded Dragon to Eat Vegetables [& Refusal]. The Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute offers innovative treatments in urology and kidney medicine, including minimally invasive, scarless options for urologic procedures and medical management of kidney disease. The professional will assess the health status of the lizard and verify the underlying problem. Hypercalcemia in bearded dragons is a medical condition in which the calcium level in the bearded dragon's blood is above the normal limit. Hatchlings, baby bearded dragons, and the aged ones are at a higher risk of hypercalcemia than the other moderately aged and adult bearded dragons. Signs of Hypercalcemia in Bearded Dragons? Thank you for the support! Thompson, K. S. 2016. link to What Vitamins Do Leopard Geckos Need. Vitamin D3 given as a supplement orally is not as effective as it is from giving access to sunlight without any barriers between the UVB and the bearded dragon. In most cases, the excess calcium in your blood was leached from your bones, which weakens them. These signs are not unique to hypercalcemia in bearded dragons. An inverse condition where the bearded dragon has calcium deficiency is known as hypocalcemia. Hypercalcemia can be mild or severe and temporary or chronic (lifelong). Sometimes bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their pets too much calcium. Dust insects, they are naturally low in calcium. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in the blood is above normal. Bearded dragons dont get calcium dusting in the wild but they are very good at converting UVB radiation (sunlight) into vitamin D3. Post thread. The parathyroid glands lie behind the thyroid. Make sure that what you feed them doesnt contain more calcium than they need. They know how to regulate their internal temperature and arent always capable of doing so if the temperature is too hot or cold for them. It can lead to many health problems and, in severe cases, death. In most cases, this is due to an overactive parathyroid gland. Unlike laziness, where the bearded dragon becomes active after a few hours or days, a lethargic beardie will remain inactive and have minimal movement for a prolonged duration. Hypercalcemia can occur from well-meaning intentions by the bearded dragon owner. While hypercalcemia is super rare, its better to know the symptoms to watch out for in case you accidentally give them too much. The importance of giving a beardie enough amounts of calcium is well understood among most beardie pet owners. Changing UVB lamps is expected to be between 6 to 12 months. These four tiny glands are situated in the neck, near the thyroid gland. This could give an explanation as to how bearded dragons get calcium in the wild, at least for these specimens. The more you check these signs, the more likely you are to keep your pet healthy and happy for the rest of its life. What they are are four little glands that regulate the calcium. You may notice your beardie has a sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and constipation if he or she is consuming too much calcium. Symptoms. van., Hendriks, W. H., Poel, A. F. B. van der. The condition known as metabolic bone disorder (MBD) is potentially fatal to bearded dragons. This content does not have an Arabic version. While this isnt always a surefire sign that the problem is a calcium overdose, loss of appetite can be related to another issue. How to Calm a Stressed Bearded Dragon. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. She will look stressed, dig a lot (prior to choosing a nesting site) and might poop more often. Calcium deficiency is often accompanied by vitamin D3 deficiency. Youll want to ensure your beardie has a good basking spot and a place to get away and cool down. Constipation makes this less frequent because the beardie cannot pass stool effectively. Klaphake, E. (2010). They may also indicate other underlying conditions. Patients can come into the office feeling a variety of symptoms that are generally nonspecific, but rather debilitating for them. Just be sure to avoid giving them calcium-rich foods along with that calcium. 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). Unfortunately, it can be very problematic if they ingest an excessive amount of calcium. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you have a family history of high calcium, kidney stones or parathyroid conditions. We hope that with this information, owners of bearded dragons can be better prepared to recognize and treat this condition in their beloved pets. Remember, nothing beats natural exposure to sunlight even if only for a few hours a week. 2017. Has he been brumating or trying to brumate right now? These foods can be added in small portions occasionally to a healthy bearded dragons diet (Stahl and Donoghue 2010). UVB exposure with or without vitamin D can treat Hypocalcaemia. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. A mistake people often make is not taking the time to research how much their beardie needs depending on their age and size. A moderately elevated serum calcium of 12 to 14 mg/dL (3 to 3.5 mmol/L) may be well tolerated chronically, while an acute rise to these concentrations may cause marked symptoms, including polyuria, polydipsia, dehydration, anorexia, nausea, muscle weakness, and changes in sensorium ( table 1 ). A small cutaneous mass was detected in the gular region, but clinical . However, it is good to take the beardie to the vet for assessment, especially if you just got it. Bone meal powder will make it easier to ration the amount used. Give them a light dusting and feed them. The disease may also drastically shorten their lifespan and quality of life. Decrease in appetite. 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. Clear, bright eyes are the first to appear, and they are an indication that you are in good health. Hypercalcemia affects approximately 1% to 2% of the general population. The most common result of a calcium deficiency is called Metabolic Bone Disease. If the hypercalcemia is due to cancer, your provider may suggest any of the following medications: If the hypercalcemia is severe, and/or causing significant symptoms, your provider may recommend immediate hospitalization for IV fluids and other treatments. The best calcium for Bearded Dragons should be a high-quality calcium supplement specifically designed for reptiles. Preventative health care, such as regular check-ups, proper nutrition, and a clean environment, is essential to ensure your bearded dragons long-term health. Treatment depends on the cause. Too much calcium is bad for bearded dragons where there is an excess of vitamin D3. People who have hypercalcemia due to cancer often experience symptoms and require frequent hospitalizations. Soft tissue mineralisation, muscle calcification and hardening of muscles occurs. If you have cancer and experience any symptoms of . NAVO Revised. Add vitamin D3 for bearded dragons into the mix and it might start to sound a little confusing. You should notice a few physical evidence around the mouth and nares/nostrils. Drinking plenty of water: Staying hydrated may lower blood calcium levels, and it can help prevent kidney stones. They should have enough space in the enclosure to move around and also something to climb onto to bask. Being transparent (such as glass) does not mean it allows UVB rays to pass through it. Avoid mixing vitamins and calcium in the water. The drug might also correct some of the signs of the beardies hypercalcemia, such as constipation. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Is it possible to give your bearded dragon too much calcium? Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. These supplements should contain a balance of calcium and phosphorus, as well as added vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Being bedridden/immobilized for a prolonged time. This can also be a sign of a bacterial infection such as mouth rot, though the symptoms are very different. Vitamin D3 is required for calcium absorption and metabolism. Bear in mind that these conditions vary primarily depending on their age. Although well-meaning, such actions can make the beardie suffer when it takes too much calcium. (Eds.). Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. You feel confident that they're going to come here and get the care they need and deserve. Indeed, anorexia is the one sign of chronic phosphorus deprivation most consistently reported across species. Lamps below 290 nm are of no use for bearded dragons. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/hypercalcemia), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000365.htm), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430714/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. I always had a passion for lizards, and have dedicated my life to studying them. Hypercalcemia happens when you have higher-than-normal levels of calcium in your blood. Bearded dragons will do best with sunlight. A survey of diseases in captive bearded dragons: a retrospective study of 529 patients. Keep your bearded dragon needs to be kept hydrated. Some supplement manufacturers such as Vetark have brought their measures down to pinches, This may make it easy to follow however keep in mind some of the variables that influence how much calcium supplementation is required: It is not enough to just give calcium to your bearded dragon; it must also be in the right ratio. As dehydration decreases nutrient utilization. But if you have a severe case, it can affect different parts of your body. There are a lot of people who own bearded dragons, and one of the most common causes of death for these beloved pets is impaction. The amount of calcium that sticks to the food. Muscle aches, weakness, cramping and/or twitches. You may notice your beardie has a sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and constipation if he or she is consuming too much calcium. Hormone Health Network. B. G., Heijboer, A. C., van Leeuwen, J. P. T. M., Hendriks, J. P. & Kik, M. (2013). Youll also want to make sure theyre getting enough protein in addition to the right amount of calcium. The condition is more common with bearded dragons with over-exposure to UVB light in their enclosures. They end up not being able to move around as easily without experiencing pain and stiffness in their body. Mesh screens reduce the amount of UVB that transmits through it. A microscopic view of metabolic bone disease Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in bearded dragons is a condition that causes their bones to form improperly. Hypercalcemia is caused by: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Reptiles Time is a free comprehensive resource for all reptile owners. A vet will also guide you on the right UVB conditions for your pet beardie. Second is, provide UVB bulbs in your bearded dragons housing. Too much calcium in your blood can weaken your bones, create kidney stones, and interfere with how your heart and brain work. They also need to be fed a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as monitored for parasites, such as mites. 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. c). ). Investigating The Vision Of Pogona Vitticeps, The Pros And Cons Of Using Puppy Pads For Bearded Dragons, Discovering The Sexy Leg In Bearded Dragons: Exploring The Leg Health Of Your Reptilian Pet, One Side Only: Understanding The Lighting & Heating Requirements For Bearded Dragons, Understanding The Complexities Of Keeping Bearded Dragons And Snakes Together, Weighing Your Bearded Dragon: How To Easily And Safely Measure Your Pets Weight. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Knowing the precise amount to give the lizard is one of the most effective ways of preventing hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia in these reptiles. Another preventive measure is to avoid calcium supplements with Vitamin D3 if you are already providing your pet with proper UVB conditions. Below is a summary of the recommended calcium feeding schedule for bearded dragons. They may even walk strangely and significantly less. As the muscles and soft tissues stiffen, there will be a lack of mobility. The vet can still offer treatment, but the beardie may take a long time to recover. However, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis (i.e. (Ed.). Constipation. Treatment depends on the cause. The reason is not clear but there is potential for it to be for a dietary reason including access to minerals. Bearded dragons may be fed calcium with or without vitamin D3. UVB radiations of only 280-320 nm wavelengths are useful for bearded dragons for vitamin D production in their skin. My parents have a cockatiel who is 36 years old this year. And so with this type of scan, we can find parathyroid glands that are otherwise missed by traditional imaging techniques. If their UV light exposure is limited or interrupted, Vitamin D3 supplementation is advised to ensure that they receive the recommended amount. Extreme elevations in calcium levels may cause coma. Effects of a light-emitting diode on the production of cholecalciferol and associated blood parameters in the bearded dragon (pogona vitticeps). Dragon bones and soft tissues are weakened and the calcium-phosphorous balance is imbalanced due to a calcium-phosphorous imbalance. For tricks of the trade (so to speak) to get your bearded dragon to eat greens see the post on. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. 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. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Tracie bambichik39 Juvie Member Original Poster Jan 16, 2014 #6 Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. Companion animal care and welfare: The UFAW companion animal handbook. Getting a new diagnosis can be stressful. Foods high in phosphorus should generally be avoided. Hypercalcemia is a condition in which the calcium level in your blood is above normal. The insects are fed a diet that is nutritious for your bearded dragon 24 hours prior to feeding them to your dragon. For bearded dragons kept outdoors or a combination of indoor and outdoor housing, it is likely that lower levels of D3 cholecalciferol will be needed. Since in the wild they are able to effectively convert UVB radiation to into vitamin D3, they are able to make use of the calcium they can absorb in their diet. Greenstick fractures (bones appear bent/folded but not broken) Paralysis Seizures and tremors Swollen jaw These symptoms are an indication that your bearded dragon has been suffering from MBD for a long period. Blood vitamin D3 metabolite concentrations of adult female bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) remain stable after ceasing UVb exposure. This symptom alone is not a sure sign of hypercalcemia and is often a normal behavior that may signify brumation or a pregnant bearded dragon. Divers, S. J., & Mader, D. R. As a generalisation, the recommendation of numerous veterinarians, researchers and herpetologists, suggest you should give your bearded dragon calcium and vitamin D3 supplement as follows: Shortest answer is yes you should give your bearded dragon D3 (cholecalciferol). Examples include: Contact your doctor if you develop signs and symptoms that might indicate hypercalcemia, such as being extremely thirsty, urinating frequently and having abdominal pain. If you experience swelling of the face, mouth, or back legs, lethargy, trembling limbs, muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual posture, or deformities, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In patients with severe hypercalcemia (calcium >14 . For growing reptiles, the required calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. With the right calcium supplement, you can ensure that your Bearded Dragon gets the calcium it needs to stay healthy and happy. Provide artificial UVB bulbs for those housed indoors. Cusack, L., Rivera, S., Lock, B., Benboe, D., Brothers, D., & Divers, S. (2017). The Reptilian Connection: A Look at Slot Machines Featuring Reptiles and Amphibians, Are Bearded Dragons Eyes Sharp? Avoid putting their enclosure in direct sunlight, and remember to check the temperature in the enclosure often. Your dragons first visit can cost anywhere from $75 to $150, and may include a series of tests to ensure that he is in good health. Accessed Jan. 23, 2020. Setting up the lighting and heating well provides a solid foundation to build a healthy bearded dragon from. Calcium is essential for growth in bearded dragons. Proper lighting and a balanced diet is the best way to prevent hypercalcemia. Dusting refers to coating food (both vegetables and insects) with powder supplements before being eaten. Most of the cases about 90% are due to primary hyperparathyroidism and cancer-related hypercalcemia (hypercalcemia of malignancy). Elsevier Health Sciences. With mild cases of hypercalcemia, the vet will recommend a diet specific to the beardie. And finally, cutting-edge imaging such as choline PET scan. Its also a good idea to ensure that the temperature of the room they are being kept in isnt affected by the weather outside. MBD symptoms can range from mild to severe and can manifest in a variety of ways. Hypercalcemia is usually a result of overactive parathyroid glands. Therefore, calcium overdose occurs when there is an overdose in Vitamin D3 to facilitate calcium over absorption. Normally, they work with your kidneys, bones and intestines to carefully regulate the level of blood calcium. Approach to hypercalcemia. Refer to this post on how much light they need. The nutritional demands of adults is 1.5:1 and in egg laying periods it reaches up to the level of 10:1. Gravid females (due to their egg laying nature). Together they are referred to as calcifediol. Bearded dragons are generally very hardy lizards and can live a long, healthy life in proper conditions. Its also best to check with a vet who will be able to determine the right amount. van., Hendriks W.H. Signs and Symptoms that Result from Relocation Stress. Elsevier Health Sciences. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. In addition, it affects the absorption of other essential nutrients and minerals such as zinc, iron, and phosphorus into the bearded dragons bloodstream. One, through the UVB interaction with the epidermis (skin) and two, orally through food and supplementation. Two, follow the recommended dosage provided by the supplement manufacturer. It can make the pet sick and even lead to death in extreme cases. In addition, such an assessment provides room for you further to understand the perfect diet specific to your beardie. 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). fractures. If your blood calcium level is elevated, your provider will review your medications and medical history and conduct a physical exam. Review/update the These symptoms include lethargy, weak hind legs, depression, tremors, twitches, seizures, and death. If youre unsure about the amounts you should be feeding them, consult with your vet, and they will help with a meal plan. Patients with severe hypercalcemia ( hypercalcemia of malignancy ) importance of giving a beardie enough amounts of calcium well... Any calcium powder that has phosphorus in it ) into vitamin D3 supplementation is advised to ensure they. 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