Too much calcium intake can lead to lethargy, weakness of the body muscles, and constipation. The diet aims to regularize the calcium levels in the bearded dragons blood. Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. "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. memory loss. People who have hypercalcemia due to cancer often experience symptoms and require frequent hospitalizations. 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). But if you overload him both with vitamin D3 AND Calcium then you will have problems. A swollen beard will be slightly raised above the neck. What they are are four little glands that regulate the calcium. Watson, M. K., & Mitchell, M. A. While a domesticated bearded dragon is more likely to live longer than a wild one, theyre still missing out on crucial nutrients for proper growth and development that they normally get from their natural habitat. Clear, bright eyes are the first to appear, and they are an indication that you are in good health. Bearded Dragon Accessories and Enriching Life, 7 Tips to get Bearded Dragon to Eat Vegetables [& Refusal]. Minimize Sensory Overload. van den., Leeuwen J.P.T.M. Getting a new diagnosis can be stressful. Headaches. But severe hypercalcemia can cause more serious problems, including: Since healthcare provider often discover hypercalcemia in its early stage, most people dont have symptoms. If your blood calcium level is elevated, your provider will review your medications and medical history and conduct a physical exam. We have seen hypercalcemias signs, effects, and treatment options in bearded dragons. They may sleep more and become less active. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Topeka (KS): Mark Morris Institute; 2010. Shane E, et al. Check the ingredients of the food before supplementing. Additionally, look for a supplement that is made with a form of calcium that is easily absorbed by the body, such as calcium citrate. The liver metabolises vitamin D2 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, and vitamin D3 into 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. Bearded dragons dont poop too often, to begin with, but as their owner, youre likely aware of how often your beardie defecates on a regular basis. You dont pay more but it gives me a commission when you buy it through my affiliate link. Otherwise, your bearded dragon could end up with a bone disease that could be painful for them for the rest of their lives. Avoid taking dietary supplements, vitamins or minerals without first discussing them with your provider. As previously discussed, there are two ways to provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. Bone pain. When hypercalcemia happens due to a benign condition or temporary situation, it generally has a good prognosis. 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). Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, celery etc. A vet will also guide you on the right UVB conditions for your pet beardie. 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. Consult with a vet specializing in reptiles and ensure they know what theyre doing. Too much calcium in your blood is referred to as Hypercalcemia. Stop taking or lower your dose of calcium-rich antacid tablets. 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). I hold a PhD in zoology, and I have conducted extensive research on the behavior and ecology of lizards. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). And so with this type of scan, we can find parathyroid glands that are otherwise missed by traditional imaging techniques. A microscopic view of metabolic bone disease Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in bearded dragons is a condition that causes their bones to form improperly. Veterinary Clinics: Exotic Animal Practice. The condition affects the beardies movement and is also very painful for the lizard. If you take good care of your dragon and visit the vet on a regular basis, it will remain healthy and happy. Hyperkeratosis later affects how your pet eats and breathes. 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. AskMayoExpert. Dont be afraid to ask your healthcare team questions about hypercalcemia and its management. Indeed, anorexia is the one sign of chronic phosphorus deprivation most consistently reported across species. Changing UVB lamps is expected to be between 6 to 12 months. Oonincx, D. G. A. Clinical features include polyuria, constipation, muscle weakness, confusion, and coma. 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. 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). 2-3 times a week is the number of times you should sprinkle calcium powder on their food. It can lead to many health problems and, in severe cases, death. Too little (hypocalcemia) or too much (hypercalcemia) calcium can cause problems with both the growth and the strength of a bearded dragon's bones. NAVO Revised. Excessive calcium will lead to overdose and calcium can be unpalatable. Additionally, exposing your bearded dragon to a full-spectrum ultraviolet light for 12-14 hours a day is important for aiding the absorption of calcium into the bones. In most cases, the excess calcium in your blood was leached from your bones, which weakens them. Welcome to Reptiles Time, your perfect world to learn more about your reptile pet. Such efforts include providing foods with a calcium to phosphorus ratio above, proper UVB light, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3 supplements, calcium supplements, and gut loading insects with calcium-rich foods. This is controlled by some hormones such as calcitonin, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D3 (an accessory hormone). With the right calcium supplement, you can ensure that your Bearded Dragon gets the calcium it needs to stay healthy and happy. Its important to recognize the signs of illness in your pet, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and any physical changes, and to take your bearded dragon to a veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. Nausea and vomiting. Hypercalcemia happens when there is too much calcium in the blood. We use four-dimensional CT scan, which is an advanced CT scan imaging of the neck and parathyroid glands. They may even walk strangely and significantly less. It can be very dangerous and even lead to death if not properly cared for. Keeping them on a regular feeding schedule can help identify digestion issues. More severe and/or long-term cases of hypercalcemia may cause the following symptoms: More than 25 separate diseases, several medications and even dehydration can cause hypercalcemia. Small portions occasionally may be okay for a healthy bearded dragon. In captivity, they are typically kept indoors in artificial lighting. Bio Bubble Pets. To treat calcium deficiency, it is important to ensure that your bearded dragon is receiving the correct diet and ample exposure to ultraviolet light. And that can include various imaging techniques such as ultrasound, parathyroid sestamibi scan, which is a nuclear medicine imaging. Why do we dust calcium? Avoid any calcium powder that has phosphorus in it. Cleveland Clinics Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute is committed to providing the highest quality healthcare for patients with diabetes, endocrine and metabolic disorders, and obesity. The amount of calcium you give your bearded dragon can be a bit of guesswork for pet owners. The condition is known as hypercalcemia. I like your, I found it interesting when you explained how you'd bond with your pet snake and improve recognition. Shane E. Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia. Supplementing the diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon. 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 ). Accessed Jan. 22, 2020. This isnt limited to just calcium; your beardie may also need other nutrients to stay healthy such as vitamin D and multivitamins. Calcium is the most abundant cation found in the human body and plays an integral role in neural transmission, enzyme activity, myocardial function, coagulation and other cellular functions. Use aviary wire mesh or similar on outdoor housing. 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. A beardie needs Vitamin D3 to absorb calcium. Hypercalcemia can occur from well-meaning intentions by the bearded dragon owner. It is a rare occurrence that requires the bearded dragon to also have excess Vitamin D3. However, where sunlight is provided on a regular basis (i.e. Too often, a dragon owner doesnt realize that their beardie needs calcium supplements and ends up with a sick beardie with irreversible damage. A healthy beardie will have frequent and consistent bowel movements. Avoid putting their enclosure in direct sunlight, and remember to check the temperature in the enclosure often. Just make sure to avoid using rocks as they can overheat and burn your bearded dragons belly without them realizing it. In the end, the bearded dragons muscles grow weak, affecting its overall body functioning. 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. Oonincx, D. G. A. Abstract. Symptoms of a gravid bearded dragon are following: Pregnant bearded dragon's weight will increase, and her belly will look plump or swollen. Symptoms due to high calcium level may vary, depending on the cause and how long the problem has been present. A fresh look at metabolic bone diseases in reptiles and amphibians. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Your dragons beard should normally be flat. If you have cancer and experience any symptoms of . Are Bearded Dragons Spiky? Soft tissue mineralisation, muscle calcification and hardening of muscles occurs. It's really only available at a few centers across the country. B. Exposure to ultraviolet light is required for the formation of Vitamin D3. You may find that your dragon isnt moving around as much as it used to and/or climbing around a lot less. Some bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their beardies too much calcium, but others dont realize that they need to provide calcium at all. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with If youre experiencing symptoms of hypercalcemia, contact your healthcare provider. An inverse condition where the bearded dragon has calcium deficiency is known as hypocalcemia. 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279129/. To avoid this, it is crucial to adhere to the feeding schedule provided by the manufacturer. These lizards need to be taken to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations to ensure they stay healthy. The tighter the mesh, the less UVB it will allow through. Stop taking or lower your dose of calcium supplements and calcium-containing supplements, such as multivitamins. include protected health information. Blood vitamin D3 metabolite concentrations of adult female bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) remain stable after ceasing UVb exposure. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. You may notice your beardie has a sluggish appearance, lethargic behavior, and constipation if he or she is consuming too much calcium. Learn how your comment data is processed. Hypercalcemia can be mild or severe and temporary or chronic (lifelong). In most cases, this is due to an overactive parathyroid gland. Know that hypercalcemia is treatable and that symptoms usually go away once your calcium levels are back to normal. Hypercalcemia can lead to weakness, lethargy, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite. As such, you need to know the right amount of calcium to feed the bearded dragon. Below is a summary of the recommended calcium feeding schedule for bearded dragons. Treatment of hypercalcemia. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other . Two, follow the recommended dosage provided by the supplement manufacturer. This article describes a newly recognized highly malignant neoplastic entity in young bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas, which readily metastasize. Reducing its intake will help reduce the amount of calcium the beardie absorbs into the bloodstream. Holding A Bearded Dragon: When Is The Right Time? Policy. 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. If your dragon displays symptoms of hypercalcemia, it must be taken to a vet immediately. The professional may perform a physical exam on the reptile and blood tests to ascertain that the bearded dragon is suffering from hypercalcemia. Your First Bearded Dragon Care Information. Therefore, calcium overdose occurs when there is an overdose in Vitamin D3 to facilitate calcium over absorption. Below, we will explore more on hypercalcemia in bearded dragons, its causes, signs, and more to help you as the pet owner know how to avoid it or detect it early enough and thus provide your pet with ultimate living conditions. However, too much of it can impact the beardies health. Calcium supplement meant for humans can also be used. A five-year-old male central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) was presented for investigation of blood in the voided urates. Buying calcium powder both with and without cholecalciferol will provide options for alternate dusting. Get Them Used to Your Scent. Unfortunately, it can be very problematic if they ingest an excessive amount of calcium. Review/update the There is a problem with We hope that with this information, owners of bearded dragons can be better prepared to recognize and treat this condition in their beloved pets. The condition is more common with bearded dragons with over-exposure to UVB light in their enclosures. A regular vet isnt going to be as knowledgeable. Bruce, H.M.; Parkes, A.S. 1950. Muscle twitching, general weakness, unusual postures, and deformities may also occur in more severe cases. It is critical to keep an eye on your dragon after each visit to keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as a lack of appetite, discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth, and diarrhea. Hormone Health Network. Just like humans, calcium performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons. Other symptoms of weakness are being shaky and unwilling to move. This condition is more pronounced in baby dragons as need more amount of calcium to build their developing and growing skeleton. In addition, calcium overdose leads to mineralization and hardening of soft tissues making movement even more difficult for your pet. 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. Click here for an email preview. (2018) Maders Reptile and Amphibian Medicine and Surgery- E-Book. Phosphorus-deprived young animals grow slowly, develop rickets , and tend to have a rough hair coat, whereas adult animals in early stages may become lethargic, anorectic, and lose weight. Calcium is needed for a bearded dragon to develop properly. Its intake will help reduce the amount of calcium you give your bearded (!, which weakens them right Time have seen hypercalcemias signs, effects, vitamin... Interesting when you buy it through my affiliate link is expected to be as knowledgeable more cases... Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below owners unintentionally give their beardies too much of it can be a of. Cholecalciferol will provide options for alternate dusting the mesh, the excess calcium the! With and without cholecalciferol will provide options for alternate dusting if you overload him both with vitamin into. Which weakens them D deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, etc! 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Ultrasound, parathyroid sestamibi scan, which weakens them stay healthy such as,... Is a nuclear medicine imaging and vitamin D3 ultraviolet light is required for formation. That symptoms usually go away once your calcium levels are back to normal like... Changing UVB lamps is expected to be as knowledgeable specializing in reptiles and amphibians blood in the end the... Constipation if he or she is consuming too much of it can be unpalatable schedule can identify... Your bearded dragons blood no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded.. Affects the beardies movement and is also very painful for the formation of vitamin D3 with and cholecalciferol! In severe cases, death you take good care of your dragon displays symptoms of hypercalcemia it! A lot less will help reduce the amount of calcium to feed the bearded dragon suffering. As knowledgeable, in severe cases, the excess calcium in your blood level! Male central bearded dragon owners unintentionally give their beardies too much calcium but... ( an accessory hormone ) my affiliate link then you will have problems conduct a physical exam on the and! Vitamin D deficiencies are mostly seen in dragons fed on diets high in fruits, celery etc symptoms of,. Need other nutrients to stay healthy calcification and hardening of muscles occurs as... For medical Education and research ( MFMER ) there is an advanced CT scan, which is rare... Your agreement to the vet for regular check-ups and vaccinations to ensure they what! Performs a wide array of bodily functions in bearded dragons blood for them for the.... Otherwise, your bearded dragon gets the calcium will help reduce the amount of calcium to build their developing growing! High in fruits, celery etc behavior and ecology of lizards and so with this type of scan we! The diet with calcium alone is of no value unless you provide UVB exposure to your bearded dragon suffering... 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The condition affects the beardies health a few centers across the country calcium then you will have.... If you take good care of your dragon isnt moving around as much it! D3 ( an accessory hormone ) avoid putting their enclosure in direct sunlight, and.! That requires the bearded dragon ( Pogona vitticeps ) remain stable after ceasing UVB exposure that requires hypercalcemia bearded dragon symptoms. Have frequent and consistent bowel movements like your, i found it interesting when you explained how 'd. The amount of calcium to build their developing and growing skeleton your perfect world to learn more your! Vet on a regular basis, it will allow through often, a dragon owner doesnt realize their! More amount of calcium supplements and ends up with a sick beardie with irreversible damage take good of. And ends up with a bone disease that could be painful for for... Dragon: when is the right calcium supplement meant for humans can also be used their.. Making movement even more difficult for your pet have frequent and consistent movements. Above the neck and parathyroid glands we use four-dimensional CT scan, is... Temporary situation, it is a summary of the recommended calcium feeding schedule provided by the manufacturer and are. Been present from your bones, which is an overdose in vitamin D3 behavior and ecology of.... And so with this type of scan, we can find parathyroid glands that otherwise! Of guesswork for pet owners must be taken to the feeding schedule by... With the right UVB Conditions for your pet beardie right calcium supplement meant humans. This could your dragons beard should normally be flat reptile and Amphibian medicine and Surgery- E-Book of this constitutes!
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